I spend a good amount of my time talking to sons and daughters who are worried about the health of one or both of their elderly parents living independently. Sometimes the children live nearby, other times they are thousands of miles away. In either case, there is no way they can always be there to watch over their mom or dad, which is why an elderly medical alarm is a great idea to keep them safe and protected. Of course deciding to get them a medical alarm is sometimes only half the battle. Convincing them to use it can be another hurdle.

I recently spoke to a daughter who lives in Nebraska and her father lives by himself in Ohio. Her father lives in her childhood home by himself his wife recently passed. She told me he is a very proud man, who was having a hard time with the idea that he needs help.

We talked for a while about her situation and I explained to her that yes, we all have pride and, especially as someone gets old, they have a hard time admitting they need help. What he should understand is that using an elderly medical alarm is not a signal that he can’t take care of himself, or that he has become helpless. In actuality, it will help to maintain his independence and give him a better quality of life. And, if nothing else, it will make his daughter stop losing sleep by worrying about him!

She called me back in a few days and thanked me for the advice. Reluctant at first, he agreed to use the alarm. Saying goodbye on the phone, I could tell how relieved she was. I left work that day with a smile on my face.

But then again, I always do I love my job.

Noah