My husband and I are leaving this weekend (first time we’ve left overnight since we moved my 91 year old, wheelchair bound grandfather into our home six months ago. Much needed break. His aides will be picking up more hours to make sure he gets dinner and nighttime meds/routine done (they usually only do morning shift and I do the evenings). We lock the door every night, but no one will be here overnight with him and I worry what if something happens and he needs an ambulance or there’s a fire, etc? How will help get in? How do we keep him safe while also protecting against break ins?? We’re in a great neighborhood, but I can’t help but think of the what ifs and now I’m worrying. This was an impromptu and well pretty emergent get away for my own mental health, and I just thought of this detail now at midnight and can’t sleep over it!
One thing not to do is buy a lock box with a handle, like the old gym locks. The handle can be sawed off; I tried it, and easily got a saw inbetween the two prongs of the lock.
Also, for a medical alert, I found the best source in our area to be a company that years ago began with total house security, and added medical security via a pendant later. Call several companies; if they just want to send a brochure, move on. You want one that responds and provides information over the phone, not by mail.
Consider which 3 choices of first notifications you want: first responders, you, or a neighbor or the caregivers.
Have a caregiver stay overnight in your absence. (easiest immediate solution)
Have a key-pad lockbox or Knox box place on your front door.
It is not safe for an elderly person in a wheelchair to be left totally alone. If he should fall out of the wheelchair accidently and find himself lying on the floor, he will not be able to get up to "summon help."
Meanwhile, I recommend getting him one of those necklaces whereby he can summon help. It should be worn at all times. However, this is assuming that he is "cognizant" enough to be able to know to push the button.
you will know when they enter and can change as needed. You can also just have them text when they arrive and Unlock. If needed you can also unlock for emergency if you aren’t there. Great for guests as well. I would look indoor valuables and invest in a camera to monitor. I would not use it all the time but when others are providing care or there when you aren’t. These have dropped in price and well worth peace of mind and investment. Some cable companies even can install. I would not leave my door unlocked.
If you don't install some kind of key box that emergency people have access to, they will break windows or the door to get in. Not to mention, it might create problems for you as to why you left him alone. Not worth the worry.
I have installed a Knox box in which all law enforcement can open to get my mother's house key out. It was installed right beside the front door and cannot be broken into. All local law enforcement have a master key to their box. They have come when she is alone and her medical alert button has gone off either by a fall or from her pushing the button on her necklace. We go through ADT security.
you can also call at certain times to check on him, and call the caregivers to see what they think.
You need to hire a full time caregivers for the whole duration you are gone. That should give you peace of mind that he’s being cared for while you’re away.
Good luck and be careful!
Doing this if he has an emergency all he has to do is make the call to 911 and not two calls, one to 911 the other to someone that has a key.
Another option later on would be to replace the front door lock (if other locks are keyed the same you don't have to change those unless you want to) with a touch pad so a code can be put in. the caregivers can have the code as well as Police and Fire Departments. When a caregiver is no longer working for you rather than replacing the lock and having to give everyone new keys you can easily change the code. (remember to change all the locks when a caregiver is no longer working for you)
Putting this here so others may know you have solved the logistics of caring for your 91 y. o. grandfather. Good on you!
Hktj1711
14 hours ago
"Thank you. I didn’t even think. This is all new territory for me. I will ask the caregiver to stay overnight; I’m sure she will have no problem, we will just pay her more! "
😍