Solutions for elderly FIL who had phone off the hook

10 replies

SolidarityGdansk · 09/12/2018 18:24

That’s it really.

He leaves the phone off the hook and we can’t contact him u til he chooses to use the phone again.

Most wearable technology seems to be to allow the person to call for help. Has anyone come across a wearable devise that could alert him to the fact we are trying to call him

How did pagers in the1980a work? Can you still buy them?

OP posts:

Saucysusieisinbed · 09/12/2018 18:26

What about an Alexa?

veggiepigsinpastryblankets · 09/12/2018 18:27

A cordless phone, that doesn't have a hook to be off? As long as he puts it back on its base at night to charge, he could just carry the handset around the house with him.

(This is assuming he is leaving it off the hook by accident and it's not just that he doesn't want to speak to people.)

shoofly · 09/12/2018 18:27

Does the handset not make a noise if it isn't replaced? I know ours does. If it doesn't, could you change the type of phone. I'm assuming he's leaving it off the hook accidentally?

Annandale · 09/12/2018 18:29

Why does he leave it off the hook? Does he have a reason, do you think it's the real reason? It seems quite likely he will sabotage any way of contacting him unless the reason is addressed?

Maybe a regular daily call at the same time??

It seems to be possible to call people via Alexa - that's a bit over my head tbh - but maybe it might be an (expensive) option - others on the thread might know more.

I don't think pagers are supported by the networks any more. Some kind of high end walkie talkie?

patientzero · 09/12/2018 18:34

If he has an internet connection and you have the ability to download the Amazon Alexa app then get him a basic Echo Dot and you can use the drop in function to call him. He wouldn’t need to pick up or anything, it makes a noise then auto picks up so you’d just talk to him like a phone.

Original poster

SolidarityGdansk · 09/12/2018 18:39

He isn’t doing it on purpose. Just doesn’t press the red hang up button after the call.

I will look at an Alexa

Thank you.

OP posts:

MereDintofPandiculation · 09/12/2018 22:13

Clamshell mobile, which cuts off when you close it?

ChilliTree3 · 10/12/2018 02:37

Suggestion phone a neighbor or someone local to go and check he is ok

MereDintofPandiculation · 10/12/2018 08:39

Chilli 2.30 am! Are you a nightbird, or are you having a bad night?

APlanerideawayyy1 · 10/12/2018 22:35

Some people work shifts, like a combination of days, nights or half day/half night....

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