A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), also sometimes referred to as a fall alarm, is an electronic mechanism that allows people to get in touch with monitoring centers and medical help in the event of a physical health emergency. PERS devices, which are designed primarily for the disabled and elderly, come with a variety of features, but they all carry out their functions in a similar manner.
The PERS Transmitter
The PERS system is brought into effect when the user pushes the "help" button on the transmitter, which is battery-powered, small and portable. It should be worn at all times. Most transmitters can be affixed to a chain, carried in a pocket, attached to a belt or worn around the wrist. Since a transmitter is electronic, its batteries and parts should be checked on a regular basis. When the "help" button is pressed, it sends an emergency radio signal to the console.
The PERS Console
The console, which is attached to the PERS user's telephone, will automatically dial at least one previously assigned emergency contact number. The console is set up to take over the phone line even if the phone is in use or if it has fallen off the hook. Consoles work with most phones, but numbers that have multiple extensions may need to be specially wired in order to work properly.
PERS Call Response
When a PERS console dials emergency contacts, it is generally assigned to call response centers where staff is equipped to look at the user's medical history and assess what type of additional help should be summoned. If the response center has trouble contacting the user to confirm that there is a true emergency, it will alert emergency help. Two different types of response centers can be assigned to PERS devices: national response centers that are connected to the manufacturer of the device, and provider centers that are typically hospital-based or social services-based and located near the user's home. The type of response center depends on the type of PERS device being used.
Other Details
PERS devices range widely in price (from about $200 to more than $1,500, according to the Federal Trade Commission) and they can be rented, leased or purchased. They are not usually covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. However, sometimes insurance companies will cover some of the cost upon the recommendation of a doctor, and some social service agencies may offer financial assistance to people who can't otherwise afford one. Before purchasing a PERS device, users should check out all of the features of available devices and ensure that the device is compatible with their lifestyle. Users should also test their selected PERS device to make sure the signals work in their home.
Member Comments