How do you choose a medical alert device or personal emergency response system when there are so many options? This article will help! The National Institute on Aging reports that more than one in three people over age 65 years or older falls each year. Just as important, many older adults are afraid of falling leading them to avoid activities like walking, shopping, or taking part in social activities. Some seniors choose not to live alone because they are afraid of falling and not being found. Personal emergency response systems provide a way to call for help when there is a fall, or even detect a fall, and provide peace of mind even when there isn’t a fall. The Federal Trade Commission provides a good summary: Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), also known as Medical Emergency Response Systems, let you call for help in an emergency by pushing a button. A PERS has three components: a small radio transmitter, a console connected to your telephone, and an emergency response center that monitors calls. Transmitters are light-weight, battery-powered devices. You can wear one around your neck, on a wrist band, on a belt, or in your pocket. When you need help, you press the transmitter’s help button, which sends a signal to the console. The console automatically dials one or more emergency telephone numbers. Most PERS are programmed to telephone an emergency response center. The center will try to find out the nature of your emergency. They also may review your medical history and check who should be notified. You can purchase, rent, or lease a PERS. Keep in mind that Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies typically don’t pay for the equipment, and the few that pay require a doctor’s recommendation. Some hospitals and social service agencies may subsidize the device for low-income users. If you buy a PERS, expect to pay an installation fee and a monthly monitoring charge. Rentals are available through national manufacturers, local distributors, hospitals, and social service agencies, and fees often include the monitoring service. Read the contract carefully before you sign, and make note of extra charges, like cancellation fees. The choices of PERS systems can be dizzying! These considerations, inspired by the AARP’s recommendations, will help you narrow down the choices: All PERS systems will call for help when you ask them to, but some contain fall detection technology, or can track the wearer’s location using GPS technology, can monitor specific health conditions or can even detect daily patterns that indicate a decline in health. Does the system rely on cellular service and if so, do you have good coverage in your area? Is there a land line backup? Does the system rely on wifi? How long will the battery backup last, and how will you know the battery is low? Is the device easy enough for your loved one to use? Will they know how to call for help if they need it and will they feel confident to “push the button?” Will your loved one be able to talk with a live person via their wearable device, or do they need to be close to the base unit to be heard? Will your loved one remember to wear the device or be tempted to remove it? Some devices designed are designed to track those who wander, and can be locked in place to an ankle or wrist. If it is impractical for you or your loved one to wear a device, consider a passive monitoring system that detects changes in daily activity that might indicate a problem. PERS equipment is most effective when it’s in use! Ask yourself “will I (or my mother) wear this at the times I’m most likely to fall?” Many falls happen in the bathroom, so you should be waterproof or water resistant. Many falls happen when people get up during the night - so will it be convenient to wear the device to bed? Is the device bulky to wear or make you feel self conscious when socializing? If so, you will be less likely to use it. If you are concerned that your loved one could wander or drive and get lost, you will want a device that can be detected within a long range of the base station. If you walk out to the mailbox to get the mail or down to the basement to do the laundry, test the device to be sure those places are within range. Can you designate how you want various types of alerts/calls (urgent, nonurgent, emergency) routed, including to a response center, family/friends or directly to emergency services (police, fire department)? Response time should be a matter of seconds. Look for response center staff that are training and a response center that is certified. If you have questions, can you get them answered immediately? Avoid long term contracts and high up-front costs, and beware of cancellation fees. Look for trial periods or money-back guarantees in case the system isn’t a good match for your loved one. Compare monthly fees to other systems. Inquire about discounts, ask your insurance professional about insurance discounts, and ask your tax professional about potential tax deductions if the system is medically necessary. Ask others about their experience with the system. At Care is There Geriatric Care Management, we keep track of which systems our clients like and don’t like. Read reviews; ask your local Area Agency on Aging or Senior Center which systems they recommend. At Care is There, we: Resources for Personal Emergency Response Systems
Why Personal Emergency Response Systems are Helpful
What is a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)?
How to Choose a Personal Emergency Response System
Functionality
Connection to the Response Center
Ease of Use
Wearability
Range
Response Quality
Cost
The Experiences of Others
How Care is There can Help:
Next Steps
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