When the choice for eldercare is to age at home, the use of a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) can help to provide peace of mind to seniors and their families by providing a simple, quick way to contact medical assistance when emergency help is needed, such as medical, fire, or police.
PERS are especially important for seniors at risk of falls or a stroke, as well as people with medical conditions that would necessitate a need such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), arthritis, balance disabilities, communication disabilities, deafness, hearing loss, multiple sclerosis, quadriplegia, seizures, speech disabilities, and spinal cord injury.
How do they work? Most systems consist of a small battery-powered “help” button that can be carried on a belt or in a pocket, or worn by the user on a chain around the neck or on a wrist band. When the button is pressed, it wirelessly contacts a console, which is connected to a senior’s telephone. The phone then automatically dials an emergency response center or designated contact who then communicates with the senior and sends the appropriate emergency personnel.
When purchasing or renting a PERS, it is important to do your research to ensure the system fits your needs. Find out if the system works with other response centers in the case of a move, test the system around the home to make sure it is easy to use and works from every point in and around the home, and ask about the warranty.
Click here to learn more about Personal Emergency Response Systems or here for a comparison shopping guide for PERS.
As a locally owned San Francisco home care agency, Aunt Ann’s Home Care is here to help. Aunt Ann’s partners with a very reliable emergency response system called Vital Link. In addition, we can provide light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, personal eldercare, companionship and more. Call 415.974.3530 or 650.757.2000 to schedule an appointment.
