My husband and I are leaving this weekend (first time we’ve left overnight since we moved my 91 year old, wheelchair bound grandfather into our home six months ago. Much needed break. His aides will be picking up more hours to make sure he gets dinner and nighttime meds/routine done (they usually only do morning shift and I do the evenings). We lock the door every night, but no one will be here overnight with him and I worry what if something happens and he needs an ambulance or there’s a fire, etc? How will help get in? How do we keep him safe while also protecting against break ins?? We’re in a great neighborhood, but I can’t help but think of the what ifs and now I’m worrying. This was an impromptu and well pretty emergent get away for my own mental health, and I just thought of this detail now at midnight and can’t sleep over it!
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Putting this here so others may know you have solved the logistics of caring for your 91 y. o. grandfather. Good on you!
Hktj1711
14 hours ago
"Thank you. I didn’t even think. This is all new territory for me. I will ask the caregiver to stay overnight; I’m sure she will have no problem, we will just pay her more! "
😍
If you don't install some kind of key box that emergency people have access to, they will break windows or the door to get in. Not to mention, it might create problems for you as to why you left him alone. Not worth the worry.
Have a caregiver stay overnight in your absence. (easiest immediate solution)
Have a key-pad lockbox or Knox box place on your front door.
It is not safe for an elderly person in a wheelchair to be left totally alone. If he should fall out of the wheelchair accidently and find himself lying on the floor, he will not be able to get up to "summon help."
Meanwhile, I recommend getting him one of those necklaces whereby he can summon help. It should be worn at all times. However, this is assuming that he is "cognizant" enough to be able to know to push the button.
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