For Older RVers and Those Who Travel Alone

Chippendale · Apr 30, 2016

I discovered the other day that I am in the "older segment" of Heartland owners (76), and since I lost DW a couple of years ago, Dolly my cocker spaniel and I pretty much travel alone. I have been kind of concerned about how we would handle some sort of emergency. Say, we check into a park for a week and I have a stroke/heart attack that night. More than likely, no one would notice or investigate the lack of activity and Dolly would be without food or water for days until the park management came by to see why we hadn't left. This isn't a pleasant subject, but one that many of us should probably think about and address.

I have been thinking about getting one of those medical alert transmitters you wear around your neck, and have kind of zeroed in on this one: https://www.medicalcarealert.com/All-In-One-GPS-Medical-Alert-with-Fall-Detection-s/1863.htm The way I understand this, it is good anywhere in the US where there is AT&T wireless coverage. They give you a “lock box” to keep a key in, that could be mounted by your RV door and they will give the combination to EMS when they send them out. It looks like the cost of an “annual plan” with “fall detection” is about $1.50 per day plus tax, I’m sure. Is anyone using something like this, or do you know of something better?

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jayc · Apr 30, 2016

Interesting question George. I'll keep an eye on this thread. I was a part of the RUOK plan, in that the local Police will use a computer to call you once or twice a day at proscribed times and if there is no answer, send someone out to check on you. This is for static and fixed users and not suitable for gypsies like us.

danemayer · Apr 30, 2016

I don't have any advice on the monitoring aspect, but a few years ago I created some editable PDF forms to make up an emergency information package. One of the forms lets emergency responders know you have pets (or children) and another provides the itinerary so they know where your trailer is located. The assumption is that you've been incapacitated and are unable to provide the information. It's similar to the Yellow Dot program used in a few local areas, but doesn't depend on responders knowing what the yellow dot means.

You're welcome to download and use the forms. There's also a graphic file so you make a window decal to put on the truck window with a matching decal on the info package. There's also a link to a site where you can order the decals.

Here's a link.

We have used the medical history form on numerous occasions, at every new doctor and several times in the emergency room.

ram_1955 · Apr 30, 2016

I will have to watch this also. DW and I both have ICE (In Case of Emergency) and major medical info on our phones.
Since DW is on several meds we always keep a list in our travel notebook as well as her phone. Medical info on the phone should also have a current picture to help in an emergency.

Maybe we should start a group that has a place that those traveling can drop latest location to and those that are traveling could text their status once or twice a day.

wdk450 · May 1, 2016

Great Call (Jitterbug) started the market for cellular communications for seniors. Their big advantage is that they have had a relationship with Verizon as their cell tower provider, which is generally accepted as the carrier with the most complete coverage of the U.S.

Here is a link to their emergency call device: https://www.greatcall.com/devices/s...sNI7lTDhY3E9oDXRW2t8OBoCF7Tw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds I'm sure you could set up the lock box (or equivalent - I have a hidden key on an externally accessible place on my rig) with them under "special instructions".

mlpeloquin · May 1, 2016

Bill,

Looks like it uses Verizon for service. AT&T does not reach as many locations as Verizon. Another thing to worry about is passing away in your sleep. Your pets will still be in a pickle. You might ask the parks personal to check on you once a day in the morning as they go through the park.

Domi · May 1, 2016

I cannot speak from personal experience but my Dad uses a service found here: https://www.mobilehelp.com/

He recently fell and broke a hip. He had been stubborn about wearing the necklace or watch and had to crawl to his base unit to summon help (with a broken hip). EMS arrived an opened the door with the key from the lock box on the front and all was good. He was very happy with the service and now wears the necklace and keeps the GPS portion in the car should he need it.

Check reviews and see what you like but I think it is a great thing to have if you live or travel alone. You never know when you might need it. Make sure you have a summoner on you all the time also. Dad is a believer now.

John

wdk450 · May 1, 2016

Great Call (Jitterbug) has additional services with their phones (not pendants) that can call you to check in on you, call you to remind you to take your pills, and have a relative's number to call if they don't make contact See: https://www.greatcall.com/phones/jitterbug-flip-cell-phone-for-seniors

porthole · May 2, 2016

When I - we go out on the bike from the campground, I wear my HL name tag in a small clear pouch with the CG info listed, CG, site and that there are two Goldens and a cat waiting to be fed and go out.
How to get in the camper is also listed

farside291 · May 2, 2016

We have the Medical Alert at the S&B. It works very well and we have had to use it several times for Mom and Dad. The folks at Medical Alert are very prompt in responding, within seconds. The main unit mounts in a central location and no matter where you are at in the house, the box can hear you. Medical Alert responds through the speaker on the main box and the box has a very sensitive microphone so you do not need to answer the phone. Ours came with watch style transmitters and pendants to wear while showering. For the peace of mind your getting cost is very affordable.

travelin2 · May 2, 2016

The DW and I each have a bracelet from RoadID that lists contact info, blood type, etc in case we are found unconscious or incoherent. Fortunately neither of us are on daily required life medications that can also be documented on the ID.
Obviously if we are separated from our truck, the CG info, camper keys, etc are discoverable there. We have a sticker by the camper door indicating a dog travels with us.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

travelin2 · May 2, 2016

ram_1955 said:
I will have to watch this also. DW and I both have ICE (In Case of Emergency) and major medical info on our phones.
Since DW is on several meds we always keep a list in our travel notebook as well as her phone. Medical info on the phone should also have a current picture to help in an emergency.

.

We also have I.C.E. on our phones,etc but kind of useless these days what with our iPhones having a passcode.
Be ok if one still carries an older style mobile device.

JohnD · May 2, 2016

travelin2 said:
We also have I.C.E. on our phones,etc but kind of useless these days what with our iPhones having a passcode.
Be ok if one still carries an older style mobile device.

You should be able to turn the passcodes off . . .

I have them turned off on my HTC One M9 Android.

I don't leave my phone lying around where others can get their paws on it, so I don't worry about passcodes.

Plus, I don't use it to buy stuff on the internet, either.

travelin2 · May 3, 2016

JohnD said:
You should be able to turn the passcodes off . . .

I have them turned off on my HTC One M9 Android.

I don't leave my phone lying around where others can get their paws on it, so I don't worry about passcodes.

Plus, I don't use it to buy stuff on the internet, either.

John
We each have choices. Mine is to utilize this security feature ... Jus' sayin'

JohnD · May 3, 2016

travelin2 said:
John
We each have choices. Mine is to utilize this security feature ... Jus' sayin'

The reason I say that is that I work in a retail environment, and almost every one of my coworkers and a large majority of our customers leave their phones lying around all over the place out in the open.

On the counters . . . on tables in seating areas . . . in the break room . . . in the stock room . . . next to the cash registers.

I am continually amazed at how loose people are with their smart phones.

Mine only leaves my belt when I am talking on it or using it for something . . . when I am driving . . . and at home when it is charging.

travelin2 · May 3, 2016

JohnD said:
The reason I say that is that I work in a retail environment, and almost every one of my coworkers and a large majority of our customers leave their phones lying around all over the place out in the open.

On the counters . . . on tables in seating areas . . . in the break room . . . in the stock room . . . next to the cash registers.

I am continually amazed at how loose people are with their smart phones.

Mine only leaves my belt when I am talking on it or using it for something . . . when I am driving . . . and at home when it is charging.

The phones may be "smart" but not necessarily their users/owners

ram_1955 · May 3, 2016

travelin2 said:
We also have I.C.E. on our phones,etc but kind of useless these days what with our iPhones having a passcode.
Be ok if one still carries an older style mobile device.

On an iPhone I.C.E. And medical info is accessible even when locked

travelin2 · May 3, 2016

ram_1955 said:
On an iPhone I.C.E. And medical info is accessible even when locked

I stand corrected...

For Older RVers and Those Who Travel Alone

Chippendale

Well-known member

jayc

Texas-South Chapter Leaders

danemayer

Well-known member

ram_1955

Well-known member

wdk450

Well-known member

mlpeloquin

Well-known member

Domi

Well-known member

wdk450

Well-known member

porthole

Retired

farside291

Well-known member

travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired

travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired

JohnD

Moved on to the next thing...

travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired

JohnD

Moved on to the next thing...

travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired

ram_1955

Well-known member

travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired

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