I've already posted this under Technology but as I'm asking for info this seemed a better forum. I am in my late 70s and live alone. My health and mobility seem to be pretty OK, though I do get tired. However, time to face the reality that I am two years off 80 and I need to ensure my own wellbeing and safety. Without being overdramatic, it occurred to me that it's not impossible that I could die and no one would know for at least a few days (and my poor cats would be wondering why I wasn't getting up to feed them!)
I have two daughters, one of whom lives 15 minutes away by car but isn't great at responding to calls (she's much more responsive on WhatsApp). I do think that if I was hospitalised and the hospital called her as my next of kin, she wouldn't be prompt in answering the phone.
My other daughter lives 400 miles away in Scotland but is more reliable in responding to texts and calls. I have discussed my concerns with her and she suggested that I send her a very short "hello" text each morning. If she hasn't heard from me by the evening, she can call me herself or call a couple of back-up neighbours who have keys to my house and can check up on me.
However, I also think it might be useful (and perhaps less onerous for my Scotland daughter) if I had some personal device that would alert her or emergency services if I had, say, a fall or even a stroke or heart attack. But there seems to be a plethora of products on offer and I don't know where to begin. I know also that any device I have will need to be digital and not landline-based, as the latter are all being digitised in 2027 apparently.
Age UK have sent me some general leaflets and have directed me to an organisation called Living Made Easy, which lists different products – but again, there are so many that it's confusion. Where to begin? Any advice and information welcome. Thank you!
NotSpaghetti
I suppose if you die (say as you nap in your comfy chair) you are already dead so the "rush" is over.
The alarm is, I feel, to alert someone to the fact that help is required quickly.
Whilst I'd want to know if someone I loved was dead, it's much more helpful to know if they have fallen over as then they can be helped.
LOL Spaghettigran, the rush is indeed over!
Fast approaching 88, i too am anxious about needing help etc.
I have an Echo show device that contains all my phone numbers. In theory I should be able to ask, Alexa call T... that then calls her phone so we can speak. Its quite sensitive. I know through testing it if I say, fell in my hall or bathroom I can activate it..I have a second device in my sitting room that covers the front of my small flat. Of course that's if I'm able to speak.
I also have a friend who txt me every morning, just a good morning E..she replies using my name. She knows my family so we agree she would contact them should I not reply..
My neighbours are all eldery.. thinking about it typing this message I do have a younger retired friend living quite close by.. I'm going to ask if I might give her my keys are code..
I have an Apple Watch as well as an iPhone, if I fall it will call 999 as well as my emergency contact (it will ask me if I’m ok first I believe). As well as my son having a spare key I also have a key box with one in near my front door so that if I fall or am unwell indoors and am unable to get to the front door but need an ambulance I can call 999 and give them the code for the key box so they can let themselves in (just got to remember not to leave a key in the latch on the inside otherwise it won’t work)
Being a keyholder is a huge responsibility and not to be taken on lightly. Asking neighbours to take it on is an imposition.
A cheeky neighbour tried to guilt me into being a keyholder for another neighbour who has dementia. I refused as I have health problems and mobility issues myself. I told her to find someone younger and fitter who would be capable of lifting someone who had fallen. The neighbour has now gone to live with her daughter and the house is empty.
friendlygingercat
Being a keyholder is a huge responsibility and not to be taken on lightly. Asking neighbours to take it on is an imposition.
A cheeky neighbour tried to guilt me into being a keyholder for another neighbour who has dementia. I refused as I have health problems and mobility issues myself. I told her to find someone younger and fitter who would be capable of lifting someone who had fallen. The neighbour has now gone to live with her daughter and the house is empty.
If someone has fallen, then one should not attempt to help them up. I work in a home for seniors, and for a neighbourhood charity that helps (mainly) seniors who need some assistance in their daily lives. When we discover someone on the floor in their home, we have been instructed to immediately call the emergency services. At work, we summon the qualified nurse on duty, who can assess the situation and will call the emergency services if needed.
It makes me sad, old people alone and fearful of dying alone.
However good practical suggestions have been made.
A daily text to a family member is a good idea, a few years ago my DH went at short notice to Canada to visit his sister and sick brother in law for a week; I couldn’t go because I had important hospital appointments and my lovely daughter in law insisted I text her every morning to reassure her I was ok.
Elegran
MT16 asked "How does it work if you die?". The ones that register sudden changes in position indicating a fall would alert the alarm if you "fell down dead".
Would this also be activated should one die while sleeping? The cats would still need to be fed, even though the "rush is over ".
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