i just returned from visiting a lunch at a retirement village i volunteer at and something was said that really struck me as an often over rated and overlooked amenity in all these housing options. one lady, who uses a walker but it very independent was telling about the alarm cords located in the living room and bathrooms. she said she fell once and couldn't crawl to the cord. if she had she wouldn't have been able to pull herself high enough to use it.when i stopped into her apartment i looked and she was right. we see it as assurance that assistance can be had at the pull of a cord but it just a wasted amenity if it can not be used. next time you visit see if the alarms are really of any assistance to the ones who need it.
Over in the UK they have cords above most of the beds in all of the old peoples home. We have relative that's in a loverly (link removed by moderator) care home in Manchester - what they do is have an extra precaution of a electronic button connected to the nurse on duty or if you want connect to the (link removed by moderator)emergency service of choice
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Moms_Buddy,
This is very true. It's something that we all assume will be fine and don't think about how it will work in practice.
The whistle kept on a wrist strap is a fantastic idea (assuming the whistle can be heard by the relevant people). Something that is on the person at all times is the most certain way to assure someone can get help when they need it.
Good point. When our LO was in the assisted living area, it was arranged in such a way that the attendant for that floor would typically hear them call out.
But in her previous facility (more an independent living with support facility), they had a clever idea: they issued room keys on a wrist strap with a whistle on it. I remember one of the residents telling me about blowing that whistle until somebody heard her because she was on her back (like a turtle, she said LOL) and couldn't get herself flipped over to crawl to the pull cord.
