Help I've fallen and can't get up--

TazziRN, RN · Aug 26, 2007

Our areas Lifeline is a good program. There is a set-up fee and it's something like $20 a month. The dispatch center calls each subscriber once every day on the system, and the subscriber has to push a button to respond within a certain amount of time, otherwise the list of contacts gets called.

Another system that's used around here is ADT, the alarm company you see advertised on tv. Theirs is a similar program except they don't "bug" the subscribers every day, and the dispatch center is remote, not local. The service is dependable though. No hidden fees or contracts that I'm aware of, and I've set up several home health pts with both companies.

callrn172 · Aug 19, 2008

I do believe the PERS is covered by medicaid. Her medical doctor can apply for it.

iwanna · Aug 21, 2008

This is something that I have been thinking about for my mother as well. I would like her to have an emrgency buttonfor when she is at home alone. Although, she would not need to be contacted everday. I currently live with her, and if I do move, I will call her everyday. I have always pretty much called my mother almost everyday. I just worry about her being alone.

annaedRN, RN · Aug 21, 2008

I do not know about medicaid but I know Medicare does not cover that expense. I always suggest it makes a nice birthday or Christmas present for family members to give to their homebound loved ones

callrn172 · Aug 22, 2008

Yes, The PERS is covered by Medicaid. I have recommended it for many of my homebound, living along, A*O*3 patients, who did not meet all the requirements for 7*12*2 HHA coverage but, would benefit from the devices if in need of emegency assistance when home alone. For those patients it was covered by Medicaid.

BlueRidgeHomeRN · Aug 22, 2008

i do believe the pers is covered by medicaid. her medical doctor can apply for it.

depends on the state--not covered for sure in va and fl.

i've seen several companies in both states i've done hh and hospice in, and they were all pretty much the same. the big trick is getting the person/patient to wear the darn buzzer. after i made my dad get one, he fell in the driveway without it....it was "too much trouble" to get it just to check the mail!! :banghead:

callrn172 · Aug 22, 2008

I worked in the NY tri-state area. Yes! that is a big problem, getting the patient to wear the device. Sorry to hear about your dad. I have seen them installed in various locations in the house along with one to wear on the person at all times. It would be good if the company invented a bracelet insted of the portable hanging around the neck. Maybe, then there will be more willingness on the patients part to wear it. I can relate to many of the patients that refuses to wear the portable at all times because, I am easily irritated by things hanging around my neck. I am a future non-compliant patient:no: LOL.

BlueRidgeHomeRN · Aug 22, 2008

thanks..my dad went "home" years ago, but we finally found a model for him that fit in a belt holster like a text pager, but smaller. that he wore after the driveway episode... :smokin:

callrn172 · Aug 22, 2008

WOW, can you remember the name, maybe I can recommend it to my friends that are still in the field. Cause' I tell ya! Hmmm.

BlueRidgeHomeRN · Aug 22, 2008

sorry--it was a decade ago in florida...maybe a google would help??

we like to have them here in virginia for our patients, but most of ours can't afford gas and food, let alone this "luxury" item.. :sniff:

nurseby07 · Aug 25, 2008

thanks..my dad went "home" years ago, but we finally found a model for him that fit in a belt holster like a text pager, but smaller. that he wore after the driveway episode...

now i have to ask..what was the "driveway" episode?????