I’ve had MS for 37 years now. I can still look after myself, travel on the bus, get out to the shops etc. I’m 73. But last summer I had a fall in the bathroom - I landed on my back and, despite all efforts, couldn’t get up. I managed to get a towel beneath me and was able to pull myself along but couldn’t travel far. I was stuck on the floor for five days. Luckily, on day four, I remembered I had some drink cartons in a nearby cupboard. Finally, on day 5, my lovely builder, who’d been trying to contact me without success, came knocking on my front door and stayed long enough for me to get near enough to shout, then went off to collect my key from my neighbour. After that, I spent three weeks in hospital (which was really very boring, even though I had some Elly Griffiths books with me). Once I got out of hospital, I got a chain with what looks like a small medallion on it. I can just press a button on it and then, I’m told, someone will come and rescue me if I have another fall. Luckily, I’ve been fine and not needed help. But, for any of you living alone, it’s a great comfort to know that help is on the way if required. Well worth having.
Bless you, that’s not nice at all. Take it you’re talking about a piper alarm, it helps to remain independent. It’s a good system for support when living alone. I hope you’ve fully recovered from being stranded on the floor.
Couldn’t agree more! I fell backwards and cracked my head on the kitchen floor, fortunately it was because a friend knocked on the door and I thought I’d get there quickly. Even more fortunately, he is a policeman so he managed to get in and help me.
I’ve had them a few times - mostly because my legs just got really weak and I’ve slowly slumped to the floor. The inflatable cushion that they use to lift you up is amazing, it’s a really simple and comfortable process. Since I’ve been full-time in my wheelchair I’ve not had any falls (Touch wood!), but I still keep it going. Mostly because the key safe in the porch is really handy!
I don’t know if it is Piper, it sounds more like Telecare. The alarm around your neck or wrist Connects to a box that’s plugged into the phone line or broadband, and when you press the alarm it dials up a call centre and they do a triage and determine who is best to send. They usually arrive within 15 to 20 minutes, the longest I’ve had to wait is about 45 minutes because they were all out dealing with other people.
I’ve not heard of that system, only the piper alarm as we had one for my mum.
Is this a new system?
It’s been running for years, every local authority is connected to it and it cost about £5 a week
Thank you for the info much appreciated
Hello. Sorry to hear about your fall and its consequences. It’s probably worth doing a bit of searching/ research on different types of pendants. There are some that detect a fall so, heavens forbid, if you knock yourself out the pendant will detect a fall and alert a central office which will then phone you. If you are unable to answer then the office will call the numbers of family members or neighbours who you have named and given a door key to. My Dad ( RIP) had one which I think was provided through his local authority. Saved him a few times when he couldn’t get up or get to the phone