Protect seniors with a Personal Emergency Response System that ensures instant help in emergencies, enhancing safety, independence, and peace of mind.
Protecting Seniors: The Role of a Personal Emergency Response System
Aging comes with a wealth of experiences, shifts in routine, and bodily changes. Furthermore, it also poses a risk to the individual’s mobility and overall health. Older adults are more prone to falls, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen scenarios as they grow older that might require immediate attention.
A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) could be one of the few options that offer some assistance during such life-threatening instances. These systems cater to the elderly by enabling them to receive immediate assistance whenever required and alleviating the stress of both the users and their caregivers.
This blog aims to provide all the details of why each senior citizen requires a PERS.
Explaining Personal Emergency Response Systems
A Personal Emergency Rescue System PERS enables seniors to request help in case of emergencies. It usually consists of:
- A portable assistance device such as a button or necklace
- A base that connects to an emergency response center or other contacts
- GPS and fall detection features
Seniors can alert caregivers, emergency professionals, or family members with just a button press. Some modern systems even call for help automatically, in case the user is not able to push the button.
Why do Seniors Need Personal Response Systems?
Seniors need more support when it comes to aging and technology. The medical alert system is much easier to operate than a smartphone or a computer, so it offers many users basic safety features that can be activated easily. Moreover, the watch can be put on at any time, serving the two-in-one purpose of a wristwatch and an emergency communication device.
Swift access to emergency response services is vital to the frail elderly in cases of falls or other injuries. Prompt attention may be needed not only for injuries sustained but also for other illnesses arising from inactivity related to older adults.
Consider the following trends driving the need for PERS among seniors.
Increased Chances of Falling
Falls can result in grave injuries, costly hospitalizations, and even long-lasting disabilities making them a serious consideration for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC has some alarming statistics regarding falls:
- Aged 65 and over, 1 in 4 people falls every year
- Falls are the primary reason for 95% of hip fractures.
- An older person is treated every 11 seconds for an injury caused by falling.
These figures are evidence of how different and damaging falls are for elders. The consequences of falls include broken bones, head injuries, and loss of self-dependence which results in a decline in the elderly health.
Rising Chronic Health Conditions
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to chronic disorders, which have the potential to escalate into medical emergencies very suddenly. Seniors are particularly afflicted by the following chronic conditions:
- Heart Disease: Increases the risk of chest pain, heart attack, or even cardiac arrest.
- Diabetes: High chances of going into hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
- Arthritis: Causes severe pain in the joints and difficulty moving, both of which increase the chances of falling.
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s: Causes loss of memory and the ability to reason, making dealing with emergencies more challenging.
The conditions have a higher risk of developing medical emergencies, which, without an immediate response, can lead to complex health problems. In this condition, the emergency device guarantees that seniors receive immediate access to medical support in case their ailments aggravate severely.
Why is it Necessary to Get a Personal Emergency Response?
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Senior Loneliness and Isolation
Aging brings a plethora of different changes. Some of the notable changes include getting used to spending more time alone, especially following the passing of a spouse or during periods when family members do not reside nearby. Often, social isolation can be a precursor to serious consequences.
Increasing feelings of sadness and anxiety
If a senior is faced with a medical emergency while home alone, the absence of immediate medical intervention can turn fatal. PERS systems act as an intermediary between a user and emergency personnel or caregivers. So, if a senior is feeling unwell, they can simply press the button to assist them with medical or psychological help depending on what they need.
Some devices include caregiver communicator functions, allowing seniors to check on their family members without a phone. The mere fact that assistance is just a click away helps reduce anxiety and creates a sense of independence enabling seniors to carry out their daily activities effortlessly.
The emergency alert systems not only protects seniors in emergencies but also functions as a motivating factor that improves their overall quality of life by addressing both physical and emotional well-being.
Key Benefits of PERS
While medical emergencies become more likely and mobility becomes more limited at an older age, having safety measures in place becomes crucial. Personal Emergency Response Systems enable senior citizens to access help instantly. Here we discuss the array of benefits that come with having a PERS.
Instantaneous Help with Emergencies Available
Devices like the PERS allow elders to instantaneously summon paramedics with the click of a button, one of its most talked about features. Medical emergencies present problems such as strokes, heart difficulties, breathing issues, and falls, each of which requires immediate care to mitigate complications.
Activating the device instantly connects an elder to the emergency response team and their contacts. Having the capability of instant relief guarantees no delays occur when medical help is needed, making debilitating health consequences less severe.
Enhanced Independence and Security
Living independently is the wish of many seniors, and assisted living facilities are not ideal for them. Self-sufficiency needs to be balanced with safety and accessibility, which at times seems unfeasible. A PERS system gives older people the opportunity to age in place without worrying about their safety.
The elderly can use the comforts of staying at home without worrying about being alone or not getting help when needed, thanks to a dependable emergency system in place. These feelings of security combined with self-sufficiency result in improved mental health, and make it possible for them to engage in day-to-day activities without supervision.
Worry-Free Living
Family members and caregivers are often on high alert with anxiety when elderly relatives live alone or have certain conditions. Knowing that they might not be able to look after them in case of an emergency is anxiety-provoking.
With medical alert devices for seniors, reassurance comes through the guarantee that help is always within reach. This alone is enough to allow caregivers to work and not have any guilt or worry regarding the senior’s well-being.
Fall and Injury Prevention Strategies
Falls remain one of the foremost reasons linked to injuries and even hospital admissions within the older population. Muscle weakness, poor balance, medications, and sightedness all have a role to play in the risk of falls. PERS use fall detection technology. When a person falls, it sends an alert automatically without the user having to press the alert button for seniors.
Even if they are unconscious, the alert feature would still work and help ensure immediate medical intervention. This will go a long way in reducing the risk of prolonged immobility, severe complications, and permanent disabilities.
Simple and Easy
A PERS has the comfort of use built into it so that even seniors with low technology skills can use it. The devices generally have a single-button activation method which removes the multi-step complexity of PERS operation.
Unlike smartphones which require unlocking, dialing, and searching through contacts, the PERS uses one button for the senior citizen to obtain help. The use of PERS guarantees that seniors will be able to respond to emergencies without dwelling or struggling to use the device, even in constant distress.
Support in Case of Emergency Anytime Anywhere
Some of the best personal emergency response system exist that allow for use outside the home and offer coverage across the country and even the world. Such devices rely on cellular networks and GPS satellites and allow the elderly to get help in any part of the world.
The feature is especially beneficial to active seniors who love being outdoors, travel a lot, or live where medical care is not easily available. The ability to call for help from anywhere enables seniors to feel safe outside the confines of their houses.
Care Giving for Seniors with Dementia
PERS devices aid seniors with cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. These individuals experience a significant degree of disorientation and in some cases, even memory loss. In some cases, they can wander away from home, get lost, or forget about common safety threats. Many PERS devices incorporate GPS tracking, allowing caregivers and emergency responders to safely escort seniors faster than ever before.
Exposure to extreme conditions, serious injuries, or accidents are some of the risks these individuals usually go through. Exceptional caring for people with cognitive disorders enables preventing such unfortunate outcomes.
Helps Prevent Hospital Readmissions
For seniors recovering from surgeries, injuries, or illnesses, the risk of complications that might require additional hospital stays is a prominent concern. Postponing medical attention for a relapse, fall, or sudden change in health can result in dire consequences.
A PERS ensures prompt medical care, preventing further deterioration of health that would ultimately lead to a hospital stay. By resolving emergencies swiftly, the system enables accelerated recovery, lower healthcare spending, and improved health outcomes.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Assisted Living
Long-term care facilities, such as assisted living communities and nursing homes, can be extremely costly and often need thousands of dollars per month. Seniors and their families prefer better value alternatives that facilitate aging in place while still ensuring safety and comfort.
A PERS, which offers 24/7 monitoring, is not only cost-efficient, but it helps expand accessibility to more people. Seniors can maintain their independence without endangering their safety, thus eliminating the financial need to constantly provide in-person caregiving or residential care.
Works During Power Outages and Emergencies
Some PERS devices come equipped with a battery backup system, which enables their use even in power outages. This feature is critical for seniors residing in areas that are susceptible to natural disasters, heavy storms, or electrical outages.
Additionally, a PERS is designed to provide emergency assistance 24/7, even when all other means of communication are cut off. This source of backup ensures readiness for inconvenient situations and provides peace of mind that assistance will be guaranteed, no matter the case.
Choosing the Right Personal Emergency Response System
Identifying the best medical alert system suitable for you depends on your contingencies. Take note of these pointers:
Lifestyle and Mobility
Active seniors: A mobile system with GPS tracking is ideal.
Homebound seniors: A home landline-based system might be enough.
Health Issues
Prevention of falls by seniors ought to be incorporated with a fall detection feature.
Memory loss patients should be provided with GPS tracking features devices.
Available Budget and Monthly Charges
You can buy some units, while others require monthly payments. Look around at different prices and checks of the service before selecting one.
Customer Reviews and Reliability
Look for systems with positive customer reviews, good customer service, and high reliability.
Ease of Setup and Use
A simple, user-friendly system is essential for seniors who are not comfortable with technology.
Sum Up
The older a senior becomes, the greater the chances that they will suffer from a fall, experience a medical problem, or face the possibility of becoming socially isolated. A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) acts as a lifesaver by permitting immediate access to help, aid, and peace of mind for both the senior and their family.
The availability of the medical alert system guarantees that assistance is always a push of a button away, whether at home or outside. Thus, getting a PERS device is a step in the right direction in advancing the safety and well-being of seniors and enabling them to age confidently without compromising their independence.
Protect Yourself with MedAlert Care’s Personal Emergency Response System
MedAlert Care ensures round-the-clock safety for seniors. With GPS-enabled smartwatches, in home medical alert systems, and mobile medical alert devices, help is always just a button away. Stay independent and secure with instant emergency assistance, fall detection, and real-time tracking—because your safety matters.
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FAQ's
A PERS is a wearable device that lets seniors call for help in emergencies by pressing a button. Some models include fall detection and GPS tracking.
Top options include Medical Guardian, Life Alert, and MobileHelp, depending on features like fall detection, GPS, and 24/7 monitoring.
When activated, the PERS connects to a monitoring center, which dispatches help to the user’s location.
