Snug as a Bug in a Rug

   I use, and highly recommend, an app on my phone called [Snug Safe] that is free to use, although they do have a paid plan if you want additional options.

   Essentially, it works to give seniors (actually anyone can use it) and their loved ones a sense of security.  I would also highly recommend it for any person who lives in a potentially dangerous situation ~ like someone in a domestic violence situation.  It's also perfect for someone who may be disabled and is alone for part of the day, for example, if their significant other works during the day or at night.  

    There are so many different scenarios where it can be used.  College students away from home and living in a dorm.  People who work in a building where they are the only ones on the floor or in the building.  Any time or place where someone feels they need that extra sense of security either for themselves or someone they care about. I use it mostly because of my health issues this year, and the fact that I have diabetes.

   You set the time you want to check-in, and if you miss that check-in time, they will (free) send an email to your emergency contact letting them know you've missed your check-in.  They can also (paid) give you a call to make sure you are okay, and send someone to check on you if you need it, or don't respond to the call.

   You can pause it for a time if you are going on to be away from your phone, or with other people who can help if you need it.

    We've determined that my mom died sometime Saturday based on where she was found and what she was wearing.  She last spoke to her friend, Judy, on Friday night around 11p.  While Judy tried to call her several times during the day with no response, she didn't actually report her concerns to the senior living center's management until late Saturday night (no blame here, just facts).  

    I do not believe that she could have been saved if she had been found earlier.  But I do believe that if she had used Snug and missed her check-in, we would have been notified sooner and some of her end-of-life wishes could have been carried out as she had arranged them.  Instead, we had a last-minute scramble to find another body donation organization that was willing to take her because EMS (in error) reported her time of death as Friday night at 11p.  Pretty sure that if Judy heard her die while they were talking, she would not have waited 24 hours to get someone to check on her.

   Give yourself and the ones you care about a little extra hug ... and Snug.  You can download it from Google Play or any other app store you use.  This has not been a paid advertisement.  I'm just a very satisfied client.