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If there’s one place we should feel relaxed and comfortable, it’s in our own homes. Unfortunately, as we get older, safety at home isn’t always guaranteed. Changes to our mobility, vision, balance, or memory can make staying safe at home a little trickier than it used to be.
Despite these challenges, there are a few simple things older people can do to stay safe, comfortable, and happy at home. Here are our top home safety tips for older people. By following this guidance, you can create a safer home environment, allowing you to carry on living independently in the home you love.
Falls are perhaps the biggest risk that older people face in the home. In fact, according to the NHS, one in three people over the age of 65 will have a fall at home each year. Statistics show that falls are sadly the most common cause of injury-related deaths in people over the age of 75.
Therefore, preventing falls is essential when it comes to home safety for elderly people. Here are some useful fall-prevention tips for older people:
It’s also important to realise that not all falls can be prevented. Accidents can happen no matter how prepared you are, so you should always have a system in place. The best solution for this is to use a personal alarm.
Read more about how to prevent falls at home
When it comes to staying safe at home, personal alarms are perhaps the most helpful tool you can use. A personal alarm allows you to call for help in an emergency. There are a few different kinds of alarm, but the most common is a monitored pendant alarm. These alarms usually consist of a base unit and a small pendant, which the user can wear around their wrist or neck. Whenever they need assistance, they can press the button on the pendant to raise the alarm.
Once activated, the button sends a signal to an alarm base unit. Most alarm units, including the Lifeline Vi Alarm, use a landline connection to call on a 24-hour Response Team, who will respond by contacting nominated friends, family, neighbours, or carers to come and assist the user. If it is a medical emergency, the Response Team will also contact the emergency services. There are also landline-free personal alarms such as the Lifeline EVA Digital Alarm and the Lifeline GO GPS Alarm.
A personal alarm system is helpful in so many different situations. Here are just a few common reasons why people activate their alarms:
In these situations, a personal alarm ensures that an older person can get the help they need when they need it. Personal alarms save lives and support independent living, providing peace of mind to older people and their loved ones alike. They’re also a big help to the NHS.
Statistics show that, in the UK, falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths in people over the age of 75.”
Read more about personal alarm systems
Older people are more vulnerable to house fires than younger people. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, older people are generally less likely to keep up with household jobs like testing a smoke detector regularly or replacing the batteries in it. These jobs might seem small, but they are an essential part of safety at home.
Secondly, older people can find it more difficult to detect a fire when it happens. This might be because they tend to have more sensory impairments than younger people. Certain medications can also affect your ability to detect fire, and mobility issues can add to the danger if a fire ever does occur.
Here are five fire prevention tips to help older people stay safe at home:
If you ever detect a fire in your home, don’t attempt to put it out yourself. Call 999 immediately and leave your house as quickly as possible. If you can’t get to your phone, activate your personal alarm if you have one. Don’t go back for belongings or valuables; you are the most valuable thing in your home!
Did you know: we offer smoke detectors that link to your personal alarm! Click here to read more.
The smallest room can present some of the biggest hazards for older people. The combination of hard, slippery surfaces and water can increase the risk of falls and injuries. On average, we use the bathroom seven times a day! With so many trips to and from the bathroom, it’s important to make things as safe as possible.
There are a few simple steps you can take to make your bathroom safer:
All Lifeline Alarm systems include a water-resistant pendant for safe use in the bathroom. Whether you choose our standard Lifeline Vi Alarm and MyAmie Pendant or the latest GPS Alarm for total peace of mind, you’ll be protected in every room of the house. Our alarms can provide more than just safety at home – the Lifeline GO GPS Alarm can also help you stay safe and independent on the go. Click here to find out more.
Read more about bathroom safety.
Nowadays, it is impossible to talk about safety at home without addressing electronics. Unfortunately, many accidents involving electricity can prove fatal, so it is absolutely vital to make your home as safe as can be.
Here are some electrical tips to help you stay safe at home:
If you have any worries about the electrics in your house, we recommend contacting an electrician to come and do a safety check. This way, you can address any potential hazards before they become too dangerous. Being proactive is key to ensuring safety at home.
Bear in mind that electrical appliances can get hot, so keep them away from anything flammable such as aerosols and curtains.
Read more about electrical safety.
Lots of us enjoy cooking as a relaxing pastime, but the kitchen has its own set of risks to consider. Burns, slips and injuries are all too common in the kitchen, particularly for older people.
You can minimise your risk of injury in the kitchen by following these safety tips:
Read more about kitchen safety.
Getting up and down those stairs can be difficult as we get older. You might lose your breath more quickly than you used to, or be a little unsteady on your feet. If you have asthma or joint problems due to arthritis or osteoporosis, then you may want to consider a stairlift.
Stairlifts allow you to get up and down the stairs safely and comfortably. There’s no need to worry about tripping up or running out of breath. You can sit down and relax as you are carried up your staircase. By eliminating the risk of staircase accidents, staying safe at home becomes much easier.
A stairlift is certainly a big investment. However, there are grants available to help you cover the costs. You might even be eligible for a free stairlift through social services. However, if a stairlift isn’t an option financially, then there are other ways to ensure staircase safety at home:
Read more about avoiding a staircase accident.
Very hot and very cold weather can be equally dangerous for elderly people. This is the case even if you stay inside and away from the heat or frost. However, there are plenty of things you can do at home to remain cool during the summer and toasty during the winter.
Heatwaves can cause dehydration, heat strokes, and overheating. High temperatures are particularly dangerous for those who suffer from heart or breathing problems. First of all, you should get out of the sun and into the comfort of your home. Next, follow these simple tips:
Cold weather can be lethal. Ensuring safety at home means keeping your home warm and comfortable. For lots of people, the cost of heating your home can be an issue, but luckily there is help available. Everyone who receives a State Pension is eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. This is a tax-free payment to help you cover your bills throughout the winter.
Here are some additional tips to help you stay warm:
Age often brings with it some significant changes to our bodies. Make sure that you are visiting your GP regularly and taking the correct medication. Managing your medication is a crucially important part of staying safe at home and maintaining your independence as an older person:
Keep an up-to-date medication list and give a copy to your family. If you have a personal alarm, let the Response Team know about any medication you take. This information can be useful in a medical emergency and the Response Team can inform the emergency services. There are also apps available for your phone and tablet which can remind you when it’s time to take your medication.
Crime is one of the biggest concerns for lots of older people. It’s sometimes easy to feel vulnerable in your home, especially if you live by yourself. However, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
Here are our home safety tips for protecting yourself against intruders:
If you ever feel frightened or suspect that somebody is trying to enter your home, call the police immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Read more about how to avoid becoming a victim of crime
Our final tip is potentially the best advice you can get when it comes to staying safe at home. By keeping in touch with the people around you, you’ll improve both your quality of life and your mental health.
Loneliness can have major consequences on both physical and mental health. Feeling isolated can also make you feel more vulnerable at home.
Here are our top tips when it comes to staying in touch with those that you love:
By maintaining a strong support network, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have people to call on if you need them.
Read our tips on maintaining a strong social network.
As you can see, there are lots of things to consider when it comes to staying safe at home. For anyone who wants to maintain their independence, we would highly recommend a Lifeline alarm. The Lifeline personal alarm system means you will always have somebody to call for help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For more information on our life-saving personal alarms, please don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 999 0400. Alternatively, fill in a quick contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
You can also order a Lifeline alarm online at any time. All our alarms are available with free next-day delivery.
Editors note: This article was updated on 19th January 2022 to reflect current information.
The coronavirus crisis has placed a significant strain on the NHS. Even before the pandemic began, hospitals were already under pressure to keep up with an increase in demand. What’s more, the UK has an ageing population who require more hospital visits and longer stays in hospital beds. Here at Lifeline24, we believe that Personal Alarms for the elderly will be a crucial part of the solution to this growing problem.
At the end of 2019, delays in A&E reached the highest level on record. These delays are partly due to bed blocking, which is an issue in NHS hospitals across the UK. Bed-blocking is where patients are unable to leave hospital due to social care costs or a lack of organised care, despite being medically ready to go home.
A 2017 study revealed that bed-blocking had risen by 52% in three years. Statistics from the report included:
According to the report, 36% of all social-care-related delays in April (or 23,900 days’ worth) were linked to patients lacking a home care plan. The pandemic has placed further stress on the provision of social care. Unfortunately, as of November 2021 the NHS was under more strain than ever before. This is where we believe personal alarms for the elderly can help the NHS.
The Lifeline Alarm system is an increasingly popular method of keeping people out of hospitals and in the comfort of their own homes. A Lifeline Alarm usually consists of a Lifeline pendant worn around the neck or wrist, alongside an alarm base unit that plugs into the mains power.
If a Lifeline user needs assistance, they can press the button on their pendant and know that help is on its way. Pressing the help button will send an alert to our 24/7 Response Team, who will be able to send help fast, either by phoning the user’s emergency contacts or the emergency services.
This means that the alarm user can remain independent at home, safe in the knowledge that our Response Team is there to answer their distress call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In some cases, having a personal alarm in place can shorten and even prevent hospital admissions.
Many of our customers buy an alarm from us after coming out of hospital, following a fall or health problem. Our personal alarms for the elderly often help them stay out of hospital in the long term. This is not only great for our customers but also helpful for the NHS.
Lifeline Alarms are already helping 1.7 million people stay safe at home. They can do the same for you or your loved one. The Lifeline Alarm is easy to install and simple to use. Plus the UK-based Lifeline Response Centre has received the highest level of accreditation from the Telecare Services Association. If you’d like to know more about the Lifeline system, you can find a detailed guide here.
The NHS does not provide Lifeline alarms. Until recently, many local authorities offered personal alarm schemes to pensioners and people with disabilities on a means-tested basis. However, in many places, these local authority schemes have faced cuts or been scrapped altogether. Luckily, Lifeline24 remains a reliable and affordable provider of personal alarms for elderly and disabled people across the UK. We offer a range of alarms to suit all needs, from our standard MyAmie pendant to our automatic Fall Detector alarm, as well as our advanced GPS alarm.
To order your personal alarm, you can either visit our website or call us for free on 0800 999 0400. A member of our Customer Service team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, fill in the Contact Us form on our website and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
Editor’s Note: This post was updated on 6th January 2022 to reflect current information.
Loneliness can have an incredibly negative effect on both the mental and physical health of older people. Yet loneliness in old age is a problem that many people suffer from. Such loneliness can often occur after losing a spouse or partner, leaving an older person living alone for the first time in many years.
If you often feel lonely or isolated from people, read our guide to help you improve your social life and feel connected to loved ones.
The first step in dealing with loneliness in old age is to interact with more people and therefore feel more connected to society. Taking up a hobby or activity can be a great way of having something to talk about with people. You can also join a club at your local community centre to meet people with like-minded interests such as gardening, sewing, cooking, walking, and many more.
Loneliness in old age can often be seen in people with plenty of family who see their elderly relative when they can. However, for many, this won’t be frequent enough to help ease their feelings of loneliness. In these cases, it could be beneficial to learn how to use technology such as Skype and Facebook to keep in touch with loved ones. A lightweight tablet would be ideal as it can be easily moved around the home and is simpler to learn and use.
Many community centres and libraries offer computer training to help people who are unfamiliar with technology.
If you’re able to get out to the local park, coffee shop, or to take advantage of your free bus pass, then do so as much as possible. Going out of your home often will open up new opportunities to interact with people.
Even a smile and “good morning” to a neighbour could be the start of a friendship with them. Have as many of these small interactions as you can every day. Ask people questions to open up the conversation. Don’t limit yourself to only people of your own age too; you’ll find that many young people will appreciate the short exchange too.
You may find you still find home to be too quiet. Many people who suffer from loneliness in old age get themselves a companion to live with. A fish, cat, or dog can be great company to talk to; just make sure you choose something that is suitable to your lifestyle and physical abilities.
The simplest way to deal with loneliness in old age is to invite people round for a cuppa! Take the initiative to keep in contact with friends and family and even let them know if you are feeling a little lonely.
It can be hard to admit to for some people, but your loved ones will want to know and do what they can to make you feel better in future. Reach out to the new people you are meeting and socialising with to ensure that you see them frequently.
Once you’ve joined some classes, planned some trips out, and invited people round, jot down these events in your diary. A busy diary will give you lots to look forward to and can be handy to remind you to keep in contact with people.
Most importantly, remember that loneliness in old age is very common. You are not alone! Embrace your sense of adventure and have fun doing new things and meeting new people.
For more information about our life-saving personal alarm service, please get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 999 0400. Alternatively, complete our contact us form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 4th November 2021 to reflect current information.
As we get older, our health and fitness are often at the forefront of our worries. But how often do we think about our mental wellbeing? Studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet is one way to keep a healthy mind. Research also shows that eating too much meat can actually shrink brains. The researchers say that people over the age of 65 who ate more fish, vegetables, fruit, grains and olive oil had a larger brain volume than another group who didn’t eat a Mediterranean diet. You can read more about the study here.
Besides diet, there are lots of ways to keep your mind in tip-top shape as you get older. Today, we’ll be giving you some top tips to keep your mind sharp in your golden years.
Plenty of us enjoy a tipple. If you drink alcohol, be sure to enjoy it responsibly and in moderation. Excessive drinking can put you at higher risk of dementia.
Like alcohol, cigarettes are a dangerous vice. The longer you smoke, the faster your brain will age. However, once you quit, your brain can start to undo the damage that has built up over the years. Therefore, there has never been a better time to quit.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can both increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Both conditions are thought to contribute to the development of some types of dementia. Having healthy blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure can contribute to better cognitive function. Alongside this, your brain will benefit from you being physically active, eating nutritious foods, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘Healthy body, healthy mind.’ Those who eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and fatty fish are thought to have less risk of cognitive decline. Experts also advise older people to avoid saturated fats for better health in old age.
Regular exercise will increase blood flow to the brain, which reduces your risk of conditions like high blood pressure. There are clear links between high blood pressure and the development of dementia.
Those who are less mentally active are at a higher risk of dementia. Therefore, mental stimulation is important for your brain to stay healthy. Keep your mind active through socialising often, learning new skills, playing challenging games and other hobbies that require you mind to be engaged.
We know now that mental stimulation is important to keep a healthy mind. But how exactly can we achieve this? Below, we’ll outline some useful exercises to help you keep your mind sharp.
Whether you dig out an old family favourite or explore a brand new game, board games and jigsaw puzzles are a great way to keep the mind active. Strategy games like chess are great for stimulating the problem-solving areas of the brain.
There is nothing quite like curling up with a good book. If you’re looking for new reading material, or if you’re not a fan of fiction, why not look online for articles about your favourite hobbies and interests?
Manual activities are a great way to maintain your hand-eye coordination while boosting your brain power. Try knitting, gardening, drawing, or give video games a go!
Writing in any form can be very helpful for a healthy mind. Whether you prefer good old-fashioned paper and pen, or you’re a whiz with a keyboard, research suggests that writing improves memory and helps boost intelligence. You could keep a journal, exchange letters with friends and family, or write the next bestselling novel. The possibilities are endless!
From crosswords to sudoku, your daily paper contains a treasure trove of brain-teasers! In addition, you can find thousands more word and number puzzles online, many of which offer prizes for the correct solutions. Get solving!
While you’re thinking about safeguarding your brainpower, why not consider protecting your overall health and independence with a Lifeline personal alarm? Our life-saving system keeps thousands of elderly and disabled customers safe in their own homes. For more information on how you could benefit from one of our alarm systems, get in touch with us on 0800 999 0400 or fill in our Contact Us form online.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 13 July 2020 to reflect current information.
Originally published October 2015
Personal alarms are a well-established method of keeping older people and those with disabilities safe in their own homes. Falls are now the most common cause of hospital admissions among older people. Should you have a fall, you simply press your pendant and our Response Team will arrange help instantly.
According to the NHS, around one in three older people who live at home will suffer at least one fall a year, with half of these people having even more frequent falls. Therefore, having a personal alarm in your home is very wise, especially if you live alone.
Despite these clear benefits, we know that personal alarms are subject to a few misconceptions. We don’t want anyone to be hesitant about this life-saving service, so here is a list of the top 5 myths about personal alarms.
This may have been true in the past but certainly isn’t anymore. 20 years ago, Lifeline pendants were very bulky, much like the other electronics of the day (mobile phones are perhaps the best example).
Modern devices on the other hand, such as our MyAmie Pendant, are the exact opposite of this. The MyAmie weighs 7 grams, is about the size of a watch face, and can be worn comfortably around the wrist or as a necklace. The alarm package includes both attachments, so the choice is yours.
In fact, the design is so discreet, many of our customers choose to keep their pendants on even when they leave their home. The pendant’s size also means that it can easily be tucked up your sleeve or underneath your top.
This is another hang-up from days gone by. The MyAmie Pendant is waterproof so you can wear it in the shower, while washing up, or even in the bath. This is crucial, as getting in and out of the bath can cause older people some problems.
The slippery nature of the bathroom increases the risk of a fall. Although your pendant will work in the bathroom, we would advise that you take a look at our home safety guide to see how you can reduce the risk of a fall. You can also find our top safety tips for the bathroom here.
The pendant’s waterproof feature and comfortable design mean that there really is no reason to ever take your pendant off.
The personal alarm will still work should a power cut occur. The Lifeline Vi Alarm unit has a back-up battery, which can power the alarm for 40 hours. In the event of a power cut, this back-up battery will kick in automatically. This ensures that you can still press your pendant and connect to our Response Team in an emergency situation.
Once power is restored, the back-up battery will begin to charge up again, so that it is ready to work if a power cut occurs again.
The MyAmie Pendant has a massive range of up to 100 metres. This is more than enough to cover most people’s entire house and garden. This means the alarm user has protection even when doing things like gardening, emptying the bins and collecting the post.
This function also allows you to continue having fun with your grandchildren during the summer months. There’s no need to worry about what could happen if you feel unwell or trip over outside, as help will always be there for you.
Once again, modern technology has come to the rescue. The Lifeline Vi Alarm unit is as easy to install as a telephone. It simply plugs into your existing telephone socket and a power socket. Then you simply need to connect your telephone to the alarm unit, using the adapter provided.
Most of our customers can do this within a few minutes of their personal alarm arriving. In fact, thanks to our free next-day delivery service, your new alarm could be up and running within 24 hours of placing your order.
Once everything is connected, you can press the red button on the base unit and the Response Team will take you through your alarm’s first test call. Once complete, you will be covered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Remember your personal alarm has a back-up battery, with a 40 hour charge, that will kick-in during a power cut.
For more information on purchasing one of our life-saving personal alarms please speak to one of our friendly advisors on 0800 999 0400. Alternatively, complete our Contact Us form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Don’t forget that more than 90% of our customers are VAT-exempt. This means that you likely won’t have to pay any VAT on your Lifeline alarm. To find out more, read our helpful guide to VAT exemption.
Alternatively you can have a read of our in-depth guide to the personal alarm.
Editor’s Note: this article was updated on 29 June 2020.
Originally published 15 May 2018
What with the recent studies showing that Ex-Footballers may be at greater risk of developing Dementia symptoms, we thought it would be good to revisit previous articles written about Dementia.
Here’s what we can learn from studies in which Dementia sufferers were asked about their experiences.
Of course dementia can be very hard to detect early on. Especially because you’re probably not looking out for it, and you shouldn’t have to look out for it. However there are a few signs that if you know about could prepare you for the uphill battle ahead.
Additionally dementia can take years to develop and other times it can be in a matter of months. Some warning signs for dementia can be:
For some time, studies have found that dementia sufferers prefer slapstick comedy to satirical humour. We now know that changes in someone’s humour may be one of the early signs of dementia. The families of dementia sufferers noticed that relatives had developed an appreciation of ‘darker’ jokes. One example is laughing at events that others don’t find funny, such as a badly parked car, or even laughing inappropriately at tragic events.
Nearly all of the respondents said, with hindsight, a shift had occurred in the nine years before the dementia had been diagnosed. After asking several dementia sufferers and their families,
For more information about this research, read the full BBC article. The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Looking back, did your own relative show early signs of dementia before it was diagnosed? If so, share your advice with us to those wondering about dementia on Twitter @Lifeline24. By doing so, you could really help out someone who is in the position you were once in, or find help yourself!
Maybe you’re worried about becoming a dementia sufferer yourself, is it something you speak to your doctor about? Read our post, ‘Alzheimer’s or Just Getting Old?’ for more information about Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, if you have any concerns about someone who already has an alarm, be sure to get in touch and see what additional safety measures we can put in place.
Updated 16/01/2020
Updated 5/12/2019
Our Lifeline emergency call button is a low cost, platinum service to provide you help at home in the event of a fall, injury or emergency. So how does the alarm work? Well, the pendant alarm is worn around the neck, wrist or on a belt. You can choose to wear it how best suits your style and needs. Once activated by pushing the emergency call button, an alarm call will be received by our UK based Response Team.
Our Response Team will then communicate with the alarm user and talk through the issue on the loudspeaker. Then, our care member can arrange for a family member, friend, neighbour or the emergency services to come out and help.
A Lifeline alarm is for anyone who is frail, elderly or disabled living in the UK. If you are worried about your own safety, or that of a loved one, a Lifeline pendant alarm is perfect for you.
During Christmas and New Year, family members and friends may be off on holidays or just be busier than usual. We all know how hectic things get at the end of the year – people are now being encouraged to make the most of the holiday season! When loved ones aren’t in easy reach, it’s important to have a means of contacting help. That’s were we come in!
Our Response Team are available and happy to help you all year round, be it Christmas Day or New Year’s eve.
If you’re interested in learning more about our emergency call button, you can read our article ‘How To Use Our Lifeline System‘.
Of course! You can call us up anytime and purchase the emergency call button on behalf of a friend or family member. We’ll ask you a few basic details about them, including where they live and whether they’re VAT exempt (so you might want to check that first) and work with you to get everything set up. We understand how important family safety is, which is why we try and make the process as easy as possible.
We have a range of price plans you can choose from to best fit your needs. These are the Annual Plan, Monthly Plan and Lifetime Plan. All of our pricing plans offer:
Choose an emergency call button plan from one of our three Price Plan options or call us free on 0800 999 0400 to order over the phone.
Updated 26th November 2019
As we get older, it’s often the case that we find ourselves enjoying our own company on a more regular basis. However, living alone doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, whilst some are understandably hesitant at the idea (particularly if you’ve lived with someone else for a long time), many report living alone to be completely liberating. If you’re unsure on whether you like the idea, why not read the following living alone tips to make the idea less daunting:
One of the most important living alone tips we can give is to stay connected to those around you. Not only your friends and family, which is of course important, but the people who are closest to you in terms of distance. Getting to know your neighbours is great for socialising but also for safety when living alone.
Another great idea is to socialise as part of a new club or group. Book groups, walking groups, and even just local community evenings are great ways to meet new people and make new friends.
It would be wise to ensure that your home is secure, safe and easy to move around by yourself. This may mean installing handrails on the walls, a stair lift or changes to help you in the bathroom, like a wet room. For extra security you can add outdoor lights that will activate when someone walks towards it.
Peace and quiet can seem scary if you’re not used to it. Whether you’ve lived in a busy household filled with noise, or just the comforting sound of another, silence can be overwhelming. However, once you learn to embrace the peace and quiet, you might find you actually quite enjoy it. Try doing some breathing exercises, or meditation in your spare time. Take advantage of nobody being able to interrupt you whilst you read that book you’ve been eyeing. You could even just sit and have a quiet cup of tea – it might be refreshing!
Many people will offer up crucial living alone tips surrounding your wellbeing. Friends and family may encourage you to buy a personal alarm. Personal alarms are a good option for elderly people living alone at home. In case you need help urgently, your personal alarm can be pressed and you will get through to a comforting voice to talk through your needs. They will then call either a loved one or the emergency services, depending on the situation.
Many worry that personal alarms lose their independence. However, this is not the case! In fact, a personal alarm allows you to keep your independence whilst living at home. It’s just a bit of added security for your peace of mind.
It’s helpful to keep a record of all medications you are on and notes of your medical illnesses. Emergency services and other people coming to help you may need to read this if you are unable to explain. You could do this on a well displayed whiteboard, or through a purchased medication reminder.
We advise that you test your Lifeline Alarm frequently so that you can check we can hear you and you can hear us. It’s also crucial that you check your fire alarms in the house every week if possible. This is possibly the simplest of the living alone tips we can give, yet it’s incredibly important. If you are unable to do this by yourself ask a neighbour, family member or friend to help. You can also get a free Home Fire Risk Assessment to take you through fire safety in your home.
It can often be the case that those living alone won’t reach out to their loved ones, for fear of annoying them. This shouldn’t be the case. One of the biggest living alone tips we could give is to make use of friends and family. Keep in touch whenever you can – you won’t be bothering them.
A keysafe will allow someone to get to you in the case of an emergency or you are unable to get to the door. Once you have a keysafe you can give the code to people close to you so they can access a key to get in if necessary. It can also be used by carers and emergency services. To find out more visit www.lifeline.co.uk or call us on 0800 999 0400.
If you live alone, and have some more great tips for others in your situation, be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Emergency hospital readmissions in England between 2010/11 and 2016/17 have increased 19.2% from 1,157,570 to 1,379,790. This is according to the Nuffield Trust who obtained Hospital Episode statistics to review the trends in 30-day emergency hospital readmissions.
The BBC reported that the University of Aberdeen found in Scotland geriatric hospital admissions are up for the third year in a row. Which is likely to be a similar trend across England and Wales too. A detailed Healthwatch England inquiry a few years ago also found that the current hospital discharge system is contributing towards many unnecessary readmissions.
One instance they cite is the case of an 81-year-old stroke survivor who was sent home in a taxi after his wife was told he was being sent to a rehabilitation centre. In addition to isolated incidents, it is clear that many hospitals are failing to record whether the patient’s home environment was suitable.
The discharge process is well known to Lifeline24, as we are involved on a daily basis. We frequently receive calls from concerned people whose elderly relative is being discharged from the hospital.
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “No patient should have to face going in and out of hospital unnecessarily and we expect the NHS to work closely with local authorities to ensure people are treated in the most suitable setting and when they are discharged from hospital they have a care plan in place.”
In these situations, a personal alarm can be part of the solution. Personal alarms are an affordable, non-intrusive way of making sure you or your loved one is safe at home. They come in two important parts; the base unit and a pendant button.
The pendant alarm allows the user to either wear their pendant around their wrist or around their neck. A wrist valtrex strap and neck cord are both provided inside the box so it is completely down to the user which option they choose.
The system allows the elderly, especially those going through the hospital discharge system, to call for help if they suffer from a fall or have any other medical incidents. All he or she needs to do is to press the red help button on their pendant or alarm base unit.
This will send a help alert through to our 24/7, TSA Accredited Response Team who will be ready to call for help on your behalf with our service. After trying to speak with you over the base unit’s loudspeaker system, he or she will call for your emergency contacts to ask them to go round to your home urgently. The emergency services will also be called for by the Response Team if they are required at the scene.
Call us on 0800 999 0400 today to discuss how a personal alarm can help you or take a read of our in-depth personal alarm guide.
As Winter draws in we all start to notice the temperatures dropping and the days getting shorter. The end of the year can be a dangerous time for for older people, so it’s important that we help the to stay safe and healthy this winter.
This time of year can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for most people, but for many older and vulnerable people the winter can pose a very real threat to their health and safety. These people can often find reassurance in having a personal alarm system, such as ours, in their home.
There are a few key reasons why this time of year can be a risk to older people. The sharp drop in temperature can lead to health problems, often avoidable illnesses, that can have complications for the more vulnerable. In fact, it has been said that one older person dies every seven minutes from the cold winter weather here in the UK. Common illnesses diagnosed during winter include the norovirus, common cold and influenza.
If you have arthritis you may also experience higher levels of pain as the temperatures drop. The changes in air pressure and temperature can lead to increased stiffness and joint pain.
Rain, snow and ice all become common in the winter months and can greatly increase the chance of potentially fatal slips and falls. Black ice is particularly dangerous as it’s harder to see, especially if you struggle with your balance.
The modern increase in isolation among the elderly can amplify these problems – making winter a very dangerous time. If you have an elderly neighbour or loved one, try your best to go and visit them. As the cold weather sets in, you elderly loved ones may require a little extra help!
In an age where isolation is a big problem for older people, a personal alarm can help them to stay connected – even in the colder months. It works through the user’s telephone line: they wear a pendant which can be pressed whenever they require help.
In the event of a health emergency, our 24/7 Response Team can alert the emergency services very quickly. If the user should have a slip or a fall they can be secure in the knowledge that by pressing their pendant help will be on its way. One push of this button will send an alert to the Response Team who will then try and speak with the user over the alarm’s loudspeaker system.
After assessing the situation the team member will call for your emergency contacts – usually family members, close friends and neighbours – before contacting the emergency services if they are required.
The personal alarm is an excellent remedy to the risks presented by the cold weather during the winter months. It really can help you or your elderly loved ones stay safe and healthy this winter.
For more information please give a member of our sales team a call for free on 0800 999 0400, or email your questions to info@lifeline24.co.uk.
Remember to use the discount code BLOG2018 when you order one of our personal alarm systems on a Monthly or Annual Plan to receive £10 off.