When is the best time to start wearing a personal alarm?

It’s not easy to let a loved one know you are concerned about their ability to continue living independently.

There is the very real risk you will hurt their sense of pride, and perhaps make them confront issues about their life they would rather ignore.

But it is better to bring the subject up early – if you delay and an adverse incident occurs, your loved one’s independence could be eroded even further.

Encouraging a loved one to wear a personal alarm while they are still relatively fit and healthy, and living independently, can be a gentle first approach.

The aim of a personal alarm is to allow the wearer to continue living actively and independently for as long as possible.

So, when is the best time to broach the subject, and begin putting simple systems and strategies in place to encourage long-term independence?

Often the best time is at significant turning points in the lives of older people, such as after holidaying with family, or when they are newly bereaved, or following a period in hospital.

After the holidays

At this time of year, many people are returning from their long summer holiday and preparing themselves for the year ahead.

Many will have spent time with older family members over the holidays, and may have noticed changes in their health and capability.

These observations may give rise to concerns about how their loved one will now manage being at home on their own throughout the year, when family is occupied again with work and busy lives.

Many may feel guilty they won’t be able to spend as much time with older family members as they’d like.

Personal alarms are the ideal way for families to gain some peace of mind that their loved one is being monitored and help is on hand whenever they require it, yet at the same time they are able to live an independent life and continue doing the things in life they enjoy.

Newly widowed

During the difficult period when an older family member has been newly bereaved, they may be feeling particularly vulnerable and alone.

Some cut themselves off from the outside world, and in some cases they stop taking care of themselves effectively.

MePACS personal alarms is a 24/7 fast response service, answered by real people based in Australia. These friendly and knowledgeable staff are there for users whenever they activate their device, responding to calls for help and providing reassurance by alerting family or emergency services if there are any concerns.

After a period of poor health or after being in hospital

When a loved one has been in hospital or is unwell, they may remain in a vulnerable state of health for a period of time when they return home.

Of course, the appropriate healthcare must be available to them, but a personal alarm can provide families with additional comfort that their loved one is being cared for – and that they can be contacted at any time if an emergency arises.

It’s preferable that a personal alarm is introduced before something goes wrong and the person loses some of their independence.

So don’t delay in having the conversation with your loved one about wearing a personal alarm – the device could be the key to maximising their independence and quality of life.

For more information about MePACS personal alarms visit the MePACS website or call 1800 685 329.