Medical alert device for the elderly parent

[Baz]

I bought a system a few years ago but Mom never adapted to it, so was looking again at what's available.

I ran across this company with a system that looks a lot more easier to operate than others I have seen or used.

https://www.getsafe.com/

You can set up remotes in different rooms that operate three different ways, including just calling out "Call 911....call 911".

Then an operator responds (not a real 911 operator) and asks if you need help. After that the operator can choose who to contact based on how you set things up.

You buy the equipment and then pay a monthly fee - about $28/month.

The operators are on call 24/7.

Mom has a cell phone but has never been great about using it. She has a landline and uses it but gets confused about how a cell phone works because of the differences between the two.

I still want her to have her cell phone but also something like this system.

What do you guys think?

TIA!

[id10t]

Dad had ALS in the early 90s, we got the original "help I've fallen and can't get up" button, it worked really well. Also had the ability to let him answer the phone via speaker phone.

Biggest thing is "what will mom actually use" I think... it needs ot be easy, convenient, not subject to always needing charging, etc. Dad's button would go months on a watch battery...

Remember if whatever you end up with needs connectivity to wireless etc you'll need to be sure your local network is as rock solid as you can get it...

[craigster59]

I know the Apple iWatch has a function that can tell if a person has fallen or had a medical episode. Is there something out there cheaper that maybe has the "fall function" and also monitors heart rate, oxygen saturation and other vitals?

[Mahler9th]

Met the president of what of the really big companies in this space years ago. They are behind the tech curve quite a bit.

Lots of dependency on cell and wifi signals-- folks need to understand that. With respect to the former, it can be important to ask which cell phone company is being used in case threr are reception differences between providers in the intended use area.

New entrant to this arena is Amazon-- the Amazon Together service.

I am trying that with a relative that is aging in place many miles away.

I expect that they will add more and more features and capabilities as we head to mid-century.

I also suspect that Apple may enter this space.

[Tobra]

Yes Craigster, there is a cheaper version than the applewatch, probably better for your purposes too B

There is one that is a watch type thing you wear. Gives you heart rate, pulse oximeter, and will ask you if you fell, if you fall or drop it. If you don't answer, it calls the cavalry. It also communicates with phones, so you can get a notice if something is up. I think it is connected to her cell phone.

I will find out the details. Thing hanging around your neck is less good than a watch, as is something you have to yell, "I've fallen, and I can't get up." Sometimes you fall and can't holler for help.

[oldE]

We had a pendant for THE MIL. It was activated if ( when) she fell or when she pushed the button. It gave us a bit of peace of mind. An operator would respond and attempt to determine the level of need. Usually there was a follow up call to us advising an ambulance had been called.
She is now in care so doesn't need it.
Hope you find something that works for you.

Best
Les

[speedster911]

Take a look at the phillips system.

If the fall is due to a stroke- a person may not be able to verbally communicate, or a fall and hit of the head that incapacitates someone
.

Two typical units for a patient: A pendent and a wrist worn device. Wrist is best as again during a fall , the patient may fall and land on their back and the pendent has swung to the back side and they are laying on it. Both have panic buttons so no " voice" is needed.

Please also consider outdoors- Voice command units are useless if the fall is outside of voice range. Try and secure a system that allows your loved one to have protection if they are in garage, backyard, bath/shower etc. medicare and secondary insurance will/ should pick up most or all of the expense.

Also review the home: typical " falls" are due to loose rugs, uneven floors edges, stairs, wet floor, bath areas, in tub or shower.

[Tobra]

The pendant is only good if she has it on her. Mom had one like that, uses the one she wears on her wrist instead.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Mahler9th

Met the president of what of the really big companies in this space years ago. They are behind the tech curve quite a bit.

Lots of dependency on cell and wifi signals-- folks need to understand that. With respect to the former, it can be important to ask which cell phone company is being used in case threr are reception differences between providers in the intended use area.

New entrant to this arena is Amazon-- the Amazon Together service.

I am trying that with a relative that is aging in place many miles away.

I expect that they will add more and more features and capabilities as we head to mid-century.

I also suspect that Apple may enter this space.

There are strides being made, more so in the "remote monitoring" world. Masimo has made some headway with their blood gas 'Rainbow SET" technology, eliminating the need for finger pricks and blood draws. Especially helpful with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Whoever comes up with the blood sugar monitoring through finger sensor is going to be the big winner in the game.

[Mahler9th]

Amazon Together uses their various in-home gadgets like Echo Dot. So a person can just ask Alexa for help.

We have been experimenting.

I think this is something folks interested in these types of products should investigate.

Regarding blood sugar measurements.... I have lots of experience with non-invasive glucose monitoring.

Launched the very first product in the space over 20 years ago.

[dad911]

My wife's father lives with us. Our solution was a wifi alarm, he wears the panic button and it sounds a local alarm, and also to my wife's phone, if she is out. Amazon Alarm

Then she can talk to him through Alexa.

He can also say 'Alexa Call (wife name)' and it will call her. Or she can 'drop in' and listen in to his room.

Alexa Dialing and drop in

Reliable. Immediate contact for us, and no monthly fees, other than an Amazon account.

[Baz]

Appreciate all the replies and information, so far.

We had our first home health visits today and I forgot to even mention this, there was so much going on.

This company really seems on the ball though:

https://www.accentcare.com/

[Tobra]

My brother got a Garmin medical alert device so mom could monitor him on her phone. It is a tiny little thing, bluetooth connection to phone, and will send alerts to phone(s) of your choice.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by craigster59

I know the Apple iWatch has a function that can tell if a person has fallen or had a medical episode. Is there something out there cheaper that maybe has the "fall function" and also monitors heart rate, oxygen saturation and other vitals?

Apple watch also does pulse ox and has been rated as medically certified.

Yeah they are not cheap but they pretty much do it all.

[Tobra]

The Garmin my brother got does everything you need

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Tobra

The Garmin my brother got does everything you need

Looking at some of these now. They all seem to need a smart phone in order to work. Mom doesn't have one nor do I. I'll keep researching.....