Life alert type device??
 

Looking for recommendations or guidance for a Life Alert type device for my 89 yr old MIL, she is active but lives alone, and about 65 miles from us. Thanks .

I use an Apple Watch that pairs with my iPhone. If she has an iPhone, this is a good choice, lots of heath features and only $10 more a month to add a device to your wireless phone account. Has fall detection, heart monitoring, etc.

I was going to suggest the Apple Watch too, you need the cellular one. You can wear it to swim or bathe or sleep. It is with you all the time except when you charge it. A nice sports band with holes would let her skin breathe and not too tight around the wrist (from experience over the years.)

Does she have a cell phone and know how to use it? If so, buy a necklace type hanger for it ($10 on Amazon) and let her wear around her neck. I just spent a year in a wheelchair after an accident, and this was my emergency alert/can summon help at a moments notice lifesaver. IF she does not have or know how to use a cell phone, life alert is excellent and what we used for my momma (who did not know or want to learn cell phones).

Hubby and I just got Apple Watches. I had no interest in one until they added the "fall detection" and "afib detection" features. That sold me. That said, we want something for my MIL, too, but after playing around with our new watches we realized that this is not it. She is a complete technophobe -- still uses a flip phone and refuses to consider switching to anything smarter! She could (would?) never learn how to use the Apple Watch. We may go with the necklace-type thing. Just our experience.

kathy

She just has to touch the Apple Watch and say, “Hey Siri” to tell the watch what to do, easier than calling a grandkid and more obedient....

If I were 89 years old, I wouldn't be living by myself. But, if I had to, I would want a cell phone where I could call 911.

My 90yo mom who lives alone has zero issues, and does not want help. But she is very independent and strong willed. We have Alexa in all rooms, that can call anyone. We also have cameras that have motion sensors.

I wish I could convince my 89 year old father to get a device like this. He has a cell phone, but I would feel more comfortable if he had a device he could wear, like a pendant or a watch. He would never get an Apple watch (in fact he cancelled the internet service at his house a couple of months ago). When I have brought up the Life Alert device a few times he will say "What do you think I am an old man?" :(

My MIL will be 89 in March. A few weeks ago she was found semi-conscious on her bedroom floor, had probably been lying there for 24 hours. We want her in assisted living but that is going to be quite a battle. She still drives after having two serious driving "incidents" and I have seriously considered ratting her out to the DMV.

Ain't life grand.

k.

https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-2-Way...fe+aler&sr=8-7.

600 foot radius, one button operation. No fees. Ties into phone line. Not high tech, does not require any Apple devices, Uber simple.

Around neck better than wrist
 

I was advised that it is better to get one to wear around the neck because if you fall and hurt the other arm (or the wrist it is on is under you and you can't move) you may not be able to reach the wrist. When it is around your neck you can use either arm to activate it.

We found one for under $70.00 on HSN. It is all that my Mom needs to protect her wherever she is. No monthly fees, just the one time purchase...can't beat it!

have her move in with you, also no one should be driving after 2 accidents, and 90 years old

Life Alert Alternative
 

If your MIL has wifi, buy her an Alexa and add the "Ask My Buddy" skill. Then you can add emergency contact numbers. So if you are "Joe" and adds you as a contact, and adds another emergency contact as "Mary" and adds another emergency contact "Fred," and she needs help, she can say, Alexa, call my buddy,"" and a text will be sent to everyone on her list indicating that she needs help. Or she can say, "Alexa, call my buddy Bob," and a text will be sent to Bob only. So if you have wifi and an Alexa, it is a free set-up. It works!! Or buy a few Echo dots at a lower cost and put them in a few different rooms of her house.

Problem with a wearable is they don’t wear it, it makes them feel old. If the motion cameras do not go off at my moms by a certain hour, I can drop in anytime. She loves the Alexas in every room, it’s like have a person to talk to and get information.

I loaded all her recipes on the 8” monitor in the kitchen. Bedroom 5” is like an alarm clock, but talks to her. Plus if she has an issue it will call. How do I know this, because she was watching QVC,. They were demonstrating how it works, it called and texted everyone. We laughed, she said she will mute next time Alexa is on TV.

A person who is 90 years old may not feel old, but they are old.

My MIL lives in Philly. We live in TV. At this point in time she has no interest in relocating.

I totally agree that she should not be driving. Her two sons should have sat her down after the first incident and told her she had to give up her keys. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to do it myself because she is not my mother!

I would love to know how others have dealt with "taking away the keys" when the individual refuses to stop driving.

k.

She has been asked to move in with us, and we have planned to add in-law suite,since we have a large lot, but she wants her independence. She has not had any accidents, that was someone else's mother.