<p>We live in CA and I just got my Dad hooked up with a system through Bay Medical, a division of Bay Alarm which is a burglar alarm company. Perhaps there is something equivalent in Chicago. My brother made the purchase and had Dad sign the agreement but I’m the one who got it all rigged up when I was visiting last month.</p>
<p>The way it works it that there is a box kind of like an answering machine that you plug into the phone jack and then your phone plugs into that. It is essentially a phone that makes an automatic call when Dad pushes either the button on top of the box, the button on his necklace, or the extra button we bought and put on the bathroom floor (the thinking being that it is a likely place to fall and he might not be wearing the necklace). Basically when you activate it, the person comes on the line on speaker phone and if the user doesn’t say they are fine and just testing, the service calls either someone on your emergency list or calls 911. The good thing about the system is that they encourage the user to test it often and they are super friendly on the phone. That really helped my Dad to feel comfortable with it.</p>
<p>I was interested to see that he seemed super pleased and relieved to have it set up. My Mom, who lives elsewhere, is a whole different story as she has fallen several times, broken a hip and both wrists, and smashed her front teeth, and yet refuses to have anything to do with this.</p>
Bumping this thread back up - we never did act on this product for my mom, but now, a couple of years later, she is asking about it again and I really have to agree it’s probably a good safety net since she lives alone and does not have family contact on a daily basis.
She got some flyer through the mail - can’t remember which product it was - I have it at home, not with me - but I surely wasn’t going to rely on a random product postcard to make a decision - especially when it says, “as seen on TV!” :). Life Station and Phillip Lifeline are mentioned on this thread.
Any new thoughts/recommendations for those who may have recently set up a system for anyone elderly lately??
The system my aging loved one got is to be always worn (waterproof). What I like about it is the free app I installed on my phone, which lets me see where they are on a map (they still drive). If they are home, that is noted. And I get a weekly report on the activities via the phone app.
^^^ This is pretty cool. Not sure if I need this detail, but if it comes without extra charge, that’s worthwhile. Can you share which system? Of course, mom would have to be willing to wear it all the time!
Great Call. The website is http://www.greatcall.com My relative has the cheapest option (the Splash). They paid less and their monthly service is less than what is now listed on the website (I think there are discounts available).
The not-for-profit health care agency where I work markets the Phillips Lifeline system. It is very simple and offers several options. The base unit plugs into an existing land line phone line and the user wears either a necklace or bracelet with a personal button on it. When the unit is initially set up, the user provides a sequenced list of contacts to be called if the unit is activated. That list can include 911 if that is the preference, or can include neighbors, relatives, or security that might monitor a senior living community. The list is also split between a "contact"group- those who should be called when the unit is is activated- and a “notification” list- those who are only called and notified if the user is transported to a hospital.
There are 2 types of personal buttons. The first must be pushed to activate the unit, so if the user is unconscious this obviously won’t work. The second includes a chip that can sense when the user has fallen suddenly. It also includes a button that can be pushed manually. The automatic feature only works when there is a sudden change in elevation, so if the user were to gently slide down, it probably would not activate.
Once activated, the main unit sends a signal to the Lifeline Center. The button has a wide range and can be used inside or immediately outside most homes- we set them up in a retirement community and have tested them successfully outside up to 3 homes away from the subscriber. The standard unit will not work once you get farther than that from the base unit. When it is activated the Lifeline Operator will ask the user over a speaker if they need help. The speaker is quite sensitive and can pick up voices from a couple of rooms away. If the user is able to reply, then the Lifeline operater will respond accordingly- either send help as previously discussed or cancel the call if the button was accidentally pushed. If the Operator does not receive any response from the user (either the user is unconscious or is too far from the speaker), they will automatically call the designated people on the user list. If the user says they need an ambulance, the Operator will call 911, even if that is not the 1st option listed.
There is usually no set up charge- even if one is listed, you can usually get a free coupon or “special” to wave set-up. There is a monthly charge for the unit that varies by area. They also offer a newer system that can be used anywhere in the US, but that monthly charge is quite a bit more expensive. The personal button is totally waterproof and is designed to be used in a shower/ bath/ pool. We encourage users to provide a hidden key location, so that if 911 is called they can get into the house without breaking windows/doors.
There are other companies out there that offer similar services so definitely call around. I use this one for my Mom and it has been a lifesaver for me. It has been very reliable and she uses it on a regular basis. The user can even push the button just because they hear a noise that frightens them, or just because they need to hear someone’s voice. Hope this helps.
We are going with my dad to see a geriatrician in a week and will see what he recommends. My folks live independently and mom refuses to charge and carry a cell phone. She doesn’t let folks know where she’s going or when she will be back, so we have all spent some time searching for her. Not sure if she or dad will agree to wear something that will let folks know they may need assistance.
The appointment is 1-1.5 hours, so I’m sure a lot of ground will be covered. We are having dad see the specialist first and if it goes well, mom may also make an appointment to see him. Geriatrician also covers advanced directives and a lot of other topics. My brother is going to go with dad and H & I are thinking of going as well; my SisIL may also attend–all extended family members are welcome.
I cannot get my moms cell phone out of her hand and she has some emergency app on it which calls 911 but I still want to get one of these systems. She is stubborn though. She just had a very bad fall (broken ribs/punctured lung) which was truly an accident not related to age at all and which could happen to anyone of any age. But even though she is expected to recover completely and be good as new in a few months, she lives alone. I told her it would be more for my peace of mind. Hoping she will come around to see it my way before I go home.