I am beginning to worry about what we would do if I were to fall or suffer some other type of illness that we require assistance. No way could my LW make a phone call. I'm not sure she could know to go next door. I'm not sure she would know how to go get me the cordless phone. She just cannot follow the simplest of instructions. I usually have my keys in my pockets and I could punch the emergency button and have the horn start sounding.. I have told 2 of my neighbors about this ability. I could also carry my cell phone with me at all times but not sure I would remember this.
What about some kind of emerbency beeper that I wear around my neck. Are these economical?? Anybody got any info on this subject. I have severe degerative artheritis in my back, one knee and both shoulders. My balance is not good and I consciously try to be careful but you know how that is!! I have a cane and even a walker but don't use them in the house much.
I'm open to suggestions. Bill--- (HUSBAND CAREGIVER)
bill-i googled life alert and they are endorsed by AARP-you can check out their website and ask pricing.
i also google medical alert systems and they have all sorts of equipement and monitoring systems. there was a bracelet type and it was for rental or purchase. around 25dol month as a rental. or you can purchase for 199dol and then monitoring was about 15/month.
if you have issues you maybe should check into that for safety fo ryou and dw. best of luck, divvi
bille, I worry about that too and I guess that situation would apply to most of the caregivers on this site. I mentioned it to my kids the other day. They usually call me every day and if they couldn't get me they would soon be checking. My dh cannot use the phone. We live next door to one of our kids and he might walk over there to get help. No other neighbors close enough. I try to carry my cell phone too but like today, my pants do not have a pocket. I said before I was going to do away with no pocket pants and I am going to do so after this post. I too, try to be careful but things just happen.
My DW has the necklace device that you push and it activates the special speaker phone and sends a phone message, you can talk with the operator via the speaker on the phone. The device and service costs $40.00 a month and is marketed by Lifeline. You can also get a wristwatch like pushbutton device instead of the necklace. I'm sure this would work well for you. There are some alarm companies that offer a similar service.
A word about these devices, I am reassessing this device, I'm not sure it is appropriate for AD patients. I knew this when we set it up but I figured it was better than nothing. It has been a battle keeping it on her neck, I find it laying around, I'll pick it up, take it to her and put it back around her neck. The day DW had her stroke she was in the shower, she fell down when her leg gave way. She had taken the necklace off and hung it on the doorknob of the linen closet across the bathroom. She couldn't reach it. So at that time it was useless. But she did understand what it was for and how to use it.
Samsung make a very simple cell phone called the KNACK, I am trying one of these out for her, it looks difficult for her to operate, I'll keep you posted.
I just now asked dh what he would do if I fell and broke my leg and couldn't get up. At first, he started talking about a bunch of off the wall stuff. I keep explaining and he finally said dial 911. I told him that was good but I don't know if he would turn on the phone. I have daughters phone on speed dial 3 but I don't think he can remember it.
I have CHF, and if I had a heart attack or passed out, I'd be out of luck. DH would do nothing. That's my greatest fear, much more than a broken bone.
I asked the Alarm Company why ALL alarms were installed so high up on the walls... since most senior citizens would need something lower in case of personal emergency. Response, " Huh! We never thought about that!!!" I know no one would check on us for days because no one does now.
Your concern bille has even come up about me, even though I am younger. I don't know that there is an answer to the crucial times when we can't use the phone cause we are injured or passed out. That's one reason the Doctors and Alz Ass suggested I put as much info as I can in my car, purse, cell phone. Because of Dh's age, most people wouldn't even think twice that he may have AD just looking at him. And we all know they have lucid moments but would they have that lucidity in a moment of crisis? Would he be able to call for help? Would he be able to tell them that he couldn't follow the Ambulance to the Hospital? All of this is a mystery. Like so many other issues We have to take care of ourselfs, We have to take care of ourself's. The fall and can't get up devices are wonderful if you can respond to the person of the other end. But who knows? It's scary! I just hope that if something happened to me, Dh wouldn't be out wandering the streets with out knowledge of how to get help. Rk
i think an AD person would not be able to use a device like that in advanced stage. my DH would be pushing that button constantly -
i have family alerted that if they call and i havent called back within a day or so to come running! and i have a paper on the front entry door that has contact info and that DH is AD.
i do leave out lots of water bottles and candy food he could eat during the day that he can get to just incase ..its scary -divvi
I didn't fall today but again I accidently took dh meds this morning.
I have his in another cabinet and while on "auto pilot" this morning I got his pills out in my hand to put in his little dosage cup and just threw them in my mouth and swallowed them. Then came off auto pilot and knew what I had done. Too late to do anything except hope for the best and drank a ton of water and juice and stayed quiet all day. Have been fine but feel a bit "airy". I didn't take my BP meds until now.
I am really worried about myself doing this because it has happened 3 times. I just told dh I didn't feel very well this morning so we are staying home all day today.
My leg was really screwed up yesterday from carrying heavy boxes of paper out of his "office". This morning I went in to his bedroom and he said, good morning, how are you? and I said well, my knee still hurts. "So do mine," he said. I swear, this goes back to sympathetic labor pains. Whenever I'm sick, HE's got something the matter. AARGH! I don't know what he'd do if I really needed him. But our daughter does live here and comes and goes, so it wouldn't be too long...
Briegull, reminds me of a few weeks ago when I had a horrible cold. I try never to tell him if I don't feel good, but couldn't hide this. SO.....he also "got a cold". Had to go to pharmacy to pick up some meds, so got some tic-tacs for him for "his cold". Funny, he got rid of his cold much faster than I did mine!
imohr, that is worrisome. maybe try giving his and waiting a while before you take your own. put a note on that cabinet to remind you -DONT TAKE! divvi
imohr, I remember you telling this story last time it happened. So scary! But one thought, only cause after changing dh's meds to another pharmacy who puts meds in color coded bottles for each family member. So Dh's are blue and if I were to have a meds from them, mine would be in a different color bottle. Would that help? Anything to keep you from doing this again. Please be careful! Rk
I keep DH's pill trays in the table drawer next to where he eats. He prefers to eat from a tray in his lap..while sitting in his recliner. My routine is to place the tray in his lap, then take the pill tray from the drawer, place them in his pill cup, and onto his tray. I don't have water close by... One time a year or so ago, I discovered he had found MY pill tray, and took my daily dose of CHF medicine. Of course, it didn't "kill him", and there was no way I could have prevented it...I keep my pills put away - out of sight. Be careful, Divvi... but I soooooooooooo understand how that could have happened. I've taken my pills before (automatically) and later 'forgot' if I had taken them or not. Thank heavens the little pill trays have the days of the week letters on top.
I plan to do some googling myself. Divva gave some good ideas. But one of you mentioned a shower fall and let's face it, that is one of the most dangerous place for all of us to fall. That and the bathtub. I am going to look for a waterproof device. But I am thinking more and more that cell phones and cordless phones are not adaquate. We need somethng to wear on our bodies. Of course the heart attack or the stroke would be too much for any of these devices. I think the newspaper alert and my car horn might help. Thanks for all the good thoughts. Bill
My MIL let her husband (my FIL) lay on the floor for over 24 hours, until my DH called them, then she said, daddy's on the floor and won't get up. Well, DH practically ran to their home, called 911 immediately, Dad had suffered heart failure, but amazingly was still alive. unfortuantely, after spending 6 weeks in the hospital, he passed. that was 20 yrs ago, and MIL was 82 yrs old. her son, my DH is now 85, i don't think quite as bad as she was then, but it was my first experience with what they called senility at that time so she really seemed bad to me. yes, you have to worry that the AD person will not know how or who to call. I am 20 yrs younger than DH but things could still happen to me. Amazingly, she was home alone when the call came in that FIL had died, and she was able to call her son and tell him. We couldn't believe it, but she did call. he left work again, and sure enough, his dad had passed. how could she have called him at work???? momentary lucidity.
Even though we are in our 50's, I also think about if something would happen to me, what my husband would do. By the phone I have in big bold letters "In case of emergency call 911" however, since he never uses the phone I don't know if he would do it. Hopefully, he would maybe go to a neighbor. More than likely, he would go out in the garage to arrange his golf clubs in a straight line. lol
divvi/imohr............ I swear that the past two days, I have been Stage 4. I am so sluggish, my brain isn't functioning. I'm sorry for geting you two mixed up..(as to who took the pills and who didn't). sorreeee.
After reading this thread earlier today,. I was cleaning up some papers and came across the latest issue of "Quest", a magazine I get from the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. In it was an ad for a device for emergency contact, but less expensive. It is a "Guardian Alert 911". You push the button and 911 is on the line to assist. No monthly fees. 2-way speaker phone pendant Installs into your home phone line No programming-just plug in can be worn 24 hours a day No monthly fees or contract--ever. Price in ad is $199.95
The MDAA doesn't endorse products but screens them thoroughly. Can be checked out at www.LogicMark. com
I am not endorsing either, just passing on info. Am checking out "FOR MYSELF". DH can still help me if I fall, but that may not stay true.
I had a necklace that did have a monthly fee, for my Mom. She could push the button and someone would answer her on a loudspeaker and say "Mrs. Smith are you in trouble? Do you need help". If she didn't answer them they would call for emergency help locally. She kept taking it off and she really didn't know how to push the button or why. I cancelled the service after 2 months. This was recommended by one of the local hospitals. My dh would never wear one and I think he could push the button most days but it wouldn't work for us.
carosi, I just looked at the Guardian Alert 911 and it does look good. Might check ebay to see if I can get a cheaper price but it sure seems to do what I seem to need. The base price is a little high but the others at $29.9/mo is $360/year. I'll let you know what more I find. Thought I would call our local 911 service and see what they think. Bill
Can one call "911" just to ask questions? I don't believe so...look up the (business) number in the director first or if you can, drop by a local unit...and talk to their dispatcher. I appreciate your research on this. I have to get one...Just wish I could get one that followed me around, like "on star" in cars.
I still think, at6 ;least for our LOs a microchip would be the best thing/ maybe with a small medic alert tatoo over or near it. Personnel would know to scan and a phone number would give them all necessary data. All there, and unremovable, unloseable.
At least for both of us we need to ICE all sources of contact--ICE list in purse, wallet, on fridge, in packet for EMS to take, all phone with memory. I have my sister as my ICE contact--ICED her work, home, and cell numbers.
The same company also has a pendent that can be set up to call 4 numbers. They say that the part of the system that calls 911 in an emergency is approved in all 50 states and Canada, but you can also program it to call a family member.
This isn't something I'd have for my husband, but it is something I'd consider for myself. This version costs $299. It is still cheaper than one of the monthly alerts.
There's another one that you buy outright, no monthly fees. All you need is a landline phone and you can take it with you if you go somewhere! Comes with one waterproof pendant, but you can buy up to 5 pendants to place around the house. This one looks really good and it's on sale right now. Website is callforassistance.com
I just called the local Police Dept. regular number and asked him about this subject and if they had any recomendation. He said no but that you might get quicker service if you could c all 911 directly. Going through a service might not be the fastest way. He said that 911 does get a number of calls direct and did not mind it at all. Actually they like the idea. If no one is on the phone after answering it, then they usually send an officer to your address to check it out.
I think it is worth checking prices but we need to buy something we have a lot of conficence with the system.
I agree calling 911 is best....but, if you can't get to a phone (if you're in the shower or fall somewhere, etc.) a pendant around your neck would be good.
i am getting the Airhead waterproof cell phone holder from target online. its 13.99 and is waterproof for showering or swimming! it comes with cord for hanging on neck - i will have this around my neck while i am home-instead of on the tables. :) divvi
just remember if you use a cell phone number it may not go to your local fire department. I think it was New REalm that found this out when her husband had become out of control in the car. When we were in Pahrump, NV we were told not to use our cell phone to call 911 - to call the local number. If we call 911 it would go to Vegas 60 miles away and have to rerouted to Pahrump.
That is odd, but good to know!!! Guess we're going to be seeing the new age cellphones with a GPS system that will transfer from area to area as we travel about. I had never thought about the cellphone being "based" to one 911 area.
It is in the desert - a valley between two mountain ranges. Pahrump means something like 'land of water'. There use to be many springs in the valley but today there are few as people built on the land near them. They do have a huge underground aquifer that runs under the valley furnishing good drinking water if you drill deep enough. Many of the wells are not so the water is horrible like you find in the southwest. We were there from May to November. The average summer temp was 106 with 7% humidity (it is noted for having the lowest humidity of anywhere in the US). We loved it there and if not for having to come back to Portland for his doctor, we would still be in the south.
But the area has its won beauty. I have never seen so many hummingbirds, finches, quail, and doves in one place. One lady in the park had honeysuckle and feeders. The hummingbirds would actually stop as they flew by. I was told if you wear red they will even land on you. Death Valley is not far away - it was very interesting. I love the Joshua Trees which were abundant in an area between Pahrump and Las Vegas. Our country has so much beauty - thus the reason we love to travel.
ok ladies, go to radio shack if you have one near by. They have a device you can buy for well under $100.00 that you can wear, it will let you program in several phone numbers with a recorded message that says, this is_________ and I need help. IF the first responder does not answer the call it is routed to the next person and on again to the next. Usually you will program in a family members number. Or who ever you wish. No monthly bill at all.
I called my local Radio Shack and they do not have anything like this. I even asked about the water proof thing for my cell phone. I guess I will have to order online. I am carrying my cell phone in my pocket around the house but something around my neck would cover some of the most dangerous thngs like a late night trip to the kitchen for a snack. Can't give up that snack you know!!!!!
Emergency Dialer Phone. I just called our local Radio Shack and described what I wanted and he said they have it and price is $99.95. I tried to find it on their Internet Site but could not so tomorrow I will plan to stop in the local store. It may or may not be what Jane was referring too.
When bille said his RadioShack didn't have the Emergency Dialer, but mine had said they did earlier in the day, I went sleuthing. It wasn't in their web site, so I called this afternoon. They no longer have the Emergency Dialer pendants by themselves. They have a phone with a pendant included. Code Number is 43-208. This is a phone with a pendant included. Has 30# memory, Caller ID, big button feature, hearing compatibility. was told price is $100. Was also told several numbers can be coded into pendant so if first doesn't answer, it will dial the next.
Also, you may want to check--In Michigan 911 cannot respond to automated calls. The pendant would not work to call 911. I'm checking to see if the Ambulance Service we have insurance for can take such a call direct. An alternative would be to program it to call your 1st choice ICE Number and if they got your call, would know if they get the recording to come or send paramedics. Hope this helps.
Those are good ideas. I didnt think I would need it either being healthy in my 50s and then when I got sick with bronchitus and sinus infection, I asked the clinic doctro about some funny feelings I was having at night. I had what they call a heart block. It is not blockage of the veins or anything, it is like an electrical short to the bottom part of the heart . Within a week, I ended up with a pacemaker, as the dr said if it got any worse , I could just go unconscious. My DH cant use the phone either. He will not even answer it but when it rings, he hollers Hello as if that will answer it, so I KNEW I was in danger and had never felt that feeling in the daytime. I had 23 of the feelings in 10 minutes the night before my pacemaker was put in. Now I still have the feeling some but then the pacemaker kicks in and takes over. It had really gotten where I was afraid to go to bed!
whoa.............that's scary! I need to get something ...why am I putting this off, for God's sake. I have congestive heart failure and I know that could happen to me...but I don't want to think about it.
Nancy B- glad to see you're better!! we missed you while you were resting your back..pacemakers are pretty usual stuff these days. easy and works like a charm. you should check with your cardio if you think it could help. divvi
Checked out the emergency phone at Radio Shack this morning. Not sure if this is what I want. It is a big button phone with a cord so the base has to be kept plugged in a phone jack. It has a red emergency button to call a emergency number after you lift the receiver. There also 2 other buttons that you can program in one number each and you can talk. The phone also comes with a pendant you can put around your neck and just push the button to call a prerecorded number for help. This all works through your present phone system and there is no monthly charge.