Sigarms
Super Member
Situation - Last month father had two mini strokes within 4 days. Ran up to Pa, brought him down to NC to be with us. He's 82, very active (still fishes, bowls and golfs). The doctors up in PA said he seemed to be doing fine and would make the drive down to NC no problem.
About 6 weeks later, absolutely no issues with dad with us since they have him on some new medication. He has an appointment with a stroke specialist here in NC, and I'd like to get their assesment of the situation, but feel that nothing may change (now that he's on new medication and no other signs, perhaps a clean bill of health). When I came back from Vermont the other week (with wife and sons) I picked up his car and drove it down to my house. My father wants to make the 8 hr drive himself now. He takes his time and pulls over if he gets tired. Wife would like me to drive with him and fly back, but dad dosen't want a babysitter. Although he is getting old, he isn't a bad driver, at one point regularly driving close to 40k a year for work after he retired from the military.
So Dad dosen't want a co rider, but myself, wife and other family members are worried about him being by himself if something else medically should occur if no one is around.
Thinking about a medical device like "Life alert" so if dad is by himself, he can push a button and someone will know what is going on by talking with him, or worst case, be able to send help.
Called life alert tonight, wasn't that impressed, basically a "answering service" who would send info out to me. Called "Alert 1", talked to a guy who answered all of my questions.
Due to my father being active and one for not staying around the house, looking at the "Kelsi GPS system". Basically, it should mean that no matter where my father is at, he pushes the button and they know from his GPS device exactly where he is at.
Dad has agreed that if it makes me feel better, he will get a "medical alert" of some sort, added the fact that I won't make the drive with him back to Pa (bargaining on my end, but it's better than nothing, and of course, as long as it's cleared by the medical doctors here in NC).
Anyone have any first hand experience with these types of devices? Would like some feedback on either the device or the company standing behind the device.
Sincere thanks.
About 6 weeks later, absolutely no issues with dad with us since they have him on some new medication. He has an appointment with a stroke specialist here in NC, and I'd like to get their assesment of the situation, but feel that nothing may change (now that he's on new medication and no other signs, perhaps a clean bill of health). When I came back from Vermont the other week (with wife and sons) I picked up his car and drove it down to my house. My father wants to make the 8 hr drive himself now. He takes his time and pulls over if he gets tired. Wife would like me to drive with him and fly back, but dad dosen't want a babysitter. Although he is getting old, he isn't a bad driver, at one point regularly driving close to 40k a year for work after he retired from the military.
So Dad dosen't want a co rider, but myself, wife and other family members are worried about him being by himself if something else medically should occur if no one is around.
Thinking about a medical device like "Life alert" so if dad is by himself, he can push a button and someone will know what is going on by talking with him, or worst case, be able to send help.
Called life alert tonight, wasn't that impressed, basically a "answering service" who would send info out to me. Called "Alert 1", talked to a guy who answered all of my questions.
Due to my father being active and one for not staying around the house, looking at the "Kelsi GPS system". Basically, it should mean that no matter where my father is at, he pushes the button and they know from his GPS device exactly where he is at.
Dad has agreed that if it makes me feel better, he will get a "medical alert" of some sort, added the fact that I won't make the drive with him back to Pa (bargaining on my end, but it's better than nothing, and of course, as long as it's cleared by the medical doctors here in NC).
Anyone have any first hand experience with these types of devices? Would like some feedback on either the device or the company standing behind the device.
Sincere thanks.