2010 was a very hard year for my family. It was the year my beloved Grandma (my husband’s grandma, but she was as much my grandma too) took a nasty spill down the steps and ultimately ended up dying. She was 92 and lived a healthy/beautiful life but we knew the end was coming soon for her. While she was showing signs of physically slowing down, I never would in a million years, think she would have died the way she did.
Recently, I heard a lot a medical alert system from Alert-1 that would have been so useful had I heard about it two years ago. Basically, it is a system that alerts medical professionals when emergencies arise in the older population. Had she have had this, the ambulance might have been able to reach her in time. I try not to dwell on this, but it is hard not to, knowing she might have not died in the way she did, if she was able to get help.
While ultimately she is in a happier place now and I know looking down on us, I still go back to that night, and how truly tragic it was. I try not to think how scared she was when she took that big unexpected leap down the basement stairs. I try to tell myself, that she did not feel anything and died peacefully. I truly in my mind, hope this is true!
I plan to make sure people know medical alert monitoring that is available from Alert-1. With the Alert-1 monitoring system, help is always available at the push of a button. An alarm is sounded to an emergency response center, and help is sent right away. They will stay on the line with the person until medical responders actually arrives at their house. It enables older people to live safety and happily in the confines of their home.
While I know this might have not saved my grandma, I do know that I will certainly be looking into this option when my elders are living alone, without axillary help. I think it is a great product that could help many along their way to the older years.
We miss you everyday Grandma and love you dearly!
*This is a partnered post. As always, all my opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.
Such an amazing product! My ‘Grandmother’ fell several years back. She had a cell phone that she was supposed to carry on herself to call for help in situations like this but it happened to be on the charger that day. She was living alone at the time and lay on the floor of her house for 2 days before someone found her. She had a hair appointment scheduled with a friend of ours and didn’t show for it. She got concerned and sent her husband to check on her. Thankfully, she survived. She was badly dehydrated and had to endure weeks of physical thereapy to recover but was alive. This device would have provided her with more immediate care. I’m definitally going to have to check into this as my family continues to age and live independently. Thanks for sharing!
What a story! I am so glad she is Okay!!! You should definitely look into it. I wish it was around for my grammy:(
What a great service! I could use for my Mom, or could have used it awhile ago. Maybe I can still use it for her at her retirement home. Love it.
I am sooooo sorry! 🙁
These are the real issues we need to think long and hard about!
I am so sorry. *hugs*
I work full-time in a Skilled Nursing & Rehab facility. 1 fall can make a dramatic negative impact on someone’s life. I hope more products like this become available to them, so seniors can live at home & with loved ones vs broken hips or worse. Great post!
as a healthcare professional I know first hand how these types of products can have a positive effect for those that use them–thanks for bringing awareness to the topic