Muscatine

Tom...do they have life alert buttons? That could be a real life-saver. There are also cell phones specifically for seniors that are used only for 911 calls. You might investigate that and be sure he has one at all times.

What about church groups, neighbors, friends calling at specified times throughout the day to check on them? Or if they don't want to keep answering the phone, can they call certain people at set times every day to "report in?" Do they have meals on wheels? That would be more people checking on them.

Do they  have an extra bedroom? When my father was in that condition we investigated having a college student board with him free in exchange for light maintenance and just being there as much as possible. We had a young man all set to move in who loved to cook and would handle lawn care, etc, but my father suddenly got worse and a nursing home became the only option.

It's a tough decision to make. If they're happy and reasonably healthy, home is the absolute best place for them if at all possible.

Good luck

I've considered that "life alert" button, but, don't know who to contact, or how to see about it!  Thankx for the input!  Tom.

Here's their website where you can get a free brochure: http://www.lifealert.com/index.html

You might also want to contact the local Commision on Aging to see what ideas/suggestions they have.

Tom,

Unity coordinates a life line system also.

I had to take my Grandmother's unit back after she passed and it was based out of the brick bldg on Cedar Street (Community Health?)  to the southwest of the Hospital. It's upstairs in the bldg. You drive around back (up the driveway) and it's the only office there. If I'm not mistaken it is the next drive after the old Cedar Street entrance to the Hospital. Just call Unity hospital and they can direct you or ask one of the visiting nurses about it. They would know who, what, etc.

The cost is not that much and you can give them several contact names/numbers to call. And call they will when the panic button is activated. All hours day or night. The users has the option, if able, to direct whom they call "family, Fire Dept Medics, or both.

They get a panic necklace and the system can be activated at the system box (phone) also. Just needs a 110 outlet and a phone jack to operate.

Very friendly but also very professional every time I talked with them.

Meals on wheels is Senior Resources and I beleive they delivery week days between 11am and 1pm, depending on the delivery route size. The drivers are volunterrs. Meals are OK but again it's someone there everyday at the same time checking in and they would get a hot meal that neither had to cook. We worried about Grandma using the stove and what not. I think the cost was around $3.00 a meal and you pay by the month for meals delivered.

Good luck and best of luck. Hang in there and don't be afraid to ask for help. They maybe your parents but we all need help some time. You can't do it all, all the time.