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What is an 'Emergency Response System'?
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Question
What is the device you can press a button for emergency response for seniors that live at home or in a seniors' residence?
Answer
A Personal Emergency Response System is a system that allows a senior to notify someone that they have had a fall or require either physical or medical help. A Personal Emergency Response System is popular with seniors, as the alert device is commonly worn around the neck or wrist, making it handy at all times. Though each system uses different equipment, one such Personal Emergency Response System transmits wirelessly to a small desktop component that is connected to a phone line.
When activated by the button worn by the bearer, the device automatically dials the Emergency Response System staff. The desktop box contains a powerful microphone and speaker, enabling a two-way conversation without the caller being right near the box. This eliminates the need to get to the phone and allows an elderly person to remain independent, while assuring family and friends that help is always available.
Many seniors residences also have implemented an Emergency Response System throughout their homes which allow residences to connect to 24 hour staff from different points thoroughout the residence if they are experiencing any trouble. Such areas would include a emergency button in the resident's room, usually close to their bedside, inside washrooms and strategically placed in the hallways and common areas throughout the home.
A Personal Emergency Response System is ideal for:
- Seniors who live alone or are alone at times
- People with medical conditions
- People with difficulty walking or are in danger of falling
- Anyone who might need help in an emergency
Usually, for a reasonable fee, this service would include:
- 24-hour monitoring service for immediate help and connection to 911 services
- Regular follow-up calls from the monitoring stations to ensure the senior is comfortable with the system and knows how to use it properly
- Daily checks to ensure the senior is OK and their equipment is operating properly
- Immediate response for additional care as required.
The Personal Emergency Response System is usually also a paid monthly service, much like a monitored home alarm system. Some Personal Emergency Response Systems do not use speakerboxes and instead are setup to call the client right back when the emergency button is used. If the senior can’t get to the phone, the staff might notify a family member or friend, send staff or dispatch an ambulance.