Suggestions on a couple of your ideas below. 

 

A cell phone in his shirt pocket activated by voice commands:  If he was buying one outright, the moto X has a dedicated low power chip designed to listen for voice activation.  I have had some hassle getting it set up.  But have found Dragon Mobile assistant to be much more reliable and easier to use for total hands free activation.  If the moto X is purchased, it “should” be able to last the day in listening mode, or at least a significant amount of time.  This would need to be monitored to see what the batter drain actually added up to. 

With any phone, you can purchase an extended battery case relatively inexpensively that should double or triple the battery life.  For example http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=moto+x+extended+battery+case&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amoto+x+extended+battery+case

 

On the RC 200 idea.  If he does not otherwise make a selection, it will automatically dial the first number in the list.  Could it be set to dial a reliable person who would know that if he is calling (and not talking to them since he is in another room or something has gone wrong, they should come and/or send help)?  Or 911?  911 is supposed to send people to the door if they get hang up calls or the person is not speaking to them.  It is a good idea to talk to the local police station/fire department about the situation…  So they know to break in or location of an extra key or what have you…

This idea would require him activating the wireless switch that is supplied with an RC200, it would not be voice activated.

 

Alternatively, there are a few wireless switch options out there.  If he was able to activate a switch at his stomach, or hip, or between his knees, or maybe even a head mounted(eyeglass mounted) pneumatic switch, that could be used to activate the lifeline, or RC200?

 

Ed Hitchcock OT/L

Technology Center

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

 

 

 

Similar question, however this person is mobile and does not use a power chair …

 

I’ve got a client, a man, who is still walking but very, very limited use of arm/shoulder….. arms just hang from his sides.

 

He was home alone, walked to the bathroom, sat down on the toilet and then could not get back up.  He had no way to call for help.  He was sitting on the toilet for 2 hours until someone came to check on him.  By then, his legs were asleep, stiff and he was exhausted.

 

If he had a lifeline (or similar), I’m not sure he could press the usual pendant button.  Switch adapted would not necessarily be portable as he walked to the toilet.

 

If he had the no-button headset, where does the magnet go so that he can turn his head to use the magnet to operate the phone?  He would not have a headrest, he doesn’t use a wheelchair…

 

If he had his cell phone set to voice commands, how would he keep it from draining the battery?  He isn’t capable of plugging it in and if it was plugged in, it wouldn’t be portable.

 

If he had a hands-free voice activated phone (we still have a few of the RC dialogue 200 that work) the receiver wouldn’t pick him up from the living room (where he spends most of his time) to the bathroom, where he was during this episode or even other parts of the home.  Those work best when the person is immobile or can power back to the “base”.

 

Family and friends now have a visitation schedule so that he is not alone, but…. He doesn’t want constant companionship at this point…

 

Any ideas?

 

 

 

 

I’m wondering if anyone could give me options on a call button for someone with use of their head only….he needs this button to help alert his caregivers.

 

Holly Plybon

 

Care Services Coordinator

xxxxxx@alsaindiana.org

 

 

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