Mom is now about at mid-stage dementia and declining. We got her a Life Alert system once she was diagnosed.
I stop in several times a week and usually find her pendant sitting in the kitchen. I have her put it on and she always replies, “I just forgot, I’ll keep it on from now on.” She always asks how to use it and I’ll tell her every time how to activate it if she falls or feels unsafe.
Is there a particular system that would be more appropriate for her?
If your mother's dementia is at the point where she can't remember how to press the button on a LifeAlert pendant and call for help, she CANNOT live alone anymore.
I am still shocked when see posts like this. I shouldn't be having been an in-home caregiver for 25 years and now in the business of it. Yet, I still am.
Think of your mother in terms of a kindergarten age child. Would you leave a child living alone in a house as long as you stopped by several times a week? No, of course not.
Some people are just in denial
Unfortunately what you're saying is true. Many people are in denial about elderly family living on their own. I've called APS many times. Sure, you may anger the person you're calling on. You may get the wrath of family who don't want to place a LO. No one said doing the right thing was easy or fun. It's usually not either.
Do not take her into your home and do not move into hers. A live-in caregiver is something you might want to consider, but that won't keep mom safe because the CG has to sleep sometimes. You'd need a team, probably three. Then relief caregivers. And you'd have to manage it.
The system you are looking for exists in a memory care facility. My husband is in one. He went there when I could no longer keep him safe at home. You may think that time is a long way away, but it isn't. Start looking at facilities now, and good luck in finding the right one for your mom.
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