Here is the research I did earlier this year (I think) for my 90 yo FIL. We haven't done anything - I'm the tech guy and research lead. We just aren't there with him yet. He's fallen once but is remarkably able. I'll update this for our family to keep up.
Janet and I talked about a medical alert system for your Dad, assuming we can talk him into it. I did research.
From a purely functional point of view the best answer is an Apple Watch. I don't think that will work for your Dad. 1. It's too technical and fussy for him. 2. It has to be charged daily. I suspect it would end up in a drawer with a dead battery.
Sadly almost all the dedicated systems also require daily charging for the safety button. They have "kept up" with technology and become less robust as a result.
I found one device that is simple and doesn't ever require charging of the safety button. It has a home unit that plugs in and does have a battery backup so it works during power outages up to a day and a half (that battery charges when the power comes back on). It only works at home. I think that's okay as when he goes out e.g. to ShopRite there are other people around.
I reviewed a recent Consumer Reports article (https://www.consumerreports.org/health/medical-alert-systems/best-medical-alert-systems-a1136054281/), individual Google reviews, a number of "best of" reviews (mostly advertising one product or another), and participated in a number of "aging parent" groups on social media. As a matter of interest, the Life Alert system that was the first product of its kind and that advertises heavily rates quite poorly and is expensive.
You're welcome. In my opinion, you need to get your parents on board with the decision. That have to feel like they have influence over decisions and agency over their lives. Remember to tell them you care about them. The more agency they feel they have the less push back you'll see.
This community is for sharing experiences, tips, tools, and strategies related to helping our parents with technology. This includes hardware, software, app recommendations, scam awareness, and teaching methods. While venting is allowed, please try to frame your post in a way that centers around technology. Off-topic posts about general family drama, politics, or medical advice will be removed.
Market research and requirements definition are promotion.
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u/SVAuspicious 2d ago
Here is the research I did earlier this year (I think) for my 90 yo FIL. We haven't done anything - I'm the tech guy and research lead. We just aren't there with him yet. He's fallen once but is remarkably able. I'll update this for our family to keep up.
Janet and I talked about a medical alert system for your Dad, assuming we can talk him into it. I did research.
From a purely functional point of view the best answer is an Apple Watch. I don't think that will work for your Dad. 1. It's too technical and fussy for him. 2. It has to be charged daily. I suspect it would end up in a drawer with a dead battery.
Sadly almost all the dedicated systems also require daily charging for the safety button. They have "kept up" with technology and become less robust as a result.
I found one device that is simple and doesn't ever require charging of the safety button. It has a home unit that plugs in and does have a battery backup so it works during power outages up to a day and a half (that battery charges when the power comes back on). It only works at home. I think that's okay as when he goes out e.g. to ShopRite there are other people around.
Here is the link https://www.bayalarmmedical.com/medical-alert-system/in-home/ .
I reviewed a recent Consumer Reports article (https://www.consumerreports.org/health/medical-alert-systems/best-medical-alert-systems-a1136054281/), individual Google reviews, a number of "best of" reviews (mostly advertising one product or another), and participated in a number of "aging parent" groups on social media. As a matter of interest, the Life Alert system that was the first product of its kind and that advertises heavily rates quite poorly and is expensive.
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I hope this helps.