Any comments please
Has anyone used an emergency call service with button for seniors who may fall or otherwise be unable to use phone in emergency. I see some services like the red cross , domo or signakon.
My wife's grandfather has one - I have accidentally activated several times on visits, nearly instantaneous response. I can find out how much and the service but I can't imagine they differ too much
There are several kinds and brands available, which is best really is an individual decision based on individual needs.
Here's one from the Red Cross - I've linked it because it is not really acommercial venture:
You health insurer likely offers a gadget and plan as well. That's generally a good place to start.
I think one friend uses Red Cross, another couple of friends have these organized through their KK, another via her doctor. So far most are happy. Call out times within expectations.
In my experience - with parents and friends of varying degrees of willingness to comply - the best device is the one the individual actually will wear. An emergency button does no good when it's sitting on mom's desk while she is lying on the bathroom floor unable to get up. (BTDT...)
For that reason, I prefer a bracelet model over a necklace. But YMMV.
Costs for these services vary, you'll need to research what each provider offers.
Be aware that many ask for a first contact. That should be someone nearby who is generally able to drop everything and check on the senior. The service contacting me in Switzerland when MIL had fallen in the garden an ocean away wasn't exactly efficient. If there is no one in the vicinity to act as a first contact, then go directly to emergency services.
Also research what the cost of a false call out will be. Because that will happen!
A friend dropped her necklace on the floor. Picked it up, went on about her day, when the EMTs showed up. Apparently this unit was so sensitive it measured the drop, assumed a fall, and sent a signal. There was a fee for that episode.
I have urged every vulnerable relative and friend to get one of these. Yes it's an added expense - but well worth the peace of mind. For the senior and for family and friends.
But above all - YOU HAVE TO WEAR THE DANG THING in order for it to be effective! That, IME, was the hardest battle with my more... stubborn... relatives.
Wishing you all the best...
ETA:
Just remembered that a friend here has her emergency call service somehow connected to her Apple watch. She taps an icon (or something), just like you would press a button. I don't know the details, but if the person who needs an emergency button wears a SmartWatch, something to look into. (Seems a bit fiddly to me, especially if one is experiencing dexterity problems, but she likes it.)
However, are those waterproof? Many falls happen in the bathroom, so whatever you choose it should be waterproof, something you would wear in the shower or bath.
We did, but I can't recall the details, but I think this was discussed here before and I gave details, but can't find it in the search.
From what I remember there was a button, a set of cords that ran around the rooms, low down so you could crawl to it and pull it, plus a watch that could also set it off.
When set off, it did around robin: our home and two neighbours, if it failed to get a response they then dispatched someone.
My parents had one in their house in England. They moved into a care home a while back, then my father died, and I was over there a couple of weeks ago to organise the house clearance when I came across this strange heart-shaped object with a red button hidden away in the back of a drawer, behind a load of random junk. Having no idea what it was, I pressed the button (maybe I thought it would play music or something...), and almost jumped out of my skin when a very loud voice coming from a completely different room said "Mrs. XXX, you called us, are you OK?"