Caregiving Support: How to increase safety using Emergency Contact Systems
What Comes Next? Emergency Contact Systems
I remember when my first child was born, I would talk about how I wish he would have come with an instruction manual, because I was forever being confronted with new situations and decisions. I was often unsure of myself at first, but would look up information, and get advice from other trusted parents, and sometimes I just had to go with what I thought was best. It is not so very different when you find yourself faced with a loved one who is experiencing a progressive illness. The most important thing to keep in mind is SAFETY FIRST.
In general, there are two categories of need, a need for assistance due to physical limitations, and a need for assistance due to memory loss or cognitive decline. Sometimes a person experiences both simultaneously.
There are many options to consider when planning for the future, and unfortunately, finances will impact decision making. Many people prefer to stay independent in their homes for as long as possible, and they will only consider an alternative after some sort of near catastrophe. Let’s talk about how to remain safe and independent at home.
Emergency Contact Systems
We all know the quote from the commercial, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” An Emergency Contact System provides a safety net for those who are home alone. There is a Base Device that is put somewhere central in the home, and the individual wears a small device, either a pendant or a wristband. If at any time a person requires assistance, they push the button on the pendant/wristband and a system operator speaks to them from the base, asking what is their emergency. The individual replies, “I’ve fallen,” or “I feel dizzy,” or whatever the situation is. The operator then calls a preset list of people provided by the family. EMS or the Fire Department can be called if the situation warrants it. A lock box is also encouraged to be placed on the front door with a key inside. If the situation requires a call to local emergency personnel, the system operator will have access to the lock box code and can provide it to whoever is coming to the home to assist.
There are many companies that offer Emergency Contact Systems. I suggest going online and looking at what is offered in your area. Some companies require a contract for 6 months or a year, etc, while others allow monthly payments. Some plans have many bells and whistles and others provide very basic services.
The most important thing to remember is that the pendant/wristband is useless unless you are wearing it. I will often encourage choosing the wristband as many people find the pendant cumbersome. They take it off when they go to bed, then get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. If an incident occurs, they can’t reach their pendant. The wristband is waterproof, and never has to be taken off.
If you need support through this decision making process, licensed clinical social workers with care planning expertise can help guide you through the process. NeuroCog Solutions offers these care planning services which is often reimbursed by insurance.
