Have you ever heard these remarks “I worry about you living alone” or “I need to know that you are safe”?

Seniors who listen to statements like these often grow frustrated trying to convince family members that they are okay living at home alone. Yet, family members know, just as you do, that minor home accidents - whether it’s a fall from a step-stool while changing a light bulb or tripping over a pet - can cause lasting effects if not treated promptly.

So they worry, and then worry you, about your safety.

One way to appease their anxiety is to try a personal emergency response system or PERS. A PERS is a system that allows you to keep your normal daily routine, yet offers you and your family members the peace of mind that if you fall or become ill, someone will be notified and respond immediately. A PERS allows you to stay plugged into your active, independent lifestyle without the concerns of being alone in an emergency.

In fact, in 2005 the University of Florida released a study on the impact PERS had on the lives of seniors. The doctors reported that 75% of the seniors who used a PERS said they felt more secure living alone than they had before they used one. (www.pubmed.gov)

So how do you get one? Before making a decision, you should understand the differences in the systems on the market and which one will best fit your lifestyle. The basics to all systems are the same: each will have a panic or help button (usually worn as a pedant or wrist bracelet), a base unit, and either a response unit or an automatic caller system.

The first PERS method you should consider is the monitored system. These are systems that offer immediate human contact as soon as you press your help button.

The response center will have all your home, medical, and contact information. When you press your button, the response unit will immediately call to check on you. If you don’t respond, they have the information needed to direct an emergency vehicle to your home, contact your family, and give background medical information to paramedics on the scene.

If you do respond to their call, then they will assist you in whatever way you need. Since most companies, the best being ADT,  offer a two-way security system, you can talk to them even if you can’t reach a telephone.

Often your home security system will offer an emergency response service which can be a no-hassle approach. Using your security system that is already familiar, you sign up for a notification system, provide your family contact numbers and your health background information, and you’re done.

In the event you fall or are unable to get to your telephone, you press the panic button and your security system will be called automatically just as it would if an intruder entered your home. They will call back, and depending on the system you have, either talk to you using a two way intercom or notify someone on your contact list and call for emergency assistance.

If you don’t have a security system in place, you can still use a security system company since they offer PERS services without buying a home alarm system.

A very similar monitoring service is offered by medical emergency alert companies. They use equipment with the same basic system pieces (panic button, base unit, and response unit), but their monitoring service usually includes staff members who are certified in giving medical assistance. When you press your panic button, these staff members give medical help over the telephone or determine if an ambulance should be sent. This is a nice service to have if you want a temporary solution while recovering from surgery or illness.

The second PERS method to consider is the alert-only system. This is an emergency response system that uses all the same equipment that the other systems use, but without the monitoring service.

With an alert-only system, you still wear a panic button but when you press it, the base unit in your home automatically dials a pre-recorded list (up to six contact numbers typically) to send a text message requesting immediate help. These messages can be sent to cell phones, pagers, or as emails to family and friends. The unit will dial the numbers until someone responds. Then, your contact person will call and talk to you through the two way base unit or call for emergency assistance.

The costs for these systems varies and will depend largely on your desire for a monitoring service or not. Monitoring services usually run $28 - $35 a month or break down to $20 - $25 a month if you pay quarterly or annually. A few companies offer the option of paying only for notification alerts to your contact list. Also, be aware that some businesses set up and activate their systems for free while others charge up to $100.

If you are a do-it-yourself type person and wish to buy and install an alert-only system, then you will find most systems start around $160 and go higher. If you are handy with electronics then setting up your system won’t be difficult, but if you struggle with technology it would be easier to let one of your family members come do it for you.

Whether you choose to use a monitored system, a medically monitored system, or an alert-only system, you should make it a priority to invest in a PERS. As the University of Florida study revealed, most seniors with a PERS feel more confident and secure in their homes. Maybe it’s time for you to discover these benefits for yourself.