My parents are living at home and the family wants them to have as much support as possible. Up until the last year or so, my parents have had part-time care during the week and I'd check in on them on a regular basis otherwise. So they've had a Lifeline for 2 or 3 years and it's been well worth it when they were by themselves.
My sister and I are reviewing expenses to cut what is no longer necessary now. However, we don't want to eliminate anything that is truly enhancing their safety. That's why I thought I'd ask my fellow caregivers what they would do or how they've actually handled the same or a similar situation.
We have caregivers during the day and I stay with my parents every evening and overnight. They are never left alone. Thanks for any feedback on this !
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I'm inclined to think that if resources are tight, under the circumstances this may be something you can do without. My mother lives alone; she has a med-alert bracelet and also a call cord in her senior apartment. She has fallen twice and did not remember to press her button either time. :(
My husband wears his faithfully, but I have serious doubts that he would have presence of mind to use it in an emergency. He has used it once, though, to get my attention. He was in bed not feeling well and I was working in my office. I heard the med-alert service asking if he was OK. I quickly answered, said I didn't know, hold on, and went and checked on him. He wanted a glass of water. I thought it was a clever way to call to me. Now I give him a cell phone to call me on when he is not feeling well and needs me between my checks on him. Then we don't need to get a service involved.
Since my mother lives alone, and I do leave my husband alone while I do brief errands, I'm staying with the alert system, even though I don't have great confidence they will be used when needed.
Since your parents have each other and also a caregiver present all the time, I think this might be an expense I'd discontinue in your case.
It is very good of you and your sister to evaluate how to get the most out of the money available.