medical emergency bracelet

gampiano

Hello,

As sole caregiver for DH, im looking for a bracelet for me to wear n case i need medical assistance for myself. The choices are a bit overwhelming. The apple watch sounds too complicated, i need something where i can just press a button and get help. Any input would be helpful, as my DH wouldn't have a clue what to do.

zauberflote

Hi @gampiano I really sympathize! Remember those old medical ID bracelets that let first responders know what condition you might have? A simple one isn't expensive, and might be a good backup for technology?

The only thing I can think of is the "relatively" easy method my iPhone (old 8plus) has for making an emergency call-- wake the phone, press home button, tap "emergency", and a dial pad comes up to dial local emergency number. The phone also has a very convoluted series of physical button pushing which sends an automatic SOS if you don't tell it to stop-- but since I never use it, I can't remember what it is!

Are there data-connected versions of the necklace with a single call button that works inside the home by dialing the provider's phone bank? It seems you're on the right track with an Apple watch, but hopefully a much simpler and less pricey option is out there!

loveskitties

We got my 98 yr old mother an Iwatch with fall alert. While you might need some help setting it up, the safety features are easy. A hard fall causes the watch to ask you if you are alright...if no or no response it will then kick in to the emergency numbers. If you were to feel unwell or have less than a hard fall, there is a button to press. Again you will be asked if you need help.

They are not cheap, but my mother would not consider the pendent style or the plastic wrist type of emergency device.

In choosing the typical assistance devices, I would invest in the extra cost of the fall alert function. Also if you are someone who is out and about, you will probably want to consider on that operates on WiFi versus a home base so that you can be located and get assistance wherever you are.

All of these devices, including the Iwatch need to be charged...some daily...some less often. Most folks charge them overnight. I would suggest having the charger within easy reach of your bed...just in case you need assistance at night.

CorrieG

Not a complete solution but If you already have a monitored security system, you can ask to have a medical panic button. It only works at your home but you won’t have to pay for extra monitoring and it’s just a button.

dancsfo

@gampiano I don't have personal experience with this device, but this kind of mobile alert pendant may have the simplicity you need. Maybe this is the type of device that @zauberflote was referring to.

https://www.mindcarestore.com/medical-alert-pendant-mobile-p/mc-0931.htm

However, I am afraid that many of these senior-specific items are over priced with hidden fees and sometimes not the most modern. As @loveskitties mentioned, an Apple Watch has the functionality you may need plus the fall alert or crash-detection. Getting a mass market consumer device may be more flexible than a single purpose device like the medical alert pendant. It just takes a bit more effort to charge it daily. I use an Apple Watch Series 7, and if someone can configure it for you, it's pretty much on its own. You can even talk to it, so that may be useful. I see some elderly people at a local health & rec center use its voice function, so it does seem to work for some.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206983

I recommend you review an article from AARP on choosing a system that includes many criteria such as how to route calls, being water proof, etc. that you want to consider first and it depends a lot of your husband's ability and needs.

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2017/medic-alert-systems-options.html

Jeanne C.

Another thing you can do in your home is place Echo devices in each room. Then it's a matter of saying "Alexa, call 911." I placed them as a safety precaution, but also benefit from having music easily accessible, which really helps soothe my DH ("Alexa, play the Beatles station").

gampiano

thank you for all the helpful information!

harshedbuzz

Kudos to you for looking out for yourself. This is critical as your husband's disease progresses and he becomes unable to be your advocate should you need help.

That said, the best device is the one you will actually use. The pendants are very functional but IME, you have to be diligent about wearing them. My mom got one after sharing a hospital room with a woman who fell through her porch floor and wasn't found for 3 days. It sat on her bedside table for a year before it moved to the dresser where it lived for another year. She was paying about $15/month for monitoring. There was always an excuse-- it ruined the look of her outfit, it's chain would harm her pearls, I'm just here in the house not doing anything dangerous. Bottom line? It screamed "old lady" in her mind (my mom is the little old lady who spends $$$ on clothing and "needs" a haircut monthly, YMMV) and she wasn't even going to wear it.

We did Apple Watch SE (cheapest model) with cellular; she and I both have Apple phones. It's been great. She's had a couple falls with it and the emergency protocol started. I was with her for 2 of them and was able to avert EMS showing up. I can also track where she is if I needed to.

HB

dancsfo

I agree that an unused device, not matter how functional, is almost useless. A cellular service assigned to the watch is important if you do not carry an iPhone all the time.

@harshedbuzz 's comments on having an Apple iPhone also is true.

It is still important for someone in the circle of caregivers (not just your DH, but anyone) to have an iPhone in order to use its "Find My" service to locate the person, receive alerts and configure the Apple Watch on a phone screen, as opposed to solely relying on using the small watch screen.

I found this article that summarizes many capabilities.

https://www.seniorsguide.com/senior-safety/apple-watch-for-seniors/

eaglemom

The Medic Alert bracelet is always a good option. They have some very nice bracelets now and even tags that clip onto certain watch bands. That is what both DH and I wear.

I appreciate the good information I learned here today.

eagle

SDianeL

Ditto on the Belle device. My husband gets care at the VA. When he could no longer use the phone or decide when to call for help, they gave us this device. We've used it once and it worked great. You can wear it around your neck or it has an optional belt clip. I just leave it on my desk with instructions for him to press the button if I am unable to. Insurance may cover it if you are housebound. https://islandmedalert.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Belle-LTE-mobile-medical-alert-user-guide-Island-Medical-Alert.pdf