Im Looking For A Service That Doesn't Exist, Or Does It?

[RATTER15]

Ok, so I have an elderly client with Parkinson's disease that lives at home alone, she has a call alarm for emergencies, activate by a pendant around her neck. She is mentally sound but due to her Parkinsons and her advancing age, she no longer has the dexterity to use a phone, so a phone is out of the question, even on speed dial. So the service I am looking for is..... A pendant that incorporates a microphone and speaker and a button that when pressed would go through to a switchboard, the switchboard would then transfer her call to one of her contacts on a designated list, friends and family etc. It sounds very easy, but I don't think such a service exists. I'm hoping somebody here can tell me of such a service.

[The Builder]

Hiya Ratman. Good to see you again.
I do remember there being a system that monitored oil level in heating oil tanks.
It sent a wireless signal to a receiver plugged into the house's phoneline when the level was low, for automatic re-ordering.

What you describe should easily be possible. Either phoneline or wireless broadband.

[Old_Geezer]

You can get pendants that summon help, but not heard of one for phone calls. Modern phones let you set speed dials though which require few key presses and may be sufficient.

[Redhelen72]

what about using alexa - the prices have come down a lot
2 or 3 alexa and broadband would be able to do what you ask and probably cheaper than the professional companies out there

[Hopkirk]

Would this do what you want?

https://www.lifeconnect24.co.uk/blog/personal-alarm-guide/

[JimF]

All modern phones come with some sort of audio voice recognition. E.g. if I want to speak to my pal Bob, all I need to say is "Hi Bixby", then "phone Bob". Could she use something like that, once the numbers had been programmed in?

[barry1010]

Lots of mobile phones can dial on voice instruction alone. The RNIB has voice activated landlines.

[bednobs]

the alexa is a good idea if she (and the people she wants to call) have wifi

[Old_Geezer]

Tech that listens to you all day in your own home isn't something I'd be keen on.

[barry1010]

bednobs, Alexa can call landlines and mobiles

[bednobs]

i didnt realise you were the one having trouble calling people!

[Redhelen72]

Exactly Barry, just program the numbers in and ask 'Alexa, ring Simon'

[lankeela]

Sorry to hijack - Ratter check the Animals and Nature section!

[bednobs]

so she can, i'd forgotten that!

[RATTER15]

Alexa would have been ideal, unfortunately, her voice is a bit too quiet and shaky for voice recognition, she does have Alexa already, but she doesn't use it as it doesn't work for her.
She also has an emergency call line that works fine but not for phone calls except in an emergency.
I agree The Builder, it should be very simple, but nobody seems to do it! An opportunity for a business for somebody for sure, it's a situation I have come across a few times, there must be hundreds of people out there looking for something similar. If I was a bit younger and not so busy, I would look into setting up such a service for sure!

[barry1010]

Sometimes simple is better, could your friend cope with jabbing a big button phone with speed dial? Amplicomms Bigtel 40 - Big Button Phone for Elderly - Loud Phones for Hard of Hearing which are Hearing Aid Compatible Phones - Corded Big Number Telephone - Dementia Aid Phone for Elderly https://amzn.eu/d/6RiP8iN

[Tuvok]

There’s one mentioned on this website

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/products/mobility-and-independence-at-home/personal-alarms/

[RATTER15]

barry1010
I wish. The problem is the Bigtel 40 is not cordless, otherwise, she could probably manage with it. It needs to go from room to room with her when she is able to mobilise, and that changes hour by hour.

[RATTER15]

Tuvok.
She already has one of those, they are a different thing altogether, that's a helpline. But thanks.

[barry1010]

How about this set, one corded, one not https://www.amplifiedtelephones.co.uk/geemarc-amplidect-295-combi-photo-amplified-corded-and-cordless-phone-combination-with-answering-machine.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwuqiiBhBtEiwATgvixM3SRTWWDYTNBBqkNlE5BwldrKUHqEccDAIg3T7jKgPzgr1Nw9UhUBoCP54QAvD_BwE

[RATTER15]

barry1010
I have been looking at that one, it seems like a possibility but not sure. I have suggested it to her family, to see what they think. Thanks.