Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are powerful tools that empower seniors to age safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes. As the desire to age in place grows amongst seniors, PERS play a crucial role.
When considering a PERS, there are numerous criteria to weigh, including cost, response time, ease of use and others. These criteria will shift based on the specific requirements and preferences of the individual and their family.
PERS have evolved significantly over the last few years, incorporating new technologies and expanding their capabilities. The most significant evolution has been the migration from landline based system to mobile PERS or mPERS. The overall market shift to more mobile and wearable solutions means an increase the popularity of smartwatch-style devices. Another interesting development is the integration with smart home technology, such as cameras and other devices. As such, the range and variety of options available is somewhat bewildering.
In our experience, it is best to start with the specific needs and preferences of the individual and use this to inform the selection process. For instance, if the senior has a low comfort level with technology, a simple one-button operation may be a priority feature. If the user has concerns around privacy, then other features become more important.
Below are some of the questions to ask up front to determine specific needs:
- Mobility Level
- Does the senior move around freely, or do they have limited mobility?
- Are they at high risk for falls?
- Living Situation
- Does the senior live alone or with others?
- Is their home single-story or multi-level?
- Do they spend significant time outside the home?
- Medical Conditions
- Are there specific health concerns that require monitoring?
- Does the senior have any cognitive impairments like dementia?
- Physical Capabilities
- Are there issues with dexterity, vision, or hearing?
- Can the senior easily press buttons or read displays?
- Activity Level
- Is the senior active outside the home?
- Do they participate in outdoor activities or travel frequently?
- Technology Comfort
- How comfortable is the senior with using technology?
- Can they manage basic device maintenance, like charging?
- Social Support Network
- Are there family members or caregivers nearby?
- How often does the senior receive visitors or check-ins?
- Financial Considerations
- What is the budget for a PERS?
- Is long-term financial commitment a concern?
Based on the above, there are then numerous factors to consider as part of the solution:
- Reliability and Response Time
- 24/7 monitoring availability
- Average response time to alerts
- Backup systems for power outages
- Ease of Use
- Simplicity of button design and activation
- Clarity of communication with monitoring center
- Suitability for users with cognitive or physical limitations
- Range and Mobility
- In-home range of the base unit
- Availability of mobile options for active seniors
- GPS tracking capabilities for outdoor use
- Fall Detection
- Automatic fall detection technology
- Accuracy of fall detection
- Water Resistance
- Ability to wear the device while bathing or showering
- Battery Life
- Duration of battery charge
- Ease of recharging or replacing batteries
- Additional Features
- Integration with other smart home devices
- Health monitoring capabilities
- Medication reminders
- Cost and Contracts
- Monthly fees and long-term commitments
- Equipment costs
- Cancellation policies
- Customer Support
- Availability of technical support
- Installation and setup assistance
With these considerations in mind, you can then move onto looking at different types of PERS, which as mentioned before, continue to broader in variety.