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Alternative to pendant alarm

wedzac
Posts: 5 Forumite

Elderly parent, getting frailer but won't acknowledge it. Has eventually agreed to some sort of medical alert device as long as it is not one that goes round the neck or too obvious otherwise they have said they will remove it when they are going out or has visitors! (And then no doubt forget to put it back on and memory is getting an issue) Is there a simple smart watch that not only has falls detection but a way of alerting someone if they dont have a fall but they feel unwel. It must work away from the home as well as they go out a lot and if they have a bath? Any recommendations? I have looked but it's a minefield. They have small wrists so it would need to fit physically as well as fit the requirements. They have funds so would have to pay for it themselves.
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Apologies if this was the wrong place to post, I didn't know where the subject matter fitted0
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Do they use a mobile phone ?
I recently bought a Doro mobile phone for my mother (they have clear numbers and are specifically designed for the elderly). They come with a button on the back that will automatically ring a programmed sequence of numbers in turn if pressed.
Doro assistance key
Obviously they are not perfect - the person needs to have the phone with them, needs to be concious enoguh to press the button and needs someone at the other end who will be able to respond to the call, bit they're considerably more discrete than the pendant alarm and you can take it out with you.
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I'm sure such things exist, but I'm not sure many of them work outside the home. I know mum's pendant did not, and she was supposed to remove it when leaving the house: in fact she rarely did.
I'd suggest asking for a referral to Occupational Therapy, probably through the GP. They will know what's available.
Signature removed for peace of mind1 -
From AgeUK - would this suit ?
- The Taking Care Anywhere package works at home and when you're out and about. It includes a location-aware GPS alarm pendant with fall detection and a built-in speaker and microphone. †
Never pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill1 -
I think it also depends who the “someone” is who would be alerted. If it’s not able to be a relative for whatever reason, then it would usually be directed straight to the emergency services. Which may also be a no for some older people.All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.1 -
Some sport watches have fall detection, and alerts - the difficulty here though is that they'll need to be recharged more frequently than a pendant1
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In fact a google search brings up exactly the type of product you might be seeking - this isn't something I've got any experience with though.
https://www.yourstride.com/
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My MIL had a wrist version of the pendant - initial response was to a very prompt call centre then neighbours, family, Fire
Brigade.
A friend fell recently - found 3 days later - alive with a broken hip. Made other friends wake up to the - what if happened to me questionNever pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill1 -
Don't Know if Tele Care service is avaiable in the OP's area.
My mother used to have a wrist band. Also had press button in the event of other non fall's
An alarm is sent to the response centre if it senses changes to normal movement. It can be worn on a wristband or belt around the waist.
https://www.telecarechoice.co.uk/telecare-alarms/
Life in the slow lane0 -
I'm just wondering how essential the need to have it work away from home is, mind you.
Clearly you want it working indoors and in any garden, but unless the wearer is prone to wandering lonely as a cloud, is it not likely that any fall will be witnessed by others, who are generally pretty good at offering assistance, I find? A card in a pocket, plus having ICE set up on any mobile phone used, should ensure prompt notification of friends and relations.
You will have to double check whether any watch type device can be worn in the bath ...Signature removed for peace of mind0
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