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Joined: 10/26/2022
Posts: 16
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Hi everyone,
My Mom was diagnosed with Lewy Body Disorder a few months ago. For many years, she has had issues with walking and used a walker. At this point she is doing pretty well, but living completely alone is no longer an option so she will be moving in with me in the next few weeks.
I am wondering if I should purchase a life alert type device - a wearable device that she could activate if she falls and needs assistance. I expect to be with her most of the time, but I do think she is capable of being home alone for a couple of hours. My Mom can't really make phone calls any longer so I'm looking for another option.
Thanks for any suggestions or advice you can offer.
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Joined: 12/20/2022
Posts: 30
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Well, I used Medical Guardian. They do have a fall detection you can pay to add on- BUT- it is not 100%. I will say the few times my mother accidentally pressed the button ( she wore a lanyard around her neck) the system did respond. I have heard the original authentic life alert is good as well.
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Joined: 10/26/2022
Posts: 16
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Thank you very much for your response. I'll look into both systems.
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Joined: 2/20/2022
Posts: 24
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I purchased a small device from amazon called "911 help now" . It's a small push button lanyard or belt attachment that when the button is activated it sends out a 911 message and gives your exact GPS location. Not a talking phone type thing so there is no confusion. Go to amazon and search the 911 help now and you can get more information. I think it's around $70, I bought two, one for the car and the other for her to wear because she would not know how to dial a phone or speak to anyone clearly without total confusion .
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Joined: 10/26/2022
Posts: 16
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Cosmic, thank you for the recommendation. I'll check it out.
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Joined: 1/6/2023
Posts: 1
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My question with the Life Alert devices is what happens when my mom presses it because she has forgotten what it is for?
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Joined: 10/20/2021
Posts: 51
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My grandmother had a Life Alert pendant. When she finally did have that catastrophic event of falling when alone, she didn’t press it. She kicked at the front door until she passed out.
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Joined: 12/9/2011
Posts: 13593
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Consumer Reports has a June 2022 article rating the different systems. They also have an earlier article on how to choose one. However, if one wants to get that latest rating article, one can get information using Google, but to get the actual ratings, one needs to be a subscriber to the magazine; it is a very low cost for one year's subscription.
J.
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Joined: 6/10/2019
Posts: 169
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My life alert device was furnished free of charge plus no monthly charge from my health insurance company. Check with her insurance company, she may already have that benefit. I hit the button by mistake and the operator asked if it was an emergency. I apologized and said no and then she reviewed all my info with me.
When you register the device you identify emergency contacts you want notified and in what order. I only have to charge mine about once a month and then I push the button to confirm with the operator that everything is functioning correctly. Some units require more frequent charging.
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Joined: 10/26/2022
Posts: 16
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Thank your this information, I will definitely check it out, I have a subscription!
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Joined: 10/26/2022
Posts: 16
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That's my fear. That she will forget what it is for...
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Joined: 10/26/2022
Posts: 16
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Thank you for this information...
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Joined: 10/26/2022
Posts: 16
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I know. Maybe it is good for a little while? Sigh...
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Joined: 5/22/2021
Posts: 89
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When my mother was living alone, she had a life alert system she purchased through the AARP magazine. She refused to wear the pendant and would on occasion (if repeatedly asked) wear the watch. I placed the pendant in the bathroom near the shower in case she slipped there.
When she did have a fall, she did not have the device with her. She was knocked unconscious so she would not be able to press any buttons. The watch was supposed to be sensitive to alert the company in a fall situation.
Someone suggested the APPLE watch, but I decided it was an expensive device. She wasn't interested in learning about how to use it.
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