Personal Emergency Response Systems for Peace of Mind

 

If you have a frail or ill parent who lives alone, you might be interested in knowing that your loved one could continue to live alone and have the help that she or he might need in an emergency through a personal emergency response system.

 

What is a personal emergency response system?

Through television and magazine, most of us have seen the ads where an older adult falls but then receives help by using a “call button” which places an alert call to a medical provider. While that is the most basic form of personal emergency response systems, there is a whole range of response systems now available for anyone who might be at risk for fall, seizure, or accident at home.

 

The systems range from a simple “alert” in the event of an emergency to a regular “phone in” by appointment for those who prefer to have a pre-determined time for contact. If an individual needs help but cannot reach a phone or is unable to dial, the individual can simply press the “help button” which is typically placed on a bracelet or necklace type device to place a “call” to the emergency response center for help. Most often the response center will first attempt to contact the individual and/or a designated family member or a local medical provider.

 

Who needs a personal emergency response system?

While we most often think of the frail, older adult who is at risk for falling as the primary user of personal emergency response systems, there are many other types of people who are now relying on these systems to fulfill their safety and health needs. Let’s say you are a 45 year old individual who has had a stroke. You might be able to live alone but would like a personal emergency response system to ensure that you remember to take your daily medications. Or let’s say you are an individual who lives alone and who is prone to periodic seizures. The most advanced personal emergency response systems on the market are being developed to detect motion so that the system can place an “alert for help” even if the individual does not activate the system him or herself.

 

What should I look for in choosing a service?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a provider of services. Know what level of service you will receive and what level of service you desire. Do you want an emergency response only or do you want contacts made for medication reminders? Who provides the first level of response at the emergency call center? What information do they have at hand about your loved one? What type of training do they have for these calls? What actions will they take and in what order? How much will equipment cost? Do you buy the equipment or is it leased? Are there installation fees?

 

Where can I find these services?

There are many private businesses selling personal emergency response systems as well as non-profit, health care and social service groups providing this service.

 

Be Consumer Savvy

When shopping for a personal emergency response system, be sure to compare both costs and services to be sure you are getting the type of response system best suited for your needs and pocket book. Contact the Better Business Bureau in your area to learn if the provider is reliable and reputable. Ask for references from the company and if there is a trial period for services. Review contracts carefully and above all, take the time to know exactly what your loved one needs. Don’t let a salesperson “guilt” you into buying more services than you need or can afford.

 

Personal emergency response systems can offer not only peace of mind but also security, safety and be life-saving.

 

 

 

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