Blog

By J. Lewis Cooper, Jr.

A Decade of Decline: Living with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease does not announce itself loudly. It begins subtly—perhaps a faint tremor, a loss of balance, or a barely noticeable shift in gait. But over time, it chisels away at the familiar contours of daily life. For my wife, the journey with Parkinson’s has spanned over ten years. As the condition progressed, so too did the challenges. Mobility became a daily struggle, and more worryingly, her voice diminished to little more than a whisper.

Soft speech is a common symptom, yet one that is often underestimated. In our case, it meant I could no longer reliably hear her—especially in moments of distress. She could call for help, but her voice would vanish into the silence of our home. That terrifying possibility—her needing help and no one hearing—was a burden I carried constantly.

A Simple Solution with Profound Impact

After researching options and reading countless reviews, I decided to try the CallToU wireless alert system. What I discovered was more than just a convenient gadget—it was a transformative piece of technology that restored safety, autonomy, and peace of mind to our home.

The system is elegantly simple: a wearable button that, when pressed, activates receivers placed throughout the house. I strategically installed receivers in our living room, kitchen, hallway, and even in my detached garage, which is over 200 feet from the house and separated by layers of thick, wet plaster walls. To my surprise—and relief—the signal reached through effortlessly. No delays. No interference. Just clarity and reliability.

Everyday Convenience Meets Emergency Readiness

Though originally purchased with emergencies in mind, the CallToU system quickly became an indispensable part of our daily routine. Whether my wife needs help getting out of bed or simply wants company while I’m in another room, she presses the button, and I’m there within moments. There’s no need for shouting. No worry about being unheard.

On weekends, I sometimes travel for work or family obligations. During those times, her caregiver stays with her around the clock. The caregiver sleeps in an upstairs bedroom—yet even from that distance, the bell rings loudly and unmistakably. No room in the house is too far. Not even the garage, where I retreat to my workshop, is beyond the bell’s range. It’s astonishingly dependable.

Reclaiming Peace of Mind—One Ring at a Time

Living with a degenerative illness often means surrendering small freedoms one by one. But tools like the CallToU alert system offer a way to claw some of that freedom back. My wife may not be able to raise her voice—but she can raise the alarm. That distinction is not trivial. It could, quite literally, be the difference between life and death.

And it’s not just about emergencies. It’s about dignity. It’s about enabling her to communicate without frustration or fear. It’s about empowering her to be heard, even in silence.

Final Thoughts

I don’t use the term life saver lightly. But in this case, it fits. The CallToU system isn’t flashy. It doesn’t require complex installation or a tech-savvy mindset. It just works. Every time. Whether you’re caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or simply seeking an added layer of security for an aging parent, this device deserves your attention.

There’s no price too high for peace of mind. Thankfully, in this case, the price was modest—and the return, immeasurable.