Warman Mennonite Special Care Home
Havens and PCH
Why Wear a Pendant?
The pendant empowers the wearer to call for help, when they are otherwise unable to do so.
But the answer is more complex than that. It is common for people to be reluctant to wear a pendant.
The main reason given is "I don't need one".
Reasons To Wear A Pendant:
1. To be able to call for help upon a fall.
2. Probability of a fall
It is estimated that one in three persons over the age of 65
is likely to fall at least once each year (World Health Organization, 2008; Scott, Peck & Kendall, 2004;
Tinetti & Speechley, 1989; O'Loughlin et al., 1993).
3. The Strength of our Bones
The need to wear a pendant is not directly related to how mobile and healthly we are,
but rather to a hidden factor, the strength of our bones! Unfortunately as we age the bone density decreases.
4. Consequences of a fall
As we age the consequences of a fall greatly increase.
Wearing a pendant promotes the wearer to be aware of the
consequence of falling, and enables them to get help faster.
"The fall of an older person can have an enduring and devastating impact,
resulting in injury, chronic pain, a reduced quality of life and,
in severe cases, death. Almost half of those who fall experience
a minor injury and between 5 and 25 percent suffer from more serious injury,
such as a fracture or a sprain (Herman, Gallagher & Scott, 2006)."
5. Hospitalization
"Falls are the leading cause of injury related hospitalizations among seniors (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005)."
6. Hip Fractures
Wearing a pendant enables the wearer to call for aid without trying to move, causing additional pain and injury.
"Falls are the cause of most hip fractures among seniors and 20% die within a year of the fracture (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2005)."
7. Stay Independent
The wearing of a Pendant can improve the confidence of the wearer, knowing they can get help if needed.
"In addition, the psychological impact of a fall may result in a post fall syndrome
that includes dependence on others for daily activities, loss of autonomy, confusion,
immobilization and depression (World Health Organization, 2008)."
8. Peace of Mind for Loved Ones
When loved ones know the senior is wearing a pendant they have more peace of mind that they will be able to call for help when needed.
Personal Experiences:
Most people are aware of someone who has fallen and has not received aid for hours. The cases are not limited to "others".
For example my Mother moved into a facility that not only encouraged use of a pendant but it was a condition of moving in to take a pendant.
Even then she chose not to wear it. She fell one afternoon and broke her hip. It was over 24 hours before she was found, and only because the staff
cared enough to keep an eye out and check up on her. My uncle was not so lucky. He lived alone on the family farm, and fell in the bathroom.
It was estimated he was found 6 weeks later.