Discussions

Hi!  
 
I was wondering if anyone can share info and ideas about safety monitoring for seniors who live in their own home. E.g. if they have a bad fall and can't get up. This particular senior doesn't have a cell phone.  
 
I have some general info about safety systems through Seniors for Seniors. Has anyone used them? Are there any other options that anyone can suggest?  
 
Thanks!

My mom had Victoria Life Line when she was still in her apartment. Thankfully we never had to use it for falls, but it was a godsend knowing she was protected that way.

Lifeline (I think you will get info for this through Seniors for Seniors or the Home Care Program). The senior wears either a bracelet or a necklace with a buzzer on it. If they fall they push the button on the buzzer. You pay a monthly fee for the monitoring. If they push the button over an intercom system (plugged into the phone line I believe) they will ask if they are okay or just accidentally pushed the button. Then will either call family or an ambulance depending on the situation

Bluebell said "Lifeline (I think you will get info for this through Seniors for Seniors or the Home Care Program). The senior wears either a bracelet or a necklace with a buzzer on it. If they fall they push the button on the buzzer. You pay a monthly fee for the monitoring. If they push the button over an intercom system (plugged into the phone line I believe) they will ask if they are okay or just accidentally pushed the button. Then will either call family or an ambulance depending on the situation "

https://www.lifeline.ca/en/customer-service/faqs/

Lifeline from Seniors to Seniors is great!

If any of them had gps ? For those seniors who tend to wander off on their own?

I believe you can register a person with the police so they can identify them if they're found wandering - I can't remember the name of the program but if you call the police department I'm sure they'd give you the information you need. Door alarms are also a good option if a senior lives with someone who can respond to them if they're a wander risk. There are some really great resources to help people live safely at home for a long time. If a person's wander risk is high though a good option may be to look for constant supervision (either by loved ones or a care home) since our crazy -40 weather can be very dangerous for our wandering loved ones.

They don't work much farther than their house. It's gotta be within range so I doubt they have GPS

Did you find that you/your loved one wore it all the time or did they tend to forget and leave it off anyway?  
 
I wonder if something simple like a pouch with a cordless phone in it would work? Has anyone ever tried that? The only thing is that most cordless phones might get too heavy and annoying.

Lifeline used to have an option where the device automatically detects if a fall has happened so the person wearing it doesn't have to actually push the button - they call out to the person to ask if they've actually fallen and need help or if they're okay. But you still have the issue of whether the person will wear it or not. It depends on the person - are they aware they're at risk of falling or afraid of falling and therefore motivated to wear it? Or do they feel they're fine and have no issues? Is there someone who can help remind them to wear it or put a note somewhere as a reminder to wear it? Maybe a pager or something in a pouch or pocket if you're thinking of something lighter than a cordless phone and this person doesn't want to get a cell phone?

My mom wore the necklace version. She never wanted to take it off because she realized she was at risk of falling. Figured it even helped her when we were out and about too. Although that isn't the case. Only within range of her apartment. There was no issue for her of whether she didn't wear it.  
And yes if she fell, they buzzed her to see if she was okay. And they phone I believe once a month to test the lifeline also.