My dad recently died and my 84 year old mother is now living alone in Florida. I live in NJ. She manages pretty well on her own but she is somewhat frail and a fall risk. I'm looking for the best system to keep her safe while in the house alone. Thanks for any recommendations.
Be aware that Florida hurricanes knock out cell towers and cell coverage. When that happens, you will not have contact with your loved one for a week more or less. I live in Florida in Zephyrhills and was blessed that we didn't lose cell phone coverage last year. We did have a few trees comes down and some flooded areas that made driving a bit tricky. Some folks were without electricity for 2 weeks. We had no electricity for 2 days. Something to consider if your mom is "frail." It might be wiser to have her come to you: if a hurricane threatens her area a couple of days in advance, OR for the hurricane season to avoid issues altogether.
Lively is more than just a Medical Alert device. It's a safety device, too.
If (your Mom) gets lost she can push the button and they will help. If she is at home and hears a noise at night - she can push the button and they will "stay on" with her while she checks out the noise. If she's out shopping and there's a stranger following her that is scary, she can push the button and talk to them ... just in case she may need the police. And if she's walking out to her car at night it's okay to talk to them until she is safely inside. It's mobile, so she doesn't need to be near a base. Just make sure it's charged up and you are good to go. It's also water resistant and can be worn in the tub or shower, or out in the rain. And is lightweight and inexpensive. They often have 1/2 price off frequent sales on the device. And it costs around $25 a month plus if you add on Fall Protection, it's an extra $10 monthly. It has an online Portal that is simple to make updates and also have extensive FAQ and directions available online.
I wear mine everyday due to being a fall risk. Love it.
Highly recommend Lively.
Many local alarm systems in my uncles area has medical alert that were very good as the national systems and more cost effective.
Also, I was reviewing my uncles supplemental insurance and was pleasantly surprised that this was an added benefit at no out of pocket expense. It may be worth researching or placing an call with her supplemental (it will be a lengthy on hold time) to see if it is included.
A device will allow her to contact 911 or whatever system is designed to do. (some will call 911 others the call button connects you to a "center" and they will make the 911 call or make the call to family)
In the house if she has ALEXA that can now be used to call emergency services. I am pretty sure it is a separate program and there are fees.
A "smart watch" might be an option. I saw a commercial where the person wearing it fell and the watch detected no movement and called 911.
In the house you can use ALEXA and "drop in" on her and check on her and she can direct ALEXA to call "glmason1965" and a call will be made to you.
The big question is will she actually call 911 or will she call you if she falls? many people do not "want to be a bother" and will not make the 911 call.
Does she have a cell phone on her at all times. ALL times? I am in the same position. I am alone in the house and I will go to the basement to get something...and my phone is on the counter. I will go get the mail and my phone is by the desk.
And another option...installing cameras in her home. This way you can monitor her.
And if you don't do this you might want to text her EVERY morning. A simple good morning is all that is needed. She should respond within an hour if not then you can call for a well fare check. My neighbor texts every morning and I reply, If I do not get a text from her by 8am I text her anyway and if I don't get a reply I contact her daughter.
Nice that your mother is still independent. However, at some point, either home care or facility placement for better safety may be necessary.
Honestly, the best solution may be a nice AL community, maybe even near where you live. Her care needs won't decrease. Once a senior falls, it usually starts a cascade of related issues that you will need to manage, if you are her PoA.
when my father went into LTC with my mother home alone I upgraded to the fall alert option.
it worked out well. It was inexpensive and gave us some peace of mind. .
I haven't used it, but do know that Lively has one. You should look online for theirs and for a general internet search of "medical alert devices".
We have had many questions her and if you want to review answers for devices people like a lot, do go to the timeline, use the search bar and type in "medical alert devices".
You will see answer from folks who liked one or another.
If you are tech savvy have you considered the possibility of in home cameras that you can check daily to see what Mom's up to and whether she seems to be thriving? These now are so easy to monitor with smart phones. Not cheap but worth it I would think.
Best of luck to you.