assess safety

Bea
Beaon Monday, October 22 2018
2 Comments

My relative lives alone.  Due to stroke, falls sometimes happen & unable to get up without help.   Falls alarm is in place - calls go to two of us who have keys, to assist/let ambulance in. 

To plan when I am out of town, I feel there are 3 options;

#1 Respite. I feel this would be the safest option but family members not keen.

#2 Key-box with code.  OT suggested this but family members not keen (vandalising issues).

#3 Only one person left for alarm response with key.  This person is also a full-time carer for spouse & may not always be immediately available.

Thoughts / suggestions?  Am I worrying too much?  Is it too much of a safety concern?  Should I ask the GP for advice?

2 Responses
Diana avatar
Diana

Hi Bea,

I have sent your question through to the StrokeLine team. Here is their number too if you ever want to call. StrokeLine 1800 787 653.

Diana 

StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

Hi Bea,

 

Thanks for posting your enquiry. Balancing risk and independence can be difficult. It does sound like there needs to be a plan in place for when you are out of town given the other family member’s full time caring role. The options you have suggested are all great, I guess it comes down to what everyone in the situation is comfortable with.  It appears that your primary concerns are that there is a plan in place to minimise risk and also alleviate any carer stress on your behalf so you can enjoy your time away. Here are some of our thoughts and suggestions:

 

Key Safe

The position of where this is located can be quite discreet and from what we understand use of them is common and safe. If this still isn’t an option the family is comfortable with consider any other people who could have a spare key and would be able to assist. For example, family members, friends or even a trusted neighbour that could be involved, even short term or in emergencies and added as a contact for the personal alarm company.

 

Phone calls

In your absence is it possible for regular phone calls to check in, perhaps your family member could call someone at 9am and before bed for increased sense of security.

 

Rehab

If your family member is seeing a rehabilitation team (such as OT) for falls prevention strategies having a team meeting including relevant family members might also be helpful to brainstorm solutions and manage risk. If there is increased risk it’s worth highlighting the risks to your family members so that an informed decision can be made.

 

Speak to the GP

As you mentioned it might be worth flagging this with the GP as they may have some good suggestions.

 

Call My Aged Care

Is it your relative who lives alone that is against the idea of respite? Or is it other family members? Perhaps some additional periods of in-home support or respite might be useful if respite isn’t an option. Calling My Aged Care or liaising with the Aged Care Assessment Service could be a useful step to see if they have any other suggestions.

Ph: 1800 200 422

 

If you would like to talk further about this please call StrokeLine to talk to one of our health professionals on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

 

Kind regards,

Therese (StrokeLine)

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