Fall alarms

[Honghua]

Does anyone else experience problems with fall alarms?

We are having continual problems with the alarm not activating when my husband falls which he unfortunately does on a regular basis.

These are not slumping to the ground but a real crash.

He has had 5 since the beginning of August and the alarm simply doesn't activate.

This has been an on going problem the box connecting to the phone line has been changed and the current one is a possum.

The wrist band has bee n relaced umpteen times and we've been told this is the best available.

We are considering trying a Samsung Galaxy watch.

[Hidden]

sorry, ours always worked. Our local council maintained it. Is the one you have the type that is triggered by the velocity of falling? Kx

[Honghua in reply to Hidden]

Hi, yes it is and it's linked to the council or NRS response centre.

It just doesn't go off no matter how many times they change the device or his wrist band alarm.

I was told yesterday that there is nothing rlde they csn do.

All a bit hopeless

[Hidden in reply to Honghua]

It sounds really frustrating for you. I would hope they would be able to provide some alternative such as a telephone number for the emergency call centre. (Via complaints procedure?) I guess it's only critical if he is alone in the house. By the time my dad was in the falling stage there was always someone else around to call for help. He had about 60 falls with 2 minor injuries. We were lucky! The authorities should be looking at ways to prevent injury - via walking aids etc. Sadly the falling stage can change fairly swiftly to wheelchair use - maybe worth preparing for this. All the best! K🌈

[Honghua in reply to Hidden]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

He has been usinga wheelchair for quite a while now but still tries to move on his own.

I try to never leave him home alone but it can happen if i am in the garden or upstairs cleaning the shower.

I think it's sheer luck he hasn't broken any bones yet.

I seem to spends my days eithrr hovering around him or listening for the sounds of a crash.

He has had 6 since the beginning of august when i wasnt in the room to catch him.

So hate this bloody disease!

[Hidden]

It really sounds like they ought to be giving you a bit more support - even an official falls assessment would be a start. Or a carers assessment.

Catching someone is always risky in case you injure yourself - (but we've all done it ;))

Maybe a chat with one of the MSA trust nurses might help.

Kx