Author: Carol Kavanagh
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Elderly Fall Alarm
As our beloved family members age and look to maintain an independent lifestyle for longer, it may cause some worries about their health and wellbeing. Fall alarms can offer families peace of mind that their loved ones are being looked after while at home or out and about. With so many products on the market designed to promote safety, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. However, with some research into the available options, families can be well-equipped to make an informed decision that’s best for everyone. It is important to be aware of the following factors to consider when choosing an elderly fall alarm for your loved one.
Did You Know?
One in three older people fall every year and
two-thirds fall again within six months.
Features on Offer
It is vital to consider the features of the product being offered. These can make all the difference in preventing an accident and the time it can take for support to arrive. Some questions to ask the provider are:
These questions are crucial as accidents can happen at any time in the day or night. By choosing one with the right features, you can provide the care needed for your loved one while also giving them the freedom and independence to live safely on their own.
Isaac Care uses a unique blend of care and assistive technology with the Isaac Fall Alarm. It has a range of features that give you the reassurance your loved one is being looked after. We provide the tools and support people need to access high quality care from the comfort of their own homes.
Isaac Fall Alarm Features
• GPS.
• 24/7 support.
• Easy set up.
• 3 emergency contacts.
• Discreet and lightweight.
Ease of Use
When selecting an alarm, it’s crucial to consider its ease of use. Your elderly loved one may not have the technological know-how to operate a complicated device. That’s why an alarm that’s simple to use is the best option. The easier it is to operate, the more likely it will be used in an emergency. An accident can happen at any time, so choosing one that is straightforward could make all the difference in preventing a serious injury.
With our Isaac Fall Alarm, there is no set up required or any need for installation. When it is purchased, the buyer will receive an application form by email which captures the details of the person using the device and the emergency contacts.
It will then be pre-configured and sent out by courier. When the Isaac Fall Alarm is received it only needs to be turned on. A nice, easy process for everyone involved.
Reliablility
A product that is prone to malfunctioning or providing false alarms can lead to unnecessary panic and even a loss of trust. By providing a constant sense of security, a reliable alarm can give both you and your elderly loved one peace of mind and can make a world of difference in keeping your loved one safe.
With the Isaac Fall Alarm, we designed it with a sense of trust in mind. When the battery is running low, there is a voice prompt to charge it. This means you never have to worry about it running out unexpectedly. The device requires charging every 4-5 days and it has an in-built accelerometer which can detect the impact of a fall, giving you the reassurance that it knows when one occurs.
We recommend pressing the alarm button for help in all eventualities, leading to emergency services or your circle of care contacts. This allows multiple family members to stay involved and to be kept up to date with instant in app notifications.
It is important to remember that each person and situation is unique when it comes to choosing the correct product. Care should be taken to ensure that the right one matches the specific needs of your loved one, whether it is for recovery, long-term care, or at-home assistance.
If you’re considering one, take time to assess your circumstances and consult with professionals when needed. It is vital to have the right people available and ready to help, which is exactly what Isaac Care provides with our dedicated team ready to assist, support and provide peace of mind for families and their loved ones.
Get in Touch
Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.
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How to Talk to Your Loved One About Falls
Fall prevention is an important topic for elderly individuals and their family members. As our loved ones age, they are more prone to them for many different reasons. The consequences of this can be severe and debilitating, and injuries can include broken bones, head injuries, and loss of independence. They can also lead to a sense of fear and a depletion of confidence, which can affect their daily activities and overall quality of life. This is why it is important to know how to talk to your loved one about falls.
They can occur for a number of different reasons, such as:
It is important to have this conversation early and not wait until something serious occurs. It is better to take proactive measures. According to statistics, these kinds of accidents are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. According to the HSE, it is estimated that one in every three people over the age of 65 years and one in two people over the age of 80 years, fall every year.
They can lead to serious injury and it is important that family members speak to their loved one about how they can be prevented and the potential risks associated with them. It can be difficult to have this conversation, however, at Isaac Care, we want to provide you with some practical strategies on how you can start an open conversation about it with your elderly loved one.
1. Understand and empathise with your loved one
Placing yourself in the shoes of your elderly loved one can help you empathise with their situation and how difficult it may be for them to speak openly about their susceptibility to these kinds of accidents. Being aware of the importance of using an empathetic tone when broaching the subject is key. Having a frank but caring discussion can help ensure that they understand why you are raising this issue.
Respect their wishes and make sure your loved one feels comfortable discussing their concerns and what would work best around their life situation. Showing care and concern while being honest and direct will help create an open dialogue between you and your loved one as you both work towards the same goal.
Make sure to speak to them in the following ways:
2. Emphasise the importance of preventative measures
Emphasising the importance of prevention is essential. By displaying certain statistics, like the ones in this blog, your elderly loved one will know just how serious this subject matter is. Family members can also demonstrate their willingness to help and can play a vital role in making sure the home is safe by monitoring changes in their physical and/or mental health.
Check lists can be created which allows them to tick off items and ensure that the house is safe each day. Have any spills been wiped up? Are any rugs out of place? Are all the lights plugged in in preparation for night time? Is their walker or crutch on hand in case they need to go to the bathroom in a hurry? All of these questions are vital and can be added to a post-it note and placed somewhere where they can see it each day, such as the refrigerator.
Did You Know?
Every year 10% of older people need
treatment following an injury. Falls cause
75% of these injuries.
3. Get them involved in prevention strategies
It is important to sit down with your loved one and discuss with them some strategies to put in place. Setting realistic goals with them in their own environment can be very beneficial. By setting realistic goals, you are making sure any prevention strategies will actually be carried out in the correct way. If it is too difficult for them, it should not be part of the strategy.
An example of a difficult goal is to tell them to avoid reaching up to high shelves, even though their plates and cups are placed here. A realistic goal would be to move them into a lower place so they are easily reached and therefore any accidents are avoided.
Prevention Strategies:
1. Clean up any liquid spills immediately.
2. Make sure areas are well lit with proper lighting.
3. Reduce any medication that may cause drowsiness.
4. Install and advise them to use safety grab bars and other assistive devices around the house, especially in the bathroom.
The Isaac Fall Alarm
This alarm is here to alert family members and friends if a fall occurs. It is a smart, easy to use, personal alarm which offers reassurance that your loved one can instantly access help whenever they need it.
It is ideal for people of all ages and their family members who are concerned about their wellbeing and safety both at home and while out and about.
If you are concerned your loved one is at risk, talking to them and making it clear that you want them to remain safe is important. It is also essential to take all of the necessary steps for prevention and with the right information, families can help their loved ones live safely and independently in their own homes as they age.
Get in Touch
Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you in any way. Contact us on (042) 936 8391 or fill in your details in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.
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