Medalert devices for falls in home -- anything new?
September 13, 2022 10:42 PM Subscribe
So today while transferring groceries to my refrigerator/freezer I took another epic fall. The back of my head smashed into one of the open refrigerator/freezer doors and I hit the hardwood floor.
I spent the next three hours and 20 minutes attempting to MacGyver my way to a standing position and failed miserably. My cell phone unfortunately remained atop the kitchen counter completely out of reach.
I have MS and had triple bypass surgery. Also Ménière's /labyrinthitis. This may have caused the fall?
I tried to drag myself up on a stepstool. Dragged myself into the living area tried all sorts of things to get myself onto a chair, a sofa, a bed. No luck so I then dragged myself along the floor attempting to reach the front door of my apartment figuring I would crawl into the elevator and get to the lobby for help. About three hours into this (my apartment is less than 500 sq ft) I started yelling for help shouting my apartment number as well. No response.
Halfway to the front door I reached my landline and since I was exhausted to tears at that point I reluctantly dialed 911. Then I settled down on the floor on my back and stared at my ceiling. It needs painting. Not long after two really nice FDNY EMTs showed up, checked me over, advised me to go to the ER to check for concussion, I declined, they got me into a chair.
And it’s now apparent that I need one of those things to hang around my neck when I fall to call for help.
I know this has been discussed here in the past but I’m wondering if there’s any new technology you folks might have stumbled across (sorry, poor choice of words).
I am a mess of bruises, abrasions, muscle aches and possible concussion. I am usually good about having my cell on me. Not so today.
I don’t want to wear an Apple Watch my impression is that they are huge. So I guess I’m stuck with a lanyard attached to base unit? Any thoughts and links would be greatly appreciated.
I tried to drag myself up on a stepstool. Dragged myself into the living area tried all sorts of things to get myself onto a chair, a sofa, a bed. No luck so I then dragged myself along the floor attempting to reach the front door of my apartment figuring I would crawl into the elevator and get to the lobby for help. About three hours into this (my apartment is less than 500 sq ft) I started yelling for help shouting my apartment number as well. No response.
Halfway to the front door I reached my landline and since I was exhausted to tears at that point I reluctantly dialed 911. Then I settled down on the floor on my back and stared at my ceiling. It needs painting. Not long after two really nice FDNY EMTs showed up, checked me over, advised me to go to the ER to check for concussion, I declined, they got me into a chair.
And it’s now apparent that I need one of those things to hang around my neck when I fall to call for help.
I know this has been discussed here in the past but I’m wondering if there’s any new technology you folks might have stumbled across (sorry, poor choice of words).
I am a mess of bruises, abrasions, muscle aches and possible concussion. I am usually good about having my cell on me. Not so today.
I don’t want to wear an Apple Watch my impression is that they are huge. So I guess I’m stuck with a lanyard attached to base unit? Any thoughts and links would be greatly appreciated.
Most new phones are able to respond to voice commands without pressing a button by saying "Hey Siri" or "Hey Google" if set up to do so. You can also connect smart speakers (Apple HomePod/Google Home/Google Nest) that can cover other rooms and/or use better microphones instead of using the ones on your phone.
I dislike the technology otherwise but this is a specific use case that they are good for.
posted by meowzilla at 11:57 PM on September 13, 2022 [13 favorites]
I dislike the technology otherwise but this is a specific use case that they are good for.
posted by meowzilla at 11:57 PM on September 13, 2022 [13 favorites]
Would some kind of digital assistant work for you? An Alexa or Google device (or Siri I assume but I think that's only on the iPhone not on a stand alone device) could be set up to make calls by voice, although that won't help if you're unconscious.
As for medical devices, we had Lifestation for my parents which had both a call button and a fall alert system both of which worked for them. It was a pendant and they only wore it when one of them was alone in the house (which was relatively infrequent) or when one of them went for a walk about the neighborhood on their own. It's not small but it's not as bad as they used to be. Ours was the one that worked both inside and outside the home - the home system only device is slightly smaller. Depending on how discreet you want to be / what you can afford, they apparently now offer a "Luxury" button which is smaller and looks more like jewelry. I have no experience with that but it's an indicator that I think companies that offer this kind of service are more and more aware that people don't necessarily want a huge clunky thing.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly!
posted by macfly at 12:02 AM on September 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
As for medical devices, we had Lifestation for my parents which had both a call button and a fall alert system both of which worked for them. It was a pendant and they only wore it when one of them was alone in the house (which was relatively infrequent) or when one of them went for a walk about the neighborhood on their own. It's not small but it's not as bad as they used to be. Ours was the one that worked both inside and outside the home - the home system only device is slightly smaller. Depending on how discreet you want to be / what you can afford, they apparently now offer a "Luxury" button which is smaller and looks more like jewelry. I have no experience with that but it's an indicator that I think companies that offer this kind of service are more and more aware that people don't necessarily want a huge clunky thing.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly!
posted by macfly at 12:02 AM on September 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
Apple Watches are not as big or awkward as they look in photos, but if you don't need the wrist sensor Amazon has attachments that let them be worn as necklaces or like pocket watches.
posted by BinaryApe at 12:03 AM on September 14, 2022 [8 favorites]
posted by BinaryApe at 12:03 AM on September 14, 2022 [8 favorites]
There is always new stuff, but most of it is either made by starry eyed people new to the industry (motivated caregivers, student capstone projects that grow a bit more than typical, etc) and they are either way underbaked or re-inventing wheels in more expensive, less reliable ways. There is some legitimately cool stuff starting to show up at the institutional level that uses cameras and AI/Machine Learning to model the types of movements that can act as fall predictors and detectors, but that's not relevant to you unless you run a care home attached to a university or are very wealthy.
Is your concern with the Apple Watch that it might be too large/heavy? I don't personally work in with MS solutions (I focus on seniors), but my understanding is that even small reductions in weight can be very important to people living with MS.
The smallest (current) Apple Watch model is 41mm and weighs 32g, assuming you pick the aluminum one which is the lightest. There are definitely smaller/lighter medical alert watches so if that is the main sticking point then you should definitely look into them. I wonder if maybe BellPal would be a good fit for you? The watch face is a little smaller than the Apple Watch, but it is a fair amount lighter at 25g and you could probably switch the strap for an even lighter option than it comes with since they use a standard watch strap sizing. I have not personally tested the BellPal, but there has been a fair amount of talk in senior care around it because one thing that the current group of seniors *hate* is wearables that look like medical devices or confusing technology. The BellPal looks like a normal analog and so people that have been resistant to wearables previously are more inclined to actually use it. There may be lighter options than this one out there, but it was the lightest of the few that I checked when writing this comment.
You may want to visit an Apple Store and try out an Apple Watch or maybe ask if any friends have one that you can try wearing. Check to see how the weight and size feel before ruling it out. I personally think they are better than the dedicated medical versions. Subscription is just your regular phone bill, better GPS, proper phone capability, voice assistant/siri, and you can enable fall detection. So if you do fall that's three ways to potentially get help: automatic detection*, calling via the watch, and voice activation through siri. Plus you will end up using it for many other things, which can't be said for medical devices. That will help make it less of a chore to wear, which is often something that causes people to leave these types of devices behind whether out of forgetfulness, confidence, or vanity.
Apple is really eating the lunch of life alert type products, especially as boomers enter into the senior market that are already versed in iphones and such. The medical alert stuff is noticeably lower quality and the things they do innovate on, accommodating vision impairment, simple UI, etc. are a lot less important to people that don't struggle as much with technology or do not have aging related cognitive decline.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and a future free of falls.
*Please don't rely on this. Fall Detection is pretty hit or miss. It is great when it works, but it often doesn't detect "slow falls" or situations where someone gets out of a char and their legs kind of crumple or seize. There are actually a ton of different ways people fall and some of them are really hard to detect with smart watches or pendants.
posted by forbiddencabinet at 12:21 AM on September 14, 2022 [8 favorites]
Is your concern with the Apple Watch that it might be too large/heavy? I don't personally work in with MS solutions (I focus on seniors), but my understanding is that even small reductions in weight can be very important to people living with MS.
The smallest (current) Apple Watch model is 41mm and weighs 32g, assuming you pick the aluminum one which is the lightest. There are definitely smaller/lighter medical alert watches so if that is the main sticking point then you should definitely look into them. I wonder if maybe BellPal would be a good fit for you? The watch face is a little smaller than the Apple Watch, but it is a fair amount lighter at 25g and you could probably switch the strap for an even lighter option than it comes with since they use a standard watch strap sizing. I have not personally tested the BellPal, but there has been a fair amount of talk in senior care around it because one thing that the current group of seniors *hate* is wearables that look like medical devices or confusing technology. The BellPal looks like a normal analog and so people that have been resistant to wearables previously are more inclined to actually use it. There may be lighter options than this one out there, but it was the lightest of the few that I checked when writing this comment.
You may want to visit an Apple Store and try out an Apple Watch or maybe ask if any friends have one that you can try wearing. Check to see how the weight and size feel before ruling it out. I personally think they are better than the dedicated medical versions. Subscription is just your regular phone bill, better GPS, proper phone capability, voice assistant/siri, and you can enable fall detection. So if you do fall that's three ways to potentially get help: automatic detection*, calling via the watch, and voice activation through siri. Plus you will end up using it for many other things, which can't be said for medical devices. That will help make it less of a chore to wear, which is often something that causes people to leave these types of devices behind whether out of forgetfulness, confidence, or vanity.
Apple is really eating the lunch of life alert type products, especially as boomers enter into the senior market that are already versed in iphones and such. The medical alert stuff is noticeably lower quality and the things they do innovate on, accommodating vision impairment, simple UI, etc. are a lot less important to people that don't struggle as much with technology or do not have aging related cognitive decline.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and a future free of falls.
*Please don't rely on this. Fall Detection is pretty hit or miss. It is great when it works, but it often doesn't detect "slow falls" or situations where someone gets out of a char and their legs kind of crumple or seize. There are actually a ton of different ways people fall and some of them are really hard to detect with smart watches or pendants.
posted by forbiddencabinet at 12:21 AM on September 14, 2022 [8 favorites]
The smallest (current) Apple Watch model is 41mm and weighs 32g, assuming you pick the aluminum one which is the lightest.
Apple altered its lineup with this week's release of their new watches. Their lightest model is now the 40mm SE at 26.4g.
It is also their cheapest at $249 (USD).
Last year, their cheapest model was the troubled Series 3 - - this year's SE has the latest Apple S8 chip (same as the new Ultra) and the same Fall Detection sensor. Compared to the new Apple Watch Series 8, it omits the ECG, blood oxygen, and always-on display.
posted by fairmettle at 1:07 AM on September 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
Apple altered its lineup with this week's release of their new watches. Their lightest model is now the 40mm SE at 26.4g.
It is also their cheapest at $249 (USD).
Last year, their cheapest model was the troubled Series 3 - - this year's SE has the latest Apple S8 chip (same as the new Ultra) and the same Fall Detection sensor. Compared to the new Apple Watch Series 8, it omits the ECG, blood oxygen, and always-on display.
posted by fairmettle at 1:07 AM on September 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks to each of you so far for links, thoughtful comments and well wishes. Much appreciated.
I should have mentioned that I will be 70 years old in a few months. After a substantial weight loss during the pandemic I have become what my physician calls "frail." I am starting to feel that, and I hate it.
My introduction to the Apple watch was several years ago when a friend bought a first gen clunky white plastic thing that had phone/email you name it -- so ugly. Things have improved?
I don' really want to wear a lanyard, they are still using that awful commercial from the 1970's "I've fallen and I can't get up!" On the other hand, that has been me, several times of late. A very helpless feeling.
Still reading, more suggestions welcome, and thank you as always for your kindness.
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 6:55 AM on September 14, 2022 [7 favorites]
I should have mentioned that I will be 70 years old in a few months. After a substantial weight loss during the pandemic I have become what my physician calls "frail." I am starting to feel that, and I hate it.
My introduction to the Apple watch was several years ago when a friend bought a first gen clunky white plastic thing that had phone/email you name it -- so ugly. Things have improved?
I don' really want to wear a lanyard, they are still using that awful commercial from the 1970's "I've fallen and I can't get up!" On the other hand, that has been me, several times of late. A very helpless feeling.
Still reading, more suggestions welcome, and thank you as always for your kindness.
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 6:55 AM on September 14, 2022 [7 favorites]
We used bay alarm medical when my dad was in this situation. It has options for buttons and lanyards. If you hit the button someone comes on to ask if you are okay and then goes through a series of things - calling family or 911 or whatever. We used it in conjunction with a camera so we could check to see if dad was okay. (We used wyze for that). It was reasonably priced, worked well, had good customer service, and since I accidentally set it off once when setting it up I can tell you that the police respond! Five stars would use again.
posted by dpx.mfx at 7:00 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by dpx.mfx at 7:00 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
My FIL just agreed to an Apple Watch with the fall detection. He's 86, and wobbly. He resisted for a long time for similar reasons (ugly, clunky etc) but he's charmed by the whole thing now. To the point that he only answers the phone on his watch now. He just likes the security of being able to call when he needs to.
posted by Ftsqg at 7:39 AM on September 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by Ftsqg at 7:39 AM on September 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
I'm a woman with relatively small wrists/hands, and my AW (the smaller size, now a couple of generations old) doesn't look at all clunky. You also have a zillion options for bands and watch cases, though some cost more than others.
My mom got an AW because she lives alone and she looooooooves it. An unexpected plus for her is that she can use it to find her phone by making it ping.
posted by praemunire at 7:41 AM on September 14, 2022 [4 favorites]
My mom got an AW because she lives alone and she looooooooves it. An unexpected plus for her is that she can use it to find her phone by making it ping.
posted by praemunire at 7:41 AM on September 14, 2022 [4 favorites]
I'm yet another person here saying get an Apple Watch. The watch bezel itself has a bunch of color options, and there are a million band options, whether through Apple or another seller. You'll be able to find a combo you like for sure.
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:49 AM on September 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:49 AM on September 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
I got my mother a Philips Lifeline system and it's been reliable and good enough that I can recommend it to others. Yes, there is a lanyard, but you can just let it hang under/inside a shirt, so depending on the clothes you wear, it may not even be visible to other people. The unit my mother has is tied to a base station and won't work inside or near the house, but I just saw on their website that there is a mobile version with GPS now which seems to work anywhere.
Regarding the Apple watch: "clunky and ugly" is of course in the eyes of the beholder, but as others have mentioned, the modern ones (including the new SE mentioned upthread) come in a number of materials (including metal), colors, and wristband material/color choices, so it may be possible to find something more appealing. The SE is the smallest and lightest model available, but it's worth noting that it lacks some of the health-related features of the next-largest model, notably the ECG monitor.
Also, while I can't speak to the SE or the new Series 8, I do have a Series 7 myself, and I find I can't get the battery to last a full 24 hours. Now, I use it for sleep monitoring at night and timers and exercise and other things during the day, so maybe I'm using more power than you would if you had the watch, but I would still assume that you will have to charge it daily, which may or may not be an important consideration for you. (So, for example, if you don't use it for sleep monitoring, then the problem is easily solved by letting it charge overnight at your bedside, but if you also want to use it for sleep monitoring, then you have to come up with a scheme whereby you will take it off and let it sit and recharge for a time during the day—and it won't be monitoring you for falls during that time.)
I'm sorry this has happened to you and you are in this situation. (Honestly, I'm in awe of your superhuman willpower and constitution, because if I went through the health issues that you have, I'd have given up long ago.)
posted by StrawberryPie at 8:20 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Regarding the Apple watch: "clunky and ugly" is of course in the eyes of the beholder, but as others have mentioned, the modern ones (including the new SE mentioned upthread) come in a number of materials (including metal), colors, and wristband material/color choices, so it may be possible to find something more appealing. The SE is the smallest and lightest model available, but it's worth noting that it lacks some of the health-related features of the next-largest model, notably the ECG monitor.
Also, while I can't speak to the SE or the new Series 8, I do have a Series 7 myself, and I find I can't get the battery to last a full 24 hours. Now, I use it for sleep monitoring at night and timers and exercise and other things during the day, so maybe I'm using more power than you would if you had the watch, but I would still assume that you will have to charge it daily, which may or may not be an important consideration for you. (So, for example, if you don't use it for sleep monitoring, then the problem is easily solved by letting it charge overnight at your bedside, but if you also want to use it for sleep monitoring, then you have to come up with a scheme whereby you will take it off and let it sit and recharge for a time during the day—and it won't be monitoring you for falls during that time.)
I'm sorry this has happened to you and you are in this situation. (Honestly, I'm in awe of your superhuman willpower and constitution, because if I went through the health issues that you have, I'd have given up long ago.)
posted by StrawberryPie at 8:20 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
I just bought an Amazon Echo Dot for $50. It sits on my kitchen counter which happens to be the geographic center of the house. I can yell at it from any room and it catches my voice. No need to wear it around my neck.
When you're out of the house your phone can act as an extension of it, and you can yell at your phone instead. (You don't need an Alexa to yell things at your phone and make it do things, because Siri and Google work great too, but I'm saying this just in case you prefer all your voice assistanting to happen on the same platform.) Again, no need to wear it around your neck.
It is capable of making phone calls using my Android phone if I yell "Alexa call ______" (and it can also be set up to work with iphones etc. too). It also does a great number of other nifty things like start timers with a voice command, give me reminders that I can set up with a voice command, start a pre-set routine I have created to take me through the morning without forgetting shit, etc.
posted by MiraK at 8:23 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
When you're out of the house your phone can act as an extension of it, and you can yell at your phone instead. (You don't need an Alexa to yell things at your phone and make it do things, because Siri and Google work great too, but I'm saying this just in case you prefer all your voice assistanting to happen on the same platform.) Again, no need to wear it around your neck.
It is capable of making phone calls using my Android phone if I yell "Alexa call ______" (and it can also be set up to work with iphones etc. too). It also does a great number of other nifty things like start timers with a voice command, give me reminders that I can set up with a voice command, start a pre-set routine I have created to take me through the morning without forgetting shit, etc.
posted by MiraK at 8:23 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
If it helps to have a non-commercial photo, this is what my 40 mm Series 6 Apple Watch looks like on my wrist as a 5’2” woman. Ymmv on how ugly you think it is, but to my eye at least the size doesn’t seem clunky. (And you can absolutely get a non-plastic band.)
Maybe I’m biased because I clearly have one already, but I would personally find a watch much less intrusive than a lanyard. You can also make the faces and menu very simple if that’s what you desire.
In addition, it has the added benefit of being able to call anyone by phone, not only emergency services.
posted by CtrlAltDelete at 8:26 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Maybe I’m biased because I clearly have one already, but I would personally find a watch much less intrusive than a lanyard. You can also make the faces and menu very simple if that’s what you desire.
In addition, it has the added benefit of being able to call anyone by phone, not only emergency services.
posted by CtrlAltDelete at 8:26 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
My mom, who is old, lives alone, and is unsteady on her feet, went through the same thought process as you and landed on an Apple Watch after considering various "I've fallen and I can't get up" specialty products. She already had an iPhone, which makes it easier.
In your case, the watch has two key features: fall detection (with automatic emergency notification that you would need to manually override—"It looks like you've fallen, I'm going to contact emergency services unless you stop me"), and making calls directly from the watch, which you can do by voice. Not all Apple Watches have built-in cellular, but if you have an iPhone, watches without cellular can make calls via your phone as long as its reasonably nearby (not sure what the range is, but I assume it is wifi range of about 50 meters). The just-released version 8 also has car-crash detection.
posted by adamrice at 8:29 AM on September 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
In your case, the watch has two key features: fall detection (with automatic emergency notification that you would need to manually override—"It looks like you've fallen, I'm going to contact emergency services unless you stop me"), and making calls directly from the watch, which you can do by voice. Not all Apple Watches have built-in cellular, but if you have an iPhone, watches without cellular can make calls via your phone as long as its reasonably nearby (not sure what the range is, but I assume it is wifi range of about 50 meters). The just-released version 8 also has car-crash detection.
posted by adamrice at 8:29 AM on September 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
I have an older family member who uses a lanyard alert from Medical Guardian for this purpose. She isn't big on learning new tech (neither icon interfaces nor voice commands) and the dedicated system just has a single button to press, very easy. It's a monthly expense but if you press the button you immediately reach a human being; it works for her. We wanted something she would wear in the shower -- one of the times when you're most likely to want it but not have it within reach. I think they have a wristwatch-style option as well as a lanyard option and I think they both can go in the shower.
Also she wears a utility vest with a lot of pockets to make it easier to always have her cellphone with her around the house.
posted by LobsterMitten at 8:34 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Also she wears a utility vest with a lot of pockets to make it easier to always have her cellphone with her around the house.
posted by LobsterMitten at 8:34 AM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
My mom has the Jitterbug Lively Mobile +. She doesn't have an iphone so an Apple watch wasn't the easiest option. She likes that it runs off cell service so there's no base station (she can take it out of the house or anywhere else with no problem). It's waterproof so she can wear it in the shower or out working in the yard, and it has a belt clip so she can clip it to her pocket or whatever as well as use the darn lanyard when showering. It can go three or so days on a charge, and she charges it while sitting in her recliner so she can just pick it up and go. The device is cheap compared to other options and the service is around $20/month, I think.
As a daughter I like that the Lively gives her options besides just calling 911 as the Apple Watch does--her button goes to a Lively dispatcher and if she's able to communicate after her fall, or if she pushes the button for another reason, they can help figure out the best next step. It also sends a push notification to my dad via an app on his phone. You can also add the Lively service to an Alexa or Apple Watch.
It's definitely more clunky than an Apple watch, though since she doesn't have an iPhone it wouldn't have been the easiest option anyway.
posted by assenav at 8:45 AM on September 14, 2022
As a daughter I like that the Lively gives her options besides just calling 911 as the Apple Watch does--her button goes to a Lively dispatcher and if she's able to communicate after her fall, or if she pushes the button for another reason, they can help figure out the best next step. It also sends a push notification to my dad via an app on his phone. You can also add the Lively service to an Alexa or Apple Watch.
It's definitely more clunky than an Apple watch, though since she doesn't have an iPhone it wouldn't have been the easiest option anyway.
posted by assenav at 8:45 AM on September 14, 2022
Low tech solution- maybe a whistle around your neck or pinned into your pocket? (And tell neighbours what it means if they hear it)
posted by nouvelle-personne at 8:48 AM on September 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by nouvelle-personne at 8:48 AM on September 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
I had a bout of very scary AFib and intermittent heart/oxygen level stuff. Having the data from my Apple Watch 100% changed the care I received for the better. The kind that can do an EKG is something that I recommend to everyone who is a woman or has other reasons that doctors may not take them seriously. I have wee little wrists and wore children’s watches before this. It is bigger than I was used to, but I adjusted pretty quickly and honestly I don’t think it’s noticeable anymore. I never ever thought I would be into a wearable, but the difference it has made in my life is really miraculous. The fall detection works and having a phone on my wrist at all times has really saved my bacon.
posted by Bottlecap at 9:00 AM on September 14, 2022 [6 favorites]
posted by Bottlecap at 9:00 AM on September 14, 2022 [6 favorites]
Thank you for this! I'm sorry you had to suffer to get here but I'm well over 70 and live alone. I'm not frail but this whole q and all the great answers now has me setting up my own emergency system because I know my cellphone is going to be out of reach when something happens. These answers are giving me great options and suggestions. I hope you find your own solution but thanks ever so much for giving me mine!
posted by susandennis at 9:12 AM on September 14, 2022 [9 favorites]
posted by susandennis at 9:12 AM on September 14, 2022 [9 favorites]
Additional info relevant to the Apple Watch: by some weird cosmic coincidence, Lifehacker has an article today about How to Make Your Apple Watch Last for Days on a Single Charge.
posted by StrawberryPie at 10:14 AM on September 14, 2022
posted by StrawberryPie at 10:14 AM on September 14, 2022
Ugh, so sorry to hear about your fall!
An Alexa device or Google home device, something in that arena, would have been great for something like this -- a fall that leaves you conscious and coherent. You can shout at it to call for emergency services or to call a family member, neighbor, building attendant, friend, whoever you have in your contacts.
But I agree that an Apple Watch with fall detection sounds like the better option (or a very good additional option) for your situation. The good thing about an Apple Watch with fall detection is that it can help you even if your fall leaves you unconscious or groggy. If it detects a fall, it will ask you if you want to call emergency services; and if you aren't moving or can't respond, it will make the call automatically.
Can confirm that the Apple Watch has come along way from its white clunky-chunky beginnings. I wouldn't call them delicate by any means, but there are many very attractive versions you can buy now, at varying price points. And (in case you're having any pain/motor issues with your hands) you can get what Apple calls a "solo loop" band that just stretches - you don't have to work a clasp or anything to take it off and put it on.
posted by invincible summer at 10:38 AM on September 14, 2022
An Alexa device or Google home device, something in that arena, would have been great for something like this -- a fall that leaves you conscious and coherent. You can shout at it to call for emergency services or to call a family member, neighbor, building attendant, friend, whoever you have in your contacts.
But I agree that an Apple Watch with fall detection sounds like the better option (or a very good additional option) for your situation. The good thing about an Apple Watch with fall detection is that it can help you even if your fall leaves you unconscious or groggy. If it detects a fall, it will ask you if you want to call emergency services; and if you aren't moving or can't respond, it will make the call automatically.
Can confirm that the Apple Watch has come along way from its white clunky-chunky beginnings. I wouldn't call them delicate by any means, but there are many very attractive versions you can buy now, at varying price points. And (in case you're having any pain/motor issues with your hands) you can get what Apple calls a "solo loop" band that just stretches - you don't have to work a clasp or anything to take it off and put it on.
posted by invincible summer at 10:38 AM on September 14, 2022
Get an Apple Watch. They literally have crash/fall detection.
I promise you, no one will notice it. They are so ubiquitous. It’s slightly larger than a regular watch, you can pick whatever bands you want. You can go to a store and check them out in person or you can return it if you hate it. Sometimes we have to set aside aesthetics for function, like wearing a helmet. But literally no one is going to care but you. Or you may be compliments too if you get a cool band!
posted by Crystalinne at 10:54 AM on September 14, 2022
I promise you, no one will notice it. They are so ubiquitous. It’s slightly larger than a regular watch, you can pick whatever bands you want. You can go to a store and check them out in person or you can return it if you hate it. Sometimes we have to set aside aesthetics for function, like wearing a helmet. But literally no one is going to care but you. Or you may be compliments too if you get a cool band!
posted by Crystalinne at 10:54 AM on September 14, 2022
Most modern smartphones from Apple or run Android will respond to "Hey Siri, call 911" or "Hey Google, call 911" if it's within listening range.
Amazon Alexa devices cannot call 911, unless you add an "Echo Connect" device which can link Echo to a landline or VOIP line.
The simplest way, if you currently use an iPhone, would be an Apple Watch. You can get a refurb previous gen Apple Watch if cost is a concern. You will need Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Series 4 or later to get this feature. I've seen used Series 4's for under $150.
There's always "medical alert systems for seniors". But those usually runs on a subscription service, and requires a landline or VOIP line. Though some just go to a matching pager station, not to phone line.
posted by kschang at 12:45 PM on September 14, 2022
Amazon Alexa devices cannot call 911, unless you add an "Echo Connect" device which can link Echo to a landline or VOIP line.
The simplest way, if you currently use an iPhone, would be an Apple Watch. You can get a refurb previous gen Apple Watch if cost is a concern. You will need Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Series 4 or later to get this feature. I've seen used Series 4's for under $150.
There's always "medical alert systems for seniors". But those usually runs on a subscription service, and requires a landline or VOIP line. Though some just go to a matching pager station, not to phone line.
posted by kschang at 12:45 PM on September 14, 2022
Response by poster: Oh wow! Options beyond options!
I like the sleek Bellpal watch but that's a subscription service and only monitors falls -- which really is enough for my purposes, I am not a bells and whistles kind of person.
However you all are very persuasive about the iPhone watch, and I do have an iPhone 11 iOS 14.2
So they could share a phone # and sync in other ways -- but I do not want email or texts coming thru on my wrist! Have you ever sat thru lunch with someone taking calls/texts/emails on their Apple watch? I have, very Dick Tracy-ish! Not that I have had lunch with anyone in 2.5 years but my memory hasn't failed.
CtrAltDelete thank you for the photo! That was very helpful.
I keep ending up on the Apple page looking at the new SE. It's not even available yet!
I can barely walk around the apartment yet, even with my rollator, I hit the floor hard and I guess crawling and dragging myself around for 3+ hours did me no favors. It will take me a while to get into an uber and get to an Apple store. Maybe I should order online if they are exchangable? Then there is verizon to deal with.
Thank you again for your personal experiences and the investigative stuff you did for me. I hope all this updated info is helpful for others who might need it as well. susandennis I'm glad these answers helped you, and I hope you never need your emergency setup!
Thanks again for all your kindness and well wishes -- I know I will be back to "normal " in a few days and will pull this together, even more grateful for your help.
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 3:16 PM on September 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
I like the sleek Bellpal watch but that's a subscription service and only monitors falls -- which really is enough for my purposes, I am not a bells and whistles kind of person.
However you all are very persuasive about the iPhone watch, and I do have an iPhone 11 iOS 14.2
So they could share a phone # and sync in other ways -- but I do not want email or texts coming thru on my wrist! Have you ever sat thru lunch with someone taking calls/texts/emails on their Apple watch? I have, very Dick Tracy-ish! Not that I have had lunch with anyone in 2.5 years but my memory hasn't failed.
CtrAltDelete thank you for the photo! That was very helpful.
I keep ending up on the Apple page looking at the new SE. It's not even available yet!
I can barely walk around the apartment yet, even with my rollator, I hit the floor hard and I guess crawling and dragging myself around for 3+ hours did me no favors. It will take me a while to get into an uber and get to an Apple store. Maybe I should order online if they are exchangable? Then there is verizon to deal with.
Thank you again for your personal experiences and the investigative stuff you did for me. I hope all this updated info is helpful for others who might need it as well. susandennis I'm glad these answers helped you, and I hope you never need your emergency setup!
Thanks again for all your kindness and well wishes -- I know I will be back to "normal " in a few days and will pull this together, even more grateful for your help.
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 3:16 PM on September 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
Regarding searching for medical alert systems on Amazon, mentioned upthread: I really have to caution against trusting something found that way, and I say this as someone who researches everything they buy and also buys stuff from Amazon on a weekly basis. This is a situation that calls for reliable, proven, well-supported systems, and trying to separate the good from crap can be very difficult on Amazon.
posted by StrawberryPie at 3:35 PM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by StrawberryPie at 3:35 PM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
One more thought: for emergency situations, it's good to have backup solutions in case the first-line device/method doesn't work as hoped, and so I think nouvelle-personne's idea of a whistle is a really good one, assuming you are in a place where someone else would hear the whistle. Note also that there exist battery-powered electronic whistles that don't require actually blowing into them!
posted by StrawberryPie at 3:46 PM on September 14, 2022
posted by StrawberryPie at 3:46 PM on September 14, 2022
Another option you might have (if you have a medicare advantage insurance plan) is seeing if they cover a fall alert device or apple watch as a benefit. Classic Medicare apparently doesn't, but many MA plans do, and some programs like AARP might.
posted by lorimt at 6:04 PM on September 14, 2022
posted by lorimt at 6:04 PM on September 14, 2022
I ordered my Apple Watch online and I called them to have them walk me through setting it up. I did end up needing to exchange mine and that process was smooth and easy. I wouldn’t feel like you have to get into a physical store. I also had them walk me through turning off all the notifications on my watch because I didn’t want email and things coming through. So yes, it’s totally possible to have it do exactly what you want. I get phone calls through it but everything else goes to my phone. (I can pull it up on my watch if I need to, but that happens very rarely.)
So just to reassure you that you can get it set up without needing to be anywhere other than your apartment. The apple care people were very helpful and kind over the phone and could walk me through all my questions.
posted by Bottlecap at 6:46 PM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
So just to reassure you that you can get it set up without needing to be anywhere other than your apartment. The apple care people were very helpful and kind over the phone and could walk me through all my questions.
posted by Bottlecap at 6:46 PM on September 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Having devices that help you live independently for longer is amazing, whatever you pick, feel no shame! Those of us who aren't there yet, will probably be eventually.
I hope you are able to have someone check you over, though, if you're still in pain...concussions can hurt for a long time.
posted by emjaybee at 9:20 PM on September 14, 2022
I hope you are able to have someone check you over, though, if you're still in pain...concussions can hurt for a long time.
posted by emjaybee at 9:20 PM on September 14, 2022
Response by poster: You know emjaybee I started using a walker, the gray metallic Medicare type, at the age of 44 with no problem and no regrets. In fact I put a bicycle bell and streamers on it. It helped me and I was fine with it. Eventually I was able to move back to a cane for sometime. I had a multitude of canes to match clothing. I don’t know why I am so resistant to the lanyard assistive device, I think it might be their lousy advertising. You know that terrible commercial with the old lady lying on the floor crying out for help. It’s not very appealing is it? It needs an update. Someone sitting on the floor shaking a fist and cursing the gods as I did. More satisfying.
I’ve chosen an Apple SE watch with a sleek band. Hopefully I can order it and get it set up smoothly between Apple and Verizon. Normally I only wear a watch when I leave the apartment so I will have an adjustment to make. I may have to consider using the rollator in the apartment. Anything I can do to stay out of assisted living which I think would kill me. So tomorrow if I feel a little better I will start the process.
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 10:37 PM on September 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
I’ve chosen an Apple SE watch with a sleek band. Hopefully I can order it and get it set up smoothly between Apple and Verizon. Normally I only wear a watch when I leave the apartment so I will have an adjustment to make. I may have to consider using the rollator in the apartment. Anything I can do to stay out of assisted living which I think would kill me. So tomorrow if I feel a little better I will start the process.
posted by alwayson_slightlyoff at 10:37 PM on September 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
This is for people who don't want to be beholden to Apple... The idea basically is a device you will ALWAYS carry with you, and almost always have power. If you are always near a walker or rollator, it may be possible to attach a small Bluetooth speaker WITH MICROPHONE to it that's always paired to your smartphone, and it should have enough range to work all over the house, provided your house is not too big. Leave the phone plugged in at central part of house, the speaker will auto-pair with it. If you fell, you probably fell near your walker rollator. If you can reach your BT speaker and trigger it, it is still connected to your phone and you can call 911 with it. Such a speaker with mic can be as low as $10 on Amazon, depends on the phone. Though I personally would just leave the phone with the rollator and recharge phone with powerbank, swap powerbanks as needed daily. Then if you fell near the rollator, hopefully you're close enough that if you yell "Hey, Siri! Call 911" that will be heard. ;)
posted by kschang at 5:00 AM on September 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by kschang at 5:00 AM on September 15, 2022 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by miles1972 at 11:44 PM on September 13, 2022 [8 favorites]