Falls safety

[amoLucia]

I'm plugging my fav health cause again.

I fell two years ago. No great big injuries, but it was one of those TV kind "help, I've fallen and couldn't get up" kind of fall. (I'm totally dependent on a walker as my knees are SHOT!)

I was wearing my safety alarm then and still do now. It did everything it was supposed to.

I believe I owe my safety & wellbeing to it.

We've all heard the horror stories of someone who fell and needed assist and/or experienced serious injury or death.

So I'm tooting the horn again for any readers here to consider obtaining a system for someone vulnerable or at risk.

The industry is expanding so there are different vendors, even TV shopping channels and drug stores sell them now. All with similar functions but different costs. It just takes some research and making sure the wearer WEARS it.

So if even one person benefits from a system, then I feel I've made my point. Safety is too fleeting and overlooked.

[Glycerine82, LPN]

My Grandfather survived WWII, only to be taken out by his kitchen cabinets which broke his fall after getting something from the fridge.

He died 2 hrs later in the ED surrounded by strangers, who I know probably had already fallen in love with him.

He told the medics "The Nazis didn't get me, I hope the kitchen floor doesn't"

But yeah, he was so unsteady and unsafe. We tried in vain to get him to accept any kind of help and he would only settle for a quad cane which he always left hanging on various door knobs. He was down there for about an hour before anyone found him.

So yes, life alert or something similar is a good idea for everyone at risk of falling.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I've fallen five times in the past 15 months, once in church on Christmas Day. I've always had people around to help me up, but I wonder if I should consider getting one of those systems. I take multiple medications that affect my balance, which is not a modifiable factor and puts me at a high risk for more falls. I haven't injured myself seriously---I must have great bone density---but I'm always afraid I will someday.

[SDboyy]

I've fallen five times in the past 15 months, once in church on Christmas Day. I've always had people around to help me up, but I wonder if I should consider getting one of those systems. I take multiple medications that affect my balance, which is not a modifiable factor and puts me at a high risk for more falls. I haven't injured myself seriously---I must have great bone density---but I'm always afraid I will someday.

5 times in 15 months, and you are still only wondering about getting "one of those devices." ?

You are worth the cost, my dear! Take care of yourself, for crying out loud. Even if never used, the peace of mind I should think is worth it. Take some time to look at what is out there, though. THe industry is growing quickly and I have heard that some companies do not measure up....