My 87-year-old mom keeps bumping the button on her lifeline apparatus that hands around her neck on a lanyard. That, of course, triggers emergency response personnel, if they can't reach her by phone. She is still very capable, gets around on her own, drives, etc., so the lifeline is a precaution. Does anyone have suggestions for another option that doesn't hang around the neck? As of right now, my mom doesn't have wifi, but we could possibly talk her into it, if it was necessary. Thanks in advance, for any suggestions.
She finally got the watch, which in her case, didn't 'feel' the falling, but rather, she had to push the button to let the calling tree know she was OK. It didn't work real well for her, but for a Sr who has their marbles still--I think the watch is a real improvement over the pendant.
So many elderly are walking with walkers and when you're bent in a 90 degree angle--the pendant falls into everything.
And-BOTH my mom and my MIL would take that pendant OFF when they showered. The watch? Not so much.
can you put a bumper pad on each side of the button, making the button lower so when it is hit against something the button does not get pushed in. This making the sides higher on each side of the button and it is not laying flat yet still able to press the button when assistance is needed.
Or can it be turned around so that the button is facing to her a chest so that is less likely to be bumped.
Also..is she actually "bumping" it or does she fiddle with it and press the button by accident?
Or is it available as a watch that can be worn on the wrist. That would probably not be as easy to activate by bumping it
First, the client is likely to take it off when they are sleeping or in the shower, but those are the two most important times they need access to it. They can wear the wristband style in the shower or even the pool, and it's more comfortable to sleep with.
Second, the wristwatch becomes a piece of jewelry, not a "medical device". Compliance is usually much easier. And, if you get one that has a replaceable (not rechargeable) battery that will last several years, you can "crazy glue" it to the client's wrist (not literally, but you can glue the straps together so it's not removable) if they are non-compliant. Ensure it's comfortable and loose, providing a sense of ease and comfort.
Third, the wristband style is easier to access if the client needs to push it. I once had a client fall out of bed, and his pendant ended up (still around his neck) but against his back. He did not have the agility and mobility to reposition it so he could push the button, so he lay on the floor all night.
Fourth, it can be easier for a Caregiver to access. If the client is flat on their stomach, it may be impossible for a Caregiver to get to the button if they are lying on it.
The downside is that most wristband-style buttons need to be close to the base station, so if you have a client who leaves the house unattended, it may not be a good solution or only a partial solution.
Aalso you can clip them to clothing wherever it's most convenient.
Also, you can set up a daily call-in with you and/or other people of the family. This call-in time is just to make sure your mom is doing ok when she answers her phone. If she doesn't answer the phone, then somebody should go check on her in her home.