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We are discussing Home Modifications - making your home safe and easy.
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Question:
My father in-law has had a stroke which has rendered him completely speech less literally he cant say anything and as this has now been about 4 years it is difficult to communicate with him. He is now falling down a lot and we are finding him in the back yard or inside slumped on the floor, is there a personal alarm system that connects to his wife or family members that he can press and we receive a signal that he requires help urgently or can call an ambulance direct he is 78 years old and failing rapidly. And what cost would be involved.

Answer:
Merridy- A simple low cost solution is a portable door bell. The person carries the door bell button around the home/garden and the career is alerted via the chime unit. If the person is falling frequently and is unable to press an alarm, then a tilt alarm may be appropriate. This is attached to a belt or shirt pocket, and is activated any time the alarm is no longer vertical.

Another alarm system involves a neck pendant or wrist band button which when pressed causes the home phone to call pre-selected phone numbers and leave a pre-recorded help message. Some of these models have a talk back feature so the person receiving the call can talk to them.

The more costly monitored personal alarm system involves a company directly receiving the phone call from the person pressing the button. In some models this activates the talk back feature. The company will then contact nominated family/friends to alert them of the situation. In some states the ambulance service provides a monitoring service which enables an ambulance to be sent immediately.

With most alarm systems both the receiver and alarm are only effective within the range of an average house block.

For further information, including cost and supplier details, please contact the Independent Living Centre in your state or phone 1300 885 886

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