calling an ambulance to another part of the country?

Vampgirl

Definitely try to persuade them to get a pendant alarm system. They are very easy to use even if incapacitated so your dad would probably be able to trigger it without having to worry about relying on your mum. For your mum it would certainly be much easier than trying to train her to use a telephone and call the right person. When triggered, the pendant service will usually either call one of the nominated contact people, or if appropriate call the emergency services to attend.

The one my MIL has says that subscribers can also use it for non-medical emergencies eg. a caller at the door that they aren't sure about how to deal with, or an intruder in the house. MIL didn't like wearing the pendant at first, but has got used to it now and finds it reassuring coz she can keep her independence but knows that she can get help if she needs it.

tea_lover

Age Concern (might be called something else now, but sure you know who I mean) have some good advice for these situations too. There's some great ideas and equipment that you just don't know about until you look - things like the pendant alarms, keysafes, good places to keep a current medication list etc.

There's a lot of help out there, but it can be difficult knowing who to speak to to access these things.

paulineb_2

shelley_crow wrote: »

It sounds like he could do with a pendant alarm - a red button on a necklace that you dad could push if he gets into trouble. The operator then rings the house, a loudspeaker unit plugs in next to the phone . They can then phone an ambulance and notify next of kin. My grandmother had one and it saved her life a few times, there are a lot of similar companies but my grandmother had hers through tunstall response.


My grandmother wouldn't accept much help but was happy to have this as it was controlled by her. It's useful in the event of falls and other emergencies.

My gran had one of them as well through tunstall, didnt help at all, was always going off in error and didnt go off when she needed it.

However Id say get one or something similar, not everyone will have had that experience.

hardpressed

If you dad is not keen on having a lifeline either on a pendant or wristband it might be useful to have a word with his doctor, as often an older person takes more notice of them.

pmlindyloo

hardpressed wrote: »

If you dad is not keen on having a lifeline either on a pendant or wristband it might be useful to have a word with his doctor, as often an older person takes more notice of them.

I think this is a good idea. The doctor might be able o persuade them to accept some help from Social Services.

In my experience pendants and wrist bands are not great for the elderly - they take them off to do things and then lose them.

A cord system is probably the best idea but also probably the most expensive.:cool:

Would they consider some form of sheltered housing?

Just been replying to another thread on the Housing and Renting board regarding someone who wants their elderly relatives to move nearer to them (you might want to have a read)

This is a very stressful situation for you. I am sure your parents want to maintain their independence for as long as possible but refusal to receive help puts a terrible strain on you when you live so far away.

There is lots of support out there. Your idea of getting some brochures is a good one. Don't push the issue - just leave them to peruse them in their own time.

Would they be more willing to accept help if they paid for it? Some elderly people hate the idea of accepting what they see as state help. A cleaner a couple of times a week for example might be acceptable? A gardener? Often these people become friends and would be willing to 'pop by' and check everything is OK (for a small 'tip' from you maybe?)

Good luck with it all.