Ziggie is the primary caregiver for his wife, who had a stroke. His biggest worry is wondering what would happen to her if something unexpected happened to him. The services from iamfine—our newest Caregiving Advice partner—has given him the peace of mind and extra reassurance he needs while caring for her.
How did you hear about iamfine and what brought you to consider the service?
I found iamfine through an internet search for “a nonintrusive check-in service.” I wanted this service to be one that didn’t mean she always had to wear something, and a service that wouldn’t be a high expense. I checked locally to see if anything was available like this through local government agencies and none existed around my area.
When I found iamfine, I saw they offered exactly what I wanted. I like the two calls a day. When I joined they only had one call, but they were working on the two-a-day option. I was actually one of the first to get the two calls a day because of my situation with my wife.
How has it helped your loved one?
I use this service for my own peace of mind. I do not talk on the phone a lot, and I don’t keep in contact with many people. It’s just nice to know that if something would happen to me, within 12 hours, a notification would be sent out if help is needed because I receive a call twice a day. My wife would be incapable of summoning help since she cannot use the phone. When using iamfine, I know she would not be left alone for long. It gives me peace of mind.
The situation with my wife is that she had a severe stroke almost four years ago, and I am her sole caregiver. I have never been a talker on the phone except with my wife, so I do not call or talk to anyone.
Our son calls every now and then, but he has his own life. And as I said, I have never been a big talker. We have no friends, as life worked out that way: it was just my wife, her mom, and myself. Her mom had Alzheimer’s and was with us for years as she was getting older, and my wife took care of her at our home until the end—and then most family faded away. A few years later my wife had her stroke.
What would you tell someone who is hesitant about using iamfine?
I post online quite often saying that if you think you may need it, you should already have it. When you question the need for it, you know you have a need for it. You just don’t want to admit it yet. The price is very reasonable and you do not always have to be wearing some kind of a device in case something happens.
The service automatically calls twice a day, and a quick tap on the phone from you and you’re done. If you do not respond to the phone call three times, it will automatically summon help, which does not necessarily happen when someone else is calling you. Many times the person will just assume you are busy and then forget about it; iamfine does not allow this to happen.
Tell us about a time the service made a big difference.
I haven’t needed it for an emergency yet, but I see it like a fire extinguisher. It’s always there, just in case. I am very active and do a lot of things around the house. Unfortunately, an unsuspected accident can happen anytime and anywhere. With iamfine services, I feel prepared that the support is right around the corner, or a phone call away.
My Take: A geriatric social worker’s perspective on visiting loved ones
