"I've fallen & can't get up" type question

FrankieCrabs

FrankieCrabs

Joined
Nov 28, 2000
Messages
524
Hello, all.

I'm sure many of us remember the commercial from some years back, with the old lady who cried out, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!". Well, my folks are starting to reach the age where they have a tendency to fall, and there is not always someone around to help them. As an example, my Mom fell about a week ago outside her house, and couldn't get any help for two hours. It's bad enough now, in the spring, but what if it had been winter?

So, I've been considering this company, American Senior Safety Agency. They seem alright, and have an AARP recommendation. Does anyone have any experience with services like these? Any recommends of your own?

Thanks,
Frank
 
First of all, find out what is available to you by speaking to your folks physician. If he or she generally treats people that age, there may be a social worker operating out of that office, or at leat one they recommend. Make an appointment with that individual, who will probably have a list of such services--this will tell you if the service is reliable or a fly-by-night. The social worker will also be able to tell you about other services available as well.

Thenyou and your family should start planning for long-term care. They may not need addtiional help now, but that day amy soon come, and it will be a lot easier for you if you have planned ahead. The social worker can put you in touch with people who can expalin all the options. This may also involve a lawyer. Your minister/priest/etc is also a good resource for this.

best of luck.
 
Check this link out, my grandmother had to have one in her home and had a necklace with an alarm on it, if she had to push the button on the necklace then the signal went to a neighbor...if the neighbor wasn't there then 911 was called by the company. http://www.lifelinesys.com/
 
Shaldag has a good point. Plan now for the stuff we don't care to think about...also, what happens if either one is left alone due to the others required hospitalization or death.Trying to solve such problems on the fly is really tricky because of the emotions involved. Get in touch with a home health agency before you need them and get as much information now as possible.
 
Cindy Denning said:
Check this link out, my grandmother had to have one in her home and had a necklace with an alarm on it, if she had to push the button on the necklace then the signal went to a neighbor...if the neighbor wasn't there then 911 was called by the company. http://www.lifelinesys.com/
Click to expand...

I have an old family friend which me and my wife check up on once in awhile since her son passed away and her grandson is in canada. She's 83 or 84 years old and she always falls down. Once she even fell and knocked herself out for a few hours. Now she has one of those necklace things. I think it automatically dials an emergency service and they'd come and help her out. It's a good service and you could always try them out first. I'm sure there shouldn't be any problems.

Back home in Malaysia i don't know of any service like that. I think most Malaysians usually bring their parents to live with them when the parents are too old to take care of themselves.

Edited to add:
Like someone said above. Plan for long term care. What i've seen happen is that a lot of the older people don't have houses that are elderly friendly. They don't prepare themselves for when they can't move like they used to. If you've got a 2 storey house either fit a stairlift or make a room and bathroom downstairs. When the time comes it'll already be too late.
 
Thanks, folks.

My parents will check with their doctor about a service recommendation- I should have thought of that myself, but that commercial came to mind first, and I just searched online. I proposed us buying a home together, like a mother/daughter type, so that we [my wife and I]could be close enough to help them if needed, but they would still have their own place as well. My Mom didn't like the idea at all, but the future might change her mind.

Thanks again,
Frank :D
 
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