The person I’m caring for has a disability, she needs support and needs to be able to call on that support if an emergency arises. She lives on her own and has a disability, as a family we want to support her independence and make sure she has the support she needs. This is absolutely the kind of device we have been looking for.
“Within seconds I’m speaking directly to her through the pendant as if I was talking to her through a phone”
Padraig O’Hora
Primary Carer
What feature of the Isaac Pendant do you value the most?
It’s the very fact that she can press a button and within seconds I’m speaking directly to her through the pendant as if I was talking to her through a phone, it’s a really strong feature.
What’s the biggest change you’ve found since you started using the Pendant?
I have confidence in the fact that if something happened, she has the ability to immediately contact me and to alert me to the fact she’s in trouble. It’s confidence inspiring to see that the Isaac Pendant two-way communication system does work, that’s the biggest thing for us.
“It’s confidence inspiring to see that the Isaac Pendant two-way communication system does work, that’s the biggest thing for us.”
Padraig O’Hora
Primary Carer
Star Rating
Ah sure It couldn’t be anything less, because it does everything I would want it to do it would have to be 5 stars.
Client Testimonial – Mary Matthews, Isaac Pendant User
What peaked your interest in the Isaac Pendant?
We have one of the traditional landline-based fall alarms out in the hall but it’s not very much good to me. So, when I heard that the pendant can be used outside the house, I thought I’d give that one a go.
*The Isaac Pendant uses a Sim-Card, like a mobile phone, so it can work anywhere in the world.
“I’m quite active and like being out and about so it’s great that it works outside of the house!”
Mary Matthews
Isaac pendant user
What feature of the Isaac Pendant do you value the most?
Oh, being able to bring it with me, I’m quite active and like being out and about so it’s great that it works outside of the house! At the moment I’m alone in the house so every night I have it up in the bedroom with me, it’s very handy, very handy if anything happens.
Is there anything more comfortable or confident doing now with the Pendant?
I bring my mobile phone everywhere with me, but the pendant is instant. If anything happens, I can just press the button and be instantly connected to my two daughters. It’s very fast at connecting.
**The Isaac Pendant works through the push of a button and by detecting a fall, allowing users who may be unable to press the button to send alerts and receive care.
“It’s very handy because it can alarm by itself or by the push of a button.”
Mary Matthews
Isaac Pendant User
Star Rating
5 out of 5, It’s very handy because it can alarm by itself or by the push of a button.
My mother is 80 and in very good health normally, but at Christmas she had a turn and ended up collapsing on the ground, nobody was around. She lives on her own and it was a very frightening experience, we started to worry, what if something worse did happen?
She recovered completely but that’s what started us thinking about getting a fall alarm.
“I’m not particularly tech savvy and I find it really easy to use. I love the zones and being able to see where she is on the map.”
Catherine Rogers
Primary carer
What feature of the Isaac Pendant do you value the most?
My mother is very active and walks everywhere. Before, I was only aware of fall alarms that work inside houses. The fact that this is a mobile fall alarm, and I can set GPS zones is very valuable to me.
Thankfully she hasn’t had to use the pendant, she’s healthy, she hasn’t had any falls or anything, so she hasn’t had to press the pendant looking for assistance. Knowing that it’s there and being able to see that she’s keeping her normal routine is the most valuable thing to us at the minute.
What’s the biggest change you’ve found since you started using the Isaac Pendant?
The pendant is very convenient, I can check if she’s ok without having to ring her. That’s the real change, you find you are depending on it a bit more than before.
“I‘m really delighted with it, it’s really providential”
Catherine Rogers
Primary carer
Star Rating
I’d give it a five-star rating, I’m really delighted with it, I’m not particularly tech savvy and I find it really easy to use. I love the zones and being able to see where she is on the map.
This September marks the 10th anniversary of World Alzheimer’s Month, a month that focuses on raising awareness of the risks and symptoms and challenging stigmas surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a degenerative brain condition, with 50-60% of all dementia cases presenting with Alzheimer’s.
Age is the most associated risk factor for Alzheimer’s, with dementia affecting 1 in 7 people aged 65-70. This figure rises to 1 in 5 people over 80. However, Alzheimer’s Disease International states it is important to note that dementia is not a ‘normal part of aging. Approximately 1 in 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease are under 65.
There are many innovative technology supports that can help those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s’ and dementia live an independent and fulfilled life, while giving their families peace of mind.
The Isaac Pendant has been developed to support those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The easy to use pendant allows the user to easily contact their nominated emergency contacts should they need help, no matter when or where they are. Our family caring app allows families to set up GPS zones and notifies the family of their exact location should they call for help.
It is important to take control of your own health and well being especially as we age. The Isaac Pendant allows you to do just that with access to 24/7 telehealth care it is not just another falls alarm. The pendant linked with the Isaac Care app tracks weight management has medication reminders and allows for you and your circles of care to view your vitals. All of which can assist in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Risk Factors
While aging, family history, and genetic predisposition are leading risk factors in developing Alzheimer’s and dementia there are 12 modifiable risk factors that studies show could delay 40% of cases.
Physical Inactivity
Social Isolation
Depression
Smoking
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Head Injuries
Diabetes
Obesity
Hypertension
Hearing Loss (undiagnosed/untreated)
Air Pollution
Less Education
The breakdown of percentage of reduction in developing dementia if these risk factors are eliminated, in Early Life, Mid Life and Later is:
Early Life – Less Education 7%
Mid Life – Hearing Loss 8%, Head Injury 3%, Hypertension 2%, Obesity 1%, Alcohol Consumption (>21 units per week) 1%.
Later Life – Smoking 5%, Depression 4%, Social Isolation 4%, Physical Inactivity 2%, Air Pollution 2%, Diabetes 1%.
Reducing the Risks
Adopting a healthy change in lifestyle can be a difficult task however small changes could potentially significantly reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
A leading factor in a number of health issues, not just Alzheimer’s and dementia is Physical inactivity.
Not only is regular physical activity good for the mind, balance, circulation, and motor skills, it can help with weight management, control high blood pressure. It can also decrease the risk of depression, lower the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Finding exercise or physical activity that works for you will make it easier to get into the routine of doing it regularly.
The WHO recommends that adults over the age of 65 should aim for 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity or 75minutes of vigorous aerobic activity once or twice a week.
Vigorous aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or playing sport may not be suited to everyone, however moderate aerobic activities like a short walk, gardening, water aerobics, even pushing a lawnmower are also extremely beneficial forms of physical activity and great starting points.
If you are someone who has been very sedentary then it is best to start with light forms of physical activity and gradually increase. For example: start with a short walk build to longer walks with higher inclines. Basically, some exercise or physical activity is better than nothing. Of course, always consult your GP before taking on any form of strenuous exercise.
Mental exercises are just as important as physical exercise. They keep cognitive decline at bay, which is a key risk factor in developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Challenging your brain with puzzles, crosswords and reading are great ways to stimulate your brain. They are forms of cognitive training that have been proven to lower the risk of MCI (mild cognitive impairment).
Social Isolation has impacted everyone due to COVID-19 restrictions. A lack of social interaction can lead to a decline in cognitive function, increase the risk of depression, and result in negative behavioural change, all of which are linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Social activities can be anything from joining a club, meeting friends, or revisiting a hobby you once had an interest in, even making the effort to chat with friends and family more often.
Getting back to socialising may be daunting, but The Isaac Pendant is available to offer you peace of mind that help is there 24/7 no matter when or where you are. The GPS geofencing zones mean you can regain your independence and take up hobbies that not only help you socialise but can exercise your mind.
For more information check out The Isaac Pendant Here.
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.
Giving you Peace of mind there is Help when you need it, wherever you need it.
Isaac Care are excited to announce that today, September 15th marks the launch of the innovative Isaac Pendant, a GPS enabled fall alarm that offers 24/7 support whenever and wherever it is needed.
The Isaac Pendant is the next generation of fall alarms. A discreet pendant that allows the user to call for help, whether at home or out and about. The pendant allows for two-way communication through the device itself, and links seamlessly with the Isaac Care app where friends/family members are notified of any alerts and can see the GPS location of the device.
Key Benefits
Easy to use: The pendant’s straightforward design is easy to use for all, especially for those with little to no technological knowledge.
Mobile: The pendant has no range limit; it works both in the home and when out and about.
GPS Location: It is easy to view the GPS location of any fall or SOS through the Isaac Care app where you can apply specific GPS Zones.
Two-way communication: In the event of a fall the user can speak to their emergency contacts or our dedicated team directly through the pendant itself.
Isaac Care App: The seamless integration with the Isaac care app allows the entire family to be notified of any fall/event, keeping everyone up to date.
No Set Up/Installation Required: The pendant is pre-configured so it is ready to use straight out of the box.
No landline needed: The pendant has a built-in sim card, meaning there is no need for a landline connection.
24/7 Support: Our team are on hand 24/7 to monitor and respond to alerts.
The Isaac Pendant works seamlessly with the Isaac Care App, a state-of-the-art family caring app which provides families and friends with the tools they need to effectively manage the users’ care from home. It is an easy-to-use communications platform which allows everyone involved in caring for the user to stay informed and involved in their care, through groups known as “Circles of Care.”
The Isaac Care app not only sends alerts to the family when a fall or SOS alert is raised, it also features a messaging feature, calendar management feature and a client profile. The Client profile allows the family to record vital signs, medication, and health records and to share this information with a wide group of stakeholders involved in the end users’ care.
Who is this suited for?
The Isaac Pendant allows the family/carers to set up geofencing zones, which alert the relevant people if the person wanders outside of certain areas, making it ideal for people caring for family members with dementia who may be at risk of wandering.
The Isaac Pendant is not just a solution for those deemed to be a “falls risk” however, it is ideal for people of all ages who are concerned about their wellbeing and safety at home or while out and about. We encourage our clients to live independent and active lifestyles, with the peace of mind that the Isaac Pendant and Care platform is there to help them when needed.
How much does it cost?
There are two pricing plans available:
All fall and SOS alerts routed directly to friends/family members for €24.99 monthly
Our trained team on hand 24/7 to monitor and respond to any fall/SOS alert for €34.99 monthly
What do our clients think?
To see what our clients have to say about the pendant, watch the short video linked here.
We all value an independent and active lifestyle, however as we age the risk of falling and losing some of that individuality increases. Unfortunately, the results of these falls, whether at home or outdoors, can lead to serious and sometimes life-changing injuries. At Isaac care it is our mission to empower our clients to live safely and independently, while also having peace of mind that care is on hand 24/7 should they need it.
Falls are becoming increasingly common in the aging community with 1 in 3 people aged 65+ and 1 in 2 aged 80+ suffering from a fall each year. After experiencing a fall, 66% will regrettably fall again within six months (according to the HSE).
Yearly Fall Statistics
While not all falls are a cause for concern, 20% will require medical attention, and 10% experience a serious injury such as a fracture or head injury that can lead to long-term care.
2-3% of all injured older people require hospital admission (over 7,000 each year). Their average length of hospital stay is 12.7 days.
Percentage of injuries as a result of falls at home
It is important to look at the key factors that lead to these falls and ways in which to further prevent them.
MyHomecare, Isaac’s care partner, explains, “Confined home environments for people can lead to those individuals with mobility and balance impairments, such as Parkinson’s and dementia, to experience falls. The decline in physical activity, loneliness, and lack of vitamin D are also consequences of social isolation, resulting in an increased risk of falls in our aging population.”
The most common location for falls in the elderly is the home, with 60% of reported falls, and outside of the home following closely behind with 30% of reported falls.
MyHomecare highlights some key fall risks, such as limitations in mobility, the undertaking of daily activities without accurate support, and polypharmacy, which is the concurrent use of multiple medications; “Those who are taking more than four different types of medication have been shown to be at an increased risk of falling”
“Environmental hazards such as loose-fitting rugs, uneven floors, inadequate lighting, and stairs without supporting handrails are also risks.”
Key Fall Risk Factors
In people aged 65+, an active lifestyle is encouraged to reduce loss of muscle mass, maintain coordination, and improve cognitive function. Often after the first fall, a person’s confidence is knocked leading them to become fearful of leaving the home, lose mobility and limit their activity, unfortunately, these responses are also a leading cause of reoccurring falls.
It can be daunting to partake in activities and hobbies such as walking, fishing, golf, and gardening especially after experiencing a fall. Walking is a great way to get moving and enjoy the outdoors however it makes up 50% of outdoor falls with 11% a result of trips on curbs/footpaths.
Here at Isaac, we help people to get back to their hobbies and regain their independence through our GPS tracking which is a defining factor that sets us apart from our competitors.
The GPS locator offers peace of mind that whether you are walking, golfing, or simply out having a coffee with friends, your wellbeing is being looked after.
No one wants to lose their independence, no one wants to give up their hobbies and no one wants to suffer from a fall or serious injury alone.
Simple prevention methods, such as wearing the correct eyewear, good lighting, correct footwear, non-slip rugs, support rails, keeping active, and investing in fall assist technology can ensure our loved ones avoid difficult falls.
It is also important to ensure those most susceptible to falls are informed and empowered to take control of their surroundings and take back their independence, with the support of a dedicated health care team, family, and friends.
Fall Prevention Tips
Isaac’s Pendant offers 24/7 telecare and the full support of one of Ireland’s leading home care companies, MyHomecare, who are on hand to step in with in person care where needed.
MyHomecare states that “We can detect whether the person is at risk, due to the trend in key measurements recorded on Isaac’s remote health management app. The Isaac App allows family members, neighbours, friends, and other voluntary carers to participate in a circle of care for an individual.”
By implementing these changes, it can reduce these statistics, hospital admissions, and severity of injury, but most of all it can ensure our loved ones can get back to living an active independent, and fulfilled life.
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.
Living safely and independently at home for longer
Editorial on Isaactaken from the July/August issue of the Senior Times
We live in an age where most seniors don’t want to move into retirement or nursing homes. In fact, over 93 per cent of seniors say they want to age in the comfort of their own homes. This had led to a growing market in the technology supported care space. It is revolutionising the way people are cared for at home.
Most recently, one of Ireland’s leading home care companies, Myhomecare (a sister company of Servisource), introduced their latest service “Isaac Care” to the market. It focuses on using ambient assistive technology to empower people to live safely and independently at home for longer. Building on over 10 years’ experience in providing high quality homecare services, this unique solution has brought innovative telecare to the Irish market. The solution itself combines a family caring app with a range of assistive technology devices and support services, forming a complete independent living solution. The innovative solution is being rolled out to homes across Ireland, enabling people to effectively manage their own or their loved one’s health, from the comfort of their own home.
The game changer here is the solution is fully supported by MyHomecare. This means they can step in and provide in person care to service users if needed, for as long as needed, until they are back on their feet. This bridges the gap between technology and care, in order to provide a complete solution.
The Isaac Care team design bespoke packages tailored to the individual’s need. Their services include a 24/7 call centre, remote monitoring of vital signs, homecare services, and a first responder service. These services support their technology offering which include smart ambient motion sensors, a GPS enabled falls device called the “Isaac Pendant” and vital monitoring devices including blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, weighing scales and blood glucometers. One of its key strengths are all their devices are fully pre-configured and work straight out of the box with no need for an installation team. Their devices are built with simplicity in mind, so anybody, regardless of their technological capabilities can use them.
All information from their devices is transferred into their user-friendly family caring app, where information can be shared with circles of care. The Isaac Care app allows families to easily manage care through a simple messaging feature, calendar management, and allows each user to input their medical history, meaning all their important information is always on hand and stored in one secure place.
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.
