Why Every Senior Needs a Personal Emergency Response System
Growing old comes with a set of challenges, including declining health, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of falls. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury and death among seniors. The aftermath of a fall can be traumatic, both for the senior and their loved ones. Emergency services must be alerted immediately, and quick medical attention is crucial. But what if the senior is alone when the fall occurs, or unable to call for help? This is where a personal emergency response system (PERS) comes in.
What is a PERS?
A PERS is a device that can be worn as a pendant or wristband, and is connected to a base unit in the senior’s home. In the event of an emergency, the senior can press a button on the device to alert a monitoring center, which will dispatch emergency services as needed. The monitoring center can also contact the senior through the base unit to assess the situation and provide reassurance.
How does a PERS benefit seniors?
The primary benefit of a PERS is that it provides seniors with a sense of security and independence. With a PERS, seniors can age in place, knowing that help is just a button press away. They can go about their daily activities with confidence, knowing that if an emergency occurs, they will be able to get help quickly. This freedom and peace of mind can improve mental health and quality of life for seniors.
PERS can also benefit seniors in several other ways:
1. Lower healthcare costs: Seniors who have PERS installed in their homes have a reduced risk of hospitalization, which can lower healthcare costs for both the senior and the healthcare system.
2. Faster response times: A PERS can alert emergency services within seconds, allowing for faster response times and better outcomes in emergencies.
3. Reduced healthcare burden: When seniors are equipped with PERS, their loved ones and caretakers can have peace of mind, reducing the burden of care.
What features should seniors look for in a PERS?
Not all PERS are created equal, so seniors should make sure to choose a device that meets their particular needs. Some features to consider include:
1. Fall detection: Some PERS have built-in sensors that can detect a fall and automatically alert emergency services.
2. Two-way communication: A PERS with two-way communication can allow seniors to communicate with emergency services if they are unable to speak.
3. GPS: GPS-enabled PERS can provide the senior’s location to emergency services, allowing them to get help more quickly.
4. Waterproof design: A waterproof PERS can be worn in the shower or bath, where falls are more likely to occur.
Conclusion
A personal emergency response system can be a lifeline for seniors, providing them with added security and independence. With a PERS, seniors can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a button press away, allowing them to age in place with dignity. By considering the various features of PERS, seniors can choose a device that meets their unique needs, providing them with the best possible protection.
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