Some caregivers prefer having their parents spend their senior years in their own home. They feel it is more emotionally satisfying than other plans such as senior housing, independent or assisted living. Aside from being less expensive, it sometimes brings families closer together. Your loved one can also go to the same church, doctor, and neighborhood activities. Since they live on their own and we are not always able to be with them, we want reassurance they are able to reach help if it is ever needed. PERS helps in that area.
PERS has three components: a small radio transmitter that can be carried on a belt, in a pocket, around the neck, or as a wrist band; a console connecting to the user's telephone; and an emergency response center than monitors calls. When an emegency is needed - such as medical, fire, or police - the PERS user presses a tranmitter help button, sending a signal to the console (connected to the user's telephone). This causes the console to dial one or more pre-selected emergency numbers. When the center is contacted, the caller is identified, allowing the center to determine the nature of the emergency and notify the appropriate emergency professionals and/or family/caregiver.
Most consoles are sensitive and in the average size home is able to communicate with the user. When the center hears the user, then the professional team is dispatched immediately to the home. If the user is outside, the PERS have a range between 200-400 feet. Dispatchers are not be able to speak with users and again they send help to the home. In apartments and condos, the range varies. Prior to installing the PERS, test out all range areas.
In order for the emergency medical professionals to enter the users residence, a lock box is often needed. The company has the combination and gives this information to the emergency professionals at the time of dispatch.
If the electricity goes out, most PERS have battery back-ups for the unit for several hours. When the power is restored, the battery re-charges. Check with the company regarding how long the battery last if this happens.
If the user lives in a rural area, it is best to use the sevices that work from a manufactured-based, national center company, enabling service anywhere. The only requirement is telephone availability in that location.
With PERS, a user can receive daily reminders regarding medication and appointments. Some have accomdations for users, with disabilities such as hearing and visual impariments and mobility challenges.
Prices for PERS vary with companies. Shop around for competitive pricing, a good service contract without long-term obligation or penalty for cancellation, a user-friendly instruction manual and competent dispatch team. To find a PERS in your area, check out area hospitals, caregiver support groups, home health care agencies, Local Administration on Aging, independent living facilities, and online.
We can't do everything to keep our loved one's safe. But with PERS, it helps knowing with a push of a button they will receive emergency care.
Some information for this article was obtained from - Caregiver.com PERS Frequently Asked Questions www.caregiver.com/channels/tech/articles
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