Could you, a loved one or someone you care for, benefit from a Personal Emergency Response System(PERS)? A PERS is an electronic device designed to allow people with disabilities or older people living alone to summon help in an emergency.
People use pers for various reasons, such as general concerns about falling, needing reminders about when to take medications, or to allow loved ones or caregivers to run errands or go out for a while without worry. Others, may have medical conditions that affect their ability to be alone and still be able to call for assistance.
Not only do PERS provide peace of mind to the person with limited physical abilities, but caregivers can also feel secure in knowing that their friend or family member is well cared for. Continuous care giving can lead to exhaustion, putting the friend or family member at risk. Having reliable help just seconds away is a comfort to everyone.
When is it time for a Medical Alert System for an Aging Parent?
The right time for a selecting a Medical Alert System is a personal preference. Worrying about a loved one should not consume your day. The best way to determine the best time for a Medical Alert System is by answering the following questions.
1. Do you live alone?
2. Are you age 65 or older?
3. Do you have a fear of falling
4. Have you fallen within the last 2 years?
5. Do you use an assistive device for walking or balance?
6. Do you have any of the following medical conditions;
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Congestive Heart failure
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COPD
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Stroke
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Arthritis
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Diabetes
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Osteoporosis
7. Do you have difficulty seeing?
8. Is it important for you to continue to live independently?
Count your “yes” answers when done for level of need:
0-2 no need – but if living alone may want the sense of security a PERS gives
3-5 moderate need
6-8 high recommendation
9-11 urgent need
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Personal Alert Response Centers - Helpful Questions to Ask
What happens if the power goes out?
The response center should have fully redundant back-up systems for computers, telephone lines and power to minimize the possible interruption of service due to uncontrollable events.
Who receives the signal from the system in the home when the button is pressed?
Some companies have their own monitoring centers (usually better quality control) and others outsource to alarm companies.
How do I know if the equipment is working?
Some systems self test and others need to have the button pressed at least once a month to make sure all systems are working correctly.
Who answers the calls for assistance?
Call center operators /monitors answer the calls. Ask how they are selected, what type of training do they receive and are they CSAA Certified?
When a button is pressed how long does it take for the call to be answered? Most company owned monitoring centers have a response time of less than one minute once the call reaches the center. Many of the outsourced centers also answer fire alarms and burglaries and they may take precedence.
Who is called when I press my button for help?
Each company may have heir own protocols. Ask if you can set your own. For example: You may want EMS called first because you have a heart condition and you would like your neighbor called next to come and stay with you until the ambulance arrives. Also, ask if they will notify your family members, physician or others once you have been taken care of.
When is the customer service department available if I have a question or problem?
Look for a company that has 24 hour – 7 days per week customer service as you never know when you may have a problem.
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