FirstLight franchisee, Michael LaVell, of Clarkston, Mich. discussed the benefits of a personal emergency response system (PERS) with The Eldercompass Blog earlier this week. Here are a few facts to get started:
Approximately 12 million individuals currently receive home care from over 33,000 providers in the United States according to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. As many of our nation’s elderly opt to remain in their home as they age, extra measures need to be taken to ensure their safety and independence. Part of maintaining autonomy is being prepared for unforeseen accidents or emergencies that may occur. Investing in a personal emergency monitoring system (PERS) is a great way to help your elderly loved one achieve this goal while giving you peace of mind.
PERS are home devices that connect a person to a 24-hour call center by a transmitter that is typically worn around the neck or wrist. These automated systems have a wide range of benefits including daily reminder notifications regarding medications and appointments. Other advantages cater to people with disabilities such as hearing and visual impairment or mobility challenges. Features include hearing-aid compatible handsets, flashing keypads for incoming calls, oversized keypad numbers and hands-free capabilities.
Depending on the provider, the device can be purchased, rented or leased. The purchase price can range anywhere from $200 to $1500, but many home care providers offer rentals for a modest fee, as low as $25 per month. Be sure to check with your insurance provider; sometimes they will reimburse you if the initial cost is paid for upfront. Many companies are different so it’s important to fully research the cost and monthly payments before signing any contracts.
With falls and medication errors being two of the biggest threats to senior independent living, a PERS is one of the most reliable and affordable ways to ensure your loved one’s safety and security when you or a caregiver aren’t available. FirstLight Home Care is a licensed provider of PERS—visit your local office today for more details.