I keep thinking "what will happen if something happens to me at home" since Mom has no idea how to use a phone. Or if I am out and something happens that I can't get home or notify someone that she is home alone. We can leave her for a little bit to go to the store or something if we leave her a note stating where we went. If I am unconscious or have an accident and was unresponsive, someone would need to get in contact with other family members to let them know she's home or at her adult day program.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Please contact (your nominated emergency contact person) on (telephone number).
Please notify (probably your local Sheriff's department, Adult Protective Services or similar responsible authority) that my dependant (name of dependent person) will need immediate support.
You can add an address if you like, but bear in mind that anyone might pick your wallet up. Phone numbers are safer.
Write down all emergency ph numbers and things that should be done and give a copy to whomever you trust to do your wishes. Maybe to your next door neighbor.
You could always instate where you call someone every day at the same time and if they don't hear from you they can call the Police to do a Well Check.
You yourself can wear a necklace where you can push a button to call for help.
You could also keep a note in your billfold stuck with your Dr License stating to chk on your mom at home if something happens to you.
Hide a house key outside in case of an emergency.
Install a camera so you can keep a watch on her 24 7 while you are away.
The wallet card indicated there were medical concerns. My grandfather had lung cancer. The sticker on the fridge indicated that there was more information in the fridge freezer. Plus contact numbers.
The container in the freezer had more information, lists of medications, family contacts, medical history.
Notify a friend or family member when you must leave her alone. If no one can come and stay with her then at the very least promise them that you will call when you arrive back home. Make sure you call or this strategy will be like “calling wolf”. If you don’t call (because something has happened) they should be ready to activate whatever emergency plan you agree on.
Try not to leave her home alone - not a good idea. I know - easier said than done.
you may want to look in your area for an adult daycare center, perhaps one of your local churches has a senior center that mom could participate in, or into some private duty home health care companions to be with mom and do some activities with her. Being alone can cause anxiety and depression. The more stimulated mom can be, the less agitated, or anxious she can become when you are not available. You also want to look throughout the home to make sure it is safe for her, no tripping hazards, and sit down and write down your concerns, and your options that are available to you. Reach out to local Alzheimer’s and dementia centers, the Alzheimer’s Association, your local office for aging, and any other senior support services in your area to assist you. Looking at options will help to ease your anxiety about mom being alone as well.Not one person can alone take care of their aging parents. Utilize whatever services are available to you. Wishing you the best!
So far, that's the best solution I've come up with, but I'm also looking for ideas. My father does not know how to make calls anymore either. I know there is a large sized phone for the elderly which has pictures on speed dial positions. I think that 911 could be programmed in. I'm going to search Amazon. Thanks for starting this thread. It is an important topic.
It might also be a good idea to consider that somebody needs to be with your mom 24/7 - even for short absences.
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