Personal safety is one of the most important factors for older adults who want to continue living independently in their own homes. Having a loved one slip and fall in their home and need assistance getting up again is a frightening experience, one that I’ve seen firsthand. As family members, we want to ensure our loved ones feel secure and have the tools they need to stay safe. That’s why a personal emergency response system (PERS) from Jewish Family Home Care can be such a helpful addition. These systems provide a direct line to assistance during emergencies, offering peace of mind for both older adults and their families. But what are PERS and how can you know if a loved one might benefit from one?
What Is an Emergency Medical Alert System?
Like me, maybe you remember seeing the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercial on TV years ago. While medical alert systems have made huge advancements since those early days, the idea is still the same. An emergency medical alert system, also known as a personal emergency response system or PERS, is a device designed to provide immediate assistance in emergencies. The systems we offer typically include a wearable device, such as a pendant or wristband, with a button that connects to a monitoring center when pressed. More advanced models may include fall detection, GPS tracking, or even health monitoring features. The goal of an emergency medical alert system is simple: to ensure that help is just a button press away, no matter where the person is.
When Should You Consider a PERS for Your Parent?
There are several situations in which a medical alert system can be especially beneficial:
- Chronic Health Conditions: If a loved one has conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or mobility issues, a PERS can provide peace of mind, for both the individual and the family, that help is available in case of a medical emergency.
- Fall Risk: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. Some medical alert systems allow the wearer to press a button to speak to someone if they have a fall. However, there are also systems with automatic fall detection that can alert emergency responders even if the individual is unable to press the button.
- Living Alone: For older adults who live independently or spend extended periods alone, having immediate access to help can be lifesaving.
- Limited Mobility or Recovery: A PERS can be an invaluable aid during recovery from surgery or for those with limited mobility who may struggle to reach a phone in an emergency.
Benefits of Combining a PERS With In-Home Care
While a PERS offers an essential layer of security, pairing it with professional in-home care services from Jewish Family Home Care can maximize safety and well-being. Our RN-supervised caregivers not only assist with daily tasks but also provide aid in setting up the home to be safer and more secure for the individual. Caregivers can monitor for changes in health and ensure that the person’s living environment is free from fall hazards. Together, these services create a comprehensive support system that helps older adults maintain their independence while staying safe.
How to Choose the Right System
With so many options available, selecting the best system can feel overwhelming. You’ll need to consider the needs of your loved one first. Do they have dementia and tend to wander? Are falls becoming a concern? Is the person able to use a PERS on their own or will you need something that can monitor movement and send alerts automatically? Other factors to consider include:
- Features: Does the system offer fall detection, GPS tracking, or 24/7 monitoring?
- Ease of Use: Is the device comfortable and simple for your parent to operate?
- Cost: What are the monthly fees or equipment charges, and do they fit within your budget?
Take the Next Step
Deciding whether your aging parent could benefit from an emergency medical alert system is an important step in supporting their safety and independence. The good news is that Jewish Family Home Care can help you navigate this process.
We offer a comprehensive lineup of personal emergency response systems tailored to meet your family member’s unique needs. We also offer RN-supervised in-home care services to complement these systems, ensuring that your loved one has the best possible support to age in place safely.
Contact Jewish Family Home Care today online or give us a call at 954-908-5677 to learn more about our emergency medical alert systems and our award-winning in-home care services. Let us help your loved one thrive at home while giving you peace of mind. Our team is proud to provide care to families of all faiths in Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, and all of Broward County, Florida.
by Robin Miller