What to do if your loved one won't wear a personal alarm? In this article, learn the top things you can do to convince them to wear a personal alarm for elderly.
People with limited mobility or health issues can find great comfort and security in a personal alarm. Still, the problem is that it only functions if you remember to wear it. Sometimes older users do not want to wear an alarm because they see it as a sign of getting old and losing their independence.
Additionally, diseases like dementia can make it challenging to ensure the alarm is worn regularly. Sometimes older users do not want to wear an alarm because they see it as a sign of getting old and losing their independence.
It is a waste of money to purchase an alarm for an elderly relative who will only keep it in a drawer because it does nothing to ease your initial worries. Therefore, in addition to picking the appropriate alarm, you will also need to take action to remove any concerns or physical obstacles that might prevent the alarm from being used.
Continue reading for some suggestions and things to think about.
1. Talk it Over
You must first discuss your worries with your loved one and give them a chance to weigh in. Try to keep the following in mind during your conversation:
Pick a convenient time and location.
It's best to meet in a quiet area where you won't be disturbed, and both feel at ease. Picking a time when you're both stressed and emotional should be avoided.
Keep your comments factual.
Base your worries on undeniable facts like past incidents or identified symptoms rather than assumptions and unfair assessments of their capabilities.
Never be patronizing.
If your loved one has an adverse reaction to the idea of a personal alarm, you might be frustrated, but watch out for letting it come across in your tone. The inadvertently condescending language will give the impression that accepting the alarm is equivalent to taking this condescending view of themselves.
Don't frighten or anger them.
Reminding a loved one of health risks frequently or being overly dramatic about your worries will only enrage them. Instead of fabricating terrifying scenarios to frighten them into purchasing an alarm, gently ensure that they understand the risks and be realistic when explaining how one could get them to help faster.
Be willing to lose.
If the person you care about isn't prepared for an alarm, they aren't. Maintain an open line of communication, and keep the topic of their safety and well-being up for discussion at any time. They will be aware that you are willing to assist them in getting an alarm if they feel the need for one at a later time.
2. Address every issue
The support the alarm intends to offer will not be available if your loved one's anxiety prevents them from wearing or using it. You must express any concerns honestly and give them the attention they require. Here are some typical worries that cause people to disregard their personal alarms and some fact-checks that may allay your fears:
- I will be wearing a personal alarm, which will be obvious.
- I don't want to lug around a heavy personal alarm all day.
- My personal alarm confirms that I am no longer self-sufficient or independent.
- I don't want to waste anyone's time accidentally setting off the alarm or knowing when to use it.
- Due to my tendency to fall asleep, I won't be able to set the alarm in time.
- I am concerned that I will accidentally damage it.
- I struggle with technology.
3. Consider the Benefits of Personal Alarm for Elderly
Your loved one needs to comprehend the advantages of a personal alarm for the elderly. Since nobody likes to think of themselves as "elderly," it's simple to dismiss them as something only the elderly use.
However, as soon as we remove all the negative connotations and see them for what they are—a quick and practical way to get assistance in an emergency—they make sense as a solution to many worries and issues that older people face.
Some advantages that your loved one might not have thought about include the following:
You can continue doing the things you enjoy.
Mobility issues can make some activities, like gardening or taking a relaxing bath, more complex, and some older people will stop doing them rather than take the chance of getting into trouble.
A personal alarm can give you the assurance you need to go on, secure in the knowledge that if you run into trouble, you can press your alarm, and a dependable family member will assist you.
You can ease family members' concerns.
Living alone or having a health scare in the past may cause loved ones to worry about you, which is normal. Still, it can also cause unwanted emotions like guilt over how much time they spend doing so or even annoyance at their lack of confidence in your abilities. All of that can be put to rest with a personal alarm, and visits from your loved one can once again be a happy catch-up rather than a health check.
You can get through to the right person right away.
It can be challenging to determine when a health concern is an emergency, which may cause you to put off getting help, especially when you don't want to worry anyone at night. By setting your alarm, you can reach a helpful call centre employee who can help you determine whether you require urgent medical attention or reassure you if your situation is less complicated.
You can feel safer in your own home.
Given that more than 35% of people over 65 know someone who has been stolen, according to a 2017 Age UK survey, it makes sense that some elderly residents might feel uneasy about their safety when answering the door or locking the house for the night. Anywhere in the home or garden, a personal alarm can give you the peace of mind that you can quickly call for help.
Conclusion
Remember that every person is unique, so you might need to try a few different strategies before you find one that works. Don't forget to get your loved one's opinion on what might make them more likely to remember. Most importantly, exercise patience. Some days might be worse than others, and some efforts might take some time to bear fruit before stopping.
Ultimately, it would help if you decide whether a personal alarm for elderly is appropriate. If you are convinced they would benefit from one, talk to them openly and considerately. But keep in mind that they might need some time to warm up to the idea and that they might need to address their reservations in their particular fashion.
One of the ways to make sure a senior is safe is through a personal alarm. The CPR Guardian, Personal Alarm Watch with Fall Detection is a simple-to-use personal alarm watch with fall detection, GPS tracking, and an emergency SOS watch button that enables the user to notify family and friends in an emergency. Please get in touch with us if you need help.
