If cell service is truly the problem, an Apple Watch needs cell signal too. My mom had fall protection ON her Apple Watch, but it failed to notify when she fell because she never fell hard. She always goes down like a rag. When she fell, it was mostly the result of moving too fast. Also, talk to a real estate agent before you install a walk-in tub. If you try to sell your home, people don’t like walk-in tubs. I heard that second hand, but worth pausing to ask.
So very sorry this happened but glad it wasn't worse! You might want to get an aging in place specialist to come and assess your home and options. Here we have a Council on Aging that have staff who do home visits for that purpose. There are also folks who specialize in fall prevention. The hospital social worker could connect you. Grab bars are a must, though you have to have them installed by someone who knows how to anchor them properly. For technology I would get an Apple Watch. I don't have one (yet) but believe they can be programmed to automatically send alert if they detect a fall. Or could be voice-activated if you're not wearing and have speaker on (?). And maybe a wi-fi booster for your home. If there is a Best Buy in the area, they now offer a lot of smart home products and will come install. I know it is overwhelming to deal with all this by yourself. Get yourself a recliner for sure!
Oh Sue! What an ordeal. I hear your concern about finding a way to get help. I haven’t read all the responses and you may have already considered aversion of this. My 90 yo father-in-law who plays tennis and travels and whatnot has a service where everyday a woman calls him to check in. If he’s going to unavailable he lets her know. If he weren’t to answer the service would send someone to check on him. I’ve been around when he gets the daily call and truly I think everyone in the world needs it! Just someone to check in and say I’ll call again tomorrow. He’s in a retirement community and it’s part of what they do, but I’d imagine there are other services. Not the total answer to what you’d like but could be a piece of an overall plan. That watch was too ugly, I’m glad it’s going back. Hoping your recovery goes quick. So sorry this happened!
Also yes to getting your house analyzed for where to put grab bars, etc. If there’s not an aging specialist around find an occupational therapist, pay the person out of pocket if you need to.
Also, YouTube has some incredible videos on how to take a fall, exercises to do, etc. I keep meaning to look at those more. You’ve got this.
Holy shit. Glad you are ok. Rib pain is bad though. Two summers ago an idiot friend of ours drove his bike into mine during a ride and hit me in the ribs (third time he had hit me that summer! I think he liked me🤣) so I know it’s painful and there’s nothing you can really do. I guess it’s good you found out the thing is useless during a relatively minor incident. Yeah I’d be reading them the riot act.
What a frightening situation! I'm thinking of getting a similar device here in Australia. I'm in the middle of a capital city, but what if I'm travelling and driving through areas of known patchy coverage !
What a bummer! But better to find out with a relatively minor incident than a larger one. There’s no perfect solution, for sure. I can truly sympathize with your frustration. And yes, get a comfy recliner soon! It can make a world of difference!
Apple Watches don’t work well if there is spotty cell service, but can use WiFi, so if you have that in your house, it works.
Wondering if you have considered something like an Amazon echo? Here’s what AI has to say:
No, a standard Amazon Echo device cannot directly call 911. However, with the paid subscription service, Alexa Emergency Assist, you can say "Alexa, call for help" and be connected to a trained agent who can then contact emergency services on your behalf. Without the subscription, Alexa can only call contacts you've designated as emergency contacts within the Alexa app.
Here's a breakdown:
Standard Alexa Functionality:
.
By default, Alexa is designed to avoid direct calls to emergency numbers like 911.
Alexa Emergency Assist (Paid Subscription):
.
This service connects you with a professional agent who can assess the situation and dispatch emergency services.
Emergency Contacts:
.
You can set up specific contacts within the Alexa app to receive calls or texts when you say "Alexa, call for help". This feature is intended for non-life-threatening situations and is not a replacement for contacting emergency services directly.
You could get several of them, putting one in the bathroom, living room, etc.
Aww Sue, ouch! How are you feeling? Sending you pain-free vibes.
So sorry to hear all this, what a big pain all round!
If you go the 'Apple' route - you can set the watch with Siri so you can say 'Hey Siri' call emergency services..
It's possible to check cell service coverage in your area, and where you walk, online I think...but I think Apple can walk you through setting up satellite phone links https://support.apple.com/en-gb/105097
If you get the watch it's best with an Apple phone...and you'll need to decide on whether you want a mobile SIM for the watch or use the phone connection. FYI The power cord for a watch is different to a phone. I don't have a separate SIM for the watch, I have an iPhone and I keep a Powerpack in case I need to charge either. The watch is sleeker. Hope that helps
Sorry you injured yourself. Glad you'll be ok. Thank you for being g vulnerable and telling your story. We all learn from you.
If cell service is truly the problem, an Apple Watch needs cell signal too. My mom had fall protection ON her Apple Watch, but it failed to notify when she fell because she never fell hard. She always goes down like a rag. When she fell, it was mostly the result of moving too fast. Also, talk to a real estate agent before you install a walk-in tub. If you try to sell your home, people don’t like walk-in tubs. I heard that second hand, but worth pausing to ask.
So very sorry this happened but glad it wasn't worse! You might want to get an aging in place specialist to come and assess your home and options. Here we have a Council on Aging that have staff who do home visits for that purpose. There are also folks who specialize in fall prevention. The hospital social worker could connect you. Grab bars are a must, though you have to have them installed by someone who knows how to anchor them properly. For technology I would get an Apple Watch. I don't have one (yet) but believe they can be programmed to automatically send alert if they detect a fall. Or could be voice-activated if you're not wearing and have speaker on (?). And maybe a wi-fi booster for your home. If there is a Best Buy in the area, they now offer a lot of smart home products and will come install. I know it is overwhelming to deal with all this by yourself. Get yourself a recliner for sure!
Oh Sue! What an ordeal. I hear your concern about finding a way to get help. I haven’t read all the responses and you may have already considered aversion of this. My 90 yo father-in-law who plays tennis and travels and whatnot has a service where everyday a woman calls him to check in. If he’s going to unavailable he lets her know. If he weren’t to answer the service would send someone to check on him. I’ve been around when he gets the daily call and truly I think everyone in the world needs it! Just someone to check in and say I’ll call again tomorrow. He’s in a retirement community and it’s part of what they do, but I’d imagine there are other services. Not the total answer to what you’d like but could be a piece of an overall plan. That watch was too ugly, I’m glad it’s going back. Hoping your recovery goes quick. So sorry this happened!
Also yes to getting your house analyzed for where to put grab bars, etc. If there’s not an aging specialist around find an occupational therapist, pay the person out of pocket if you need to.
Also, YouTube has some incredible videos on how to take a fall, exercises to do, etc. I keep meaning to look at those more. You’ve got this.
Holy shit. Glad you are ok. Rib pain is bad though. Two summers ago an idiot friend of ours drove his bike into mine during a ride and hit me in the ribs (third time he had hit me that summer! I think he liked me🤣) so I know it’s painful and there’s nothing you can really do. I guess it’s good you found out the thing is useless during a relatively minor incident. Yeah I’d be reading them the riot act.
Now you know. Good neighbors matter. Sorry it was oversold. Glad you are on the mend.
So glad you are pretty much OK and getting rid of that butt ugly device! PS I love my Apple watch for lots of things, not just the emergency features.
I'm so glad you're alright.
What a frightening situation! I'm thinking of getting a similar device here in Australia. I'm in the middle of a capital city, but what if I'm travelling and driving through areas of known patchy coverage !
Thanks for the questions I need to ask !
Hugs. 🫂
What a bummer! But better to find out with a relatively minor incident than a larger one. There’s no perfect solution, for sure. I can truly sympathize with your frustration. And yes, get a comfy recliner soon! It can make a world of difference!
Apple Watches don’t work well if there is spotty cell service, but can use WiFi, so if you have that in your house, it works.
Wondering if you have considered something like an Amazon echo? Here’s what AI has to say:
No, a standard Amazon Echo device cannot directly call 911. However, with the paid subscription service, Alexa Emergency Assist, you can say "Alexa, call for help" and be connected to a trained agent who can then contact emergency services on your behalf. Without the subscription, Alexa can only call contacts you've designated as emergency contacts within the Alexa app.
Here's a breakdown:
Standard Alexa Functionality:
.
By default, Alexa is designed to avoid direct calls to emergency numbers like 911.
Alexa Emergency Assist (Paid Subscription):
.
This service connects you with a professional agent who can assess the situation and dispatch emergency services.
Emergency Contacts:
.
You can set up specific contacts within the Alexa app to receive calls or texts when you say "Alexa, call for help". This feature is intended for non-life-threatening situations and is not a replacement for contacting emergency services directly.
You could get several of them, putting one in the bathroom, living room, etc.
Thank you for so generously sharing this story with all of us. I'm glad you're basically okay.
I'm sorry this happened, but appreciate the information. I hope the healing is fast.
Just sending you love dear one. A scary but helpful test-run! Big hugs xx
Aww Sue, ouch! How are you feeling? Sending you pain-free vibes.
So sorry to hear all this, what a big pain all round!
If you go the 'Apple' route - you can set the watch with Siri so you can say 'Hey Siri' call emergency services..
It's possible to check cell service coverage in your area, and where you walk, online I think...but I think Apple can walk you through setting up satellite phone links https://support.apple.com/en-gb/105097
If you get the watch it's best with an Apple phone...and you'll need to decide on whether you want a mobile SIM for the watch or use the phone connection. FYI The power cord for a watch is different to a phone. I don't have a separate SIM for the watch, I have an iPhone and I keep a Powerpack in case I need to charge either. The watch is sleeker. Hope that helps
Glad you are ok. I wouldn’t call it all a waste of energy, rather a learning opportunity ;)
Really sorry to hear this Sue. What a horrible way to find out it didn't work. Now I'm going to check out Sullivans Crossing...