There are currently more than 11 million people over the age of 65 in the U.S. who live alone. Approximately one-third of seniors suffer at least one fall annually. While most want to continue to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, one way to help them do that is with a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS).

The PERS works like a 24-hour wireless hotline that is activated by the senior if he or she falls or becomes ill. By pushing the button they wear on a necklace, bracelet or belt clip, the speaker console which is attached to the senior's telephone line alerts a PERS dispatcher. The dispatcher is then able to talk to the stricken senior, who may be anywhere in their home.

Once the button is pushed, the senior's medical information and any calling instructions given to the PERS company beforehand are available for the dispatcher on her computer screen. The dispatcher will try to speak with the senior to determine if 911 is needed and call them immediately. Personal contacts whose numbers have been left with the PERS company will also be notified of the situation.

There are several personal emergency response system providers available over the Internet including Philips Lifeline, Rescue Alert, Life Fone, and Life Station. Most areas also have local providers which usually are associated with a hospital or other area medical facility. To find these, contact local area health-care providers or social service agencies or check the local Yellow Pages.

Most PERS units are rented for a monthly fee which also includes service, although some companies have a purchase option as well. A few providers offer discounts for low-income seniors and some companies also offer special services, usually at an extra cost, which can include wake-up calls, medication-reminder calls, and general daily check-in calls.

A small set-up fee is usually charged which pays for an agent of the Personal Emergency Response System to come to the client's home to install the unit and instruct him or her on its use. The systems are very straightforward and easy to use but the client must remember to wear the alert button.

Other things to consider when deciding on which company to select are the availability of free-trial periods, warranties, good customer service and understandable pricing plans. When signing up with a PERS provider, the client will be asked for his or her medical history, a list of doctors' names, any allergies or other special conditions, as well as names and phone numbers of contacts to be notified when the PERS is used and the dispatcher is called.

When considering this option for a parent, it is always best to discuss it with him or her at length so the senior can see the benefits the PERS will provide and the peace of mind both parent and child will gain.

Positives:

• A PERS is very simple to use.
• The system works well for those prone to falls or heart attacks.
• The PERS will work even if the phone is off the hook or busy.
• It gives both parent and child peace of mind.
• Service is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Negatives:

• A PERS is generally not covered by health insurance.
• The Personal Emergency Response System will not work with a cell phone.
• In larger homes or multi-level homes, two or more base units may be necessary.
• The senior must wear the button so it is available in case of an emergency.

The PERS does save lives by being a quick first response in time of emergency. It also provides peace of mind at a fairly nominal cost.