Welcome to our latest customer case study where today we speak to Brenda Lawrence, a Lifeline Alarm user since 2015. Mrs Lawrence currently lives in a detached annex adjacent to her son and daughter-in-law’s property in Somerset. Mrs Lawrence is completely independent, although she is becoming a little wobbly on her feet. Just as you may expect for any 86-year-old who’s had a busy and fulfilling life!
She told us that one of her greatest pleasures is going to gigs with her son and daughter-in-law. Her son also joins in. This is the trip she usually enjoys every week and so always has something to look forward to most weekends.
At LifeConnect24, we understand that our alarm users want to remain independent for as long as possible. Purchasing an alarm is in no way saying that this isn’t plausible. We want our elderly users to feel that they are still able to be up and about. We also want them to remain living at home confidently for as long as they feel comfortable doing so.
Mrs Lawrence was persuaded to acquire an alarm by her son as she has had a few stumbles at home. If Mrs Lawrence ever needed to call for help, she was only able to call the main house phone. Even that could only happen if Mrs Lawrence herself was close to a phone.
We asked Mrs Lawrence what made her realise that a Lifeline alarm was suitable for her:
The obvious advantages of being able to call on someone to get help was fairly easy to grasp because at some point, a fall (or anything more serious) meant that I could summon help when I most needed it. I admit that I was a little reticent to have an alarm because I didn’t like the idea of having it hung around my neck. However, when I saw that I could wear it as a bracelet, that made all the difference to me especially as I could wear it when having a shower.”
Our Personal Alarm pendant is designed for versatility. It can be worn around the neck as a pendant, or on the wrist as you would wear a watch. The button is small, light, and discreet to offer maximum comfort to the wearer. The button is waterproof and can be worn in the bath or shower. We find most of our customers take their button off.
In this case study, Mrs Lawrence does a monthly check of her alarm. She presses the pendant and explaining to the Response Team that it is a test call. We recommend making regular monthly checks to make sure the alarm is working, to ensure 24/7 coverage and support.
We spoke to Mrs Lawrence about the two times she’d had to use her alarm in a real-life situation.
I have had to use the alarm on two (serious) occasions. Once when I fell indoors but couldn’t get up, I pressed the alarm and within minutes, my son came up to help me – Luckily there was no damage done.
However, the most important incident was in 2017; when undergoing a ‘simple’ cataract operation I suffered a heart attack. After a week in hospital, I was allowed home – I felt safe enough, until the second day at home I became unwell and needed urgent help. I pressed my alarm and within minutes my son was on hand. The lady who took my call rang back to check that I was OK, and I wouldn’t be without it now.”
Mrs Lawrence has pressed her button a couple of times accidentally. Each time she was met with a very polite team member who was understanding and assured her that it wasn’t a problem. If the alarm is activated our Response Team will always answer – even if the call is then cancelled. They will always make sure that the alarm user is well and check if they need any assistance.
We asked Mrs Lawrence about her experience with our Response Team. She said: “When I have used my alarm for its intended purpose (when something was wrong), the Response Team were fantastic, and this is endorsed by my son.”
she said: “When I have used my alarm for its intended purpose (when something was wrong), the Response Team were fantastic, and this is endorsed by my son.”
Mrs Lawrence didn’t think that she would ever need a Lifeline Alarm, let alone ever use one. She now believes that it is an absolute necessity which brings her and her family peace of mind. Mrs Lawrence has also said that she “could not be without it.” It means that when her family is away, she knows that help is always on hand.
We asked Mrs Lawrence what she would say to someone who is anxious about taking the leap and purchasing an alarm. She explained:
As I have said, I thought that it wasn’t for me. My son persuaded me to have one because in his words “it’s too late when you need help most but can’t get it”. With my alarm, I have 24/7 help at hand. It is unobtrusive but vital – especially if you have mobility or medical problems. Please don’t hesitate to get this protection!”
Personal Alarm Information
If you feel that you could benefit from a Personal Alarm like Mrs Lawrence, then please get in touch with our friendly and helpful sales team who will be able to answer any questions you have. They can be contacted over the phone on 0800 999 0400. Alternatively, complete our contact us form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Note: Edited 18/03/2021
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