My dad, who has heart disease and a history of strokes, simply refuses to wear his personal emergency response system (PERS) device. We've tried all kinds -- a pendant, bracelet, even a belt clip -- but he says they're all uncomfortable. We've paid for the service and are anxious to know it's helping to protect him, so how can I get him past this resistance?
Expert Answer by Karrie Scully-Johnston
Tell your dad -- loud and clear -- that this device isn't a punishment, it's a gift that will allow him to live independently, in his own home, for longer. The alternatives are a full-time caregiver, an assisted living facility, or maybe moving in with a relative.
Talk realistically about how, at this stage of his life, he's more medically fragile and at greater risk for medical emergencies. This isn't his fault; it's just nature doing its thing. Point out his strengths -- that he's still able to live alone and take care of himself in many ways.
You may also want to bring up real scenarios based on his condition. What would your father do if he had another stroke while getting out of the shower, causing him to fall, and he couldn't get back up? Or if he had acute shortness of breath and couldn't find the phone? Or if he felt dizzy and weak and was scared to stand?
This may sound like a scare tactic, but these are real possibilities for your father and he needs to see this for himself. Explain that an emergency response system is like a home or car alarm, a practical and reassuring tool for protecting things that are valuable and dear.
If your father is still hesitant, get in touch with your PERS supplier for suggestions. The company may have other clients he could talk to or give you ways to modify the transmitter button to make it more comfortable for your dad.
Expert Answer by Karrie Scully-Johnston
Tell your dad -- loud and clear -- that this device isn't a punishment; it's a gift that will allow him to live independently, in his own home, for longer. The alternatives are a full-time caregiver, an assisted-living facility, or moving in with a relative.
Talk realistically about how, at this stage of his life, he's more medically fragile and at greater risk of medical emergencies. This isn't his fault; it's just nature doing its thing. Point out his strengths -- that he's still able to live alone and take care of himself in many ways.
You may also want to bring up realistic possible scenarios based on his condition. What would your father do if he had another stroke while getting out of the shower, causing him to fall, and he couldn't get back up? Or if he had acute shortness of breath and couldn't find the phone? Or if he felt dizzy and weak and was afraid to stand?
This may sound like a scare tactic, but these are real possibilities for your father, and he needs to see this for himself. Explain that an emergency response system is like a home or car alarm, a practical and reassuring tool for protecting things that are valuable and dear.
If your father is still hesitant, get in touch with your PERS supplier for suggestions. The company may have other clients he can talk to or give you ways to modify the transmitter button to make it more comfortable for your dad.
Answer
I have a few suggestions for you, and I had a stroke about 7 years ago myself. First log onto:www.bashas.com or kpho.com and they have these packets of forms to fill out for the red pack E kit, and it comes with a magnet for your fridge door so medical help will know all of the info is in the freezer, and you can also put part of the kit in his glovebox if he drives, and it has the same decal for the window. You can also get a laundry marker and write something on the inside collar of a shirt, or even a sock with a phone # of who to reach in case of an emergency. Also make sure he has a card you can make and print out on the computer that gives a basic medical history and keep one handy for yourself, because if you get that call, you will want to answer all questions correctly and clearly. I hope this helps you out.
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