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I am the primary caregiver for my dear Grandpa. I'm looking for suggestions to put together a plan in case of emergency. He is 94, lives on his own, and is very capable. :) I live 4 hours away. I recently got him a Jitterbug cellphone, which he is using. I got it equipped with the 5 star emergency plan.

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It seems that one of your big concerns is to know when your Grandfather needs help. Many communities (church and civic) provide (free) services to have someone call a senior each day. This means that your Grandfather has human voice contact daily and an opportunity to say how he is feeling. If this isn't available, perhaps you can set something up. One of my cousins, has a system with her older neighbor, the shade of the neighbor's kitchen goes up each morning when she arises and goes down i the evening. My cousin can see it from her window and follows though if it isn't moved. Do you have someone from your Grandfather's community that has a key if there is a problem? Does he have his legal documents in order? (Health care proxy, power of attorney, etc.) How does he get groceries and prepare meals? Can he walk to stores? Are there delivery services you can order on-line and have it delivered to him? Just some thoughts !
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He lives in a separate house. The people in his area all know and like him. He is also a member of a church. There are many people around him, but he rightly is becoming concerned as to what would happen in case of an emergency. He is not ready to to relocate to my city, we've discussed it. I'm lucky enough that I can work remotely should the need arise. My mother and I are trading off driving down to see him on the weekends. He has a very good friend that he feels he can call upon, and I have also added a the cab driver who was taking him to visit my Grandma before she passed into his cellphone. So, I'm thinking that in the event of an emergency, he will have a few immediate resources as far as transportation. Then, I would be able to get down there ASAP for any aftercare.

I'm just trying to put a plan together BEFORE anything happens. Thanks so much.
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It is hard to say, with so little information. So much depends on if your grandfather lives in a senior community, a separate house, or out on a farm. You are so far away. Is there anyone closer who can keep an eye out for him. 94 is pretty old to be living alone without anyone. Does he have friends that come by a lot?

I don't know anything about your grandfather's resources. If he should need it, does he have enough to go into assisted living or a skilled nursing home? Is there a facility near you or one of his children that would be a good fit for him if needed?

At his age, I would make sure his advanced directives are in place, so that financial and medical POAs can step in if needed. The AD will include making his will, living will, and DNR request if required. These will help direct people in knowing what his desires are.

Please let us know a little more about his situation and people may have some good ideas what to do. You are a wonderful person for wanting to make sure he is cared for. I heard that the Jitterbugs are great phones for older people.
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