| If you are a disabled or an older
person living alone, you may think about buying a Personal Emergency
Response System (P.E.R.S.) also known as Medical Emergency Response
System. How does P.E.R.S. work? A P.E.R.S. has three components: A small radio transmitter (a help button carried or worn by the user); a console connected to the user’s telephone; and an emergency response center that monitors calls. When emergency help (medical, police, or fire) is needed, the user presses the help button. It sends a signal to the console. The console dials one or more pre-selected emergency phone numbers. Most systems can dial out even if the phone is in use or off the hook. This is called “seizing the line.” P.E.R.S. then notifies an emergency response center, who will then determine the nature of the emergency and notify your area 9-1-1 operator. Transmitters 1. The transmitters are lightweight, battery-powered devices that are activated by pressing one or two buttons. They can be worn on a chain around the neck, on a wristband, or carried on a belt or in a pocket. Because they are battery- powered, the batteries must be checked periodically to ensure they work. The Console The console acts as an automatic dialing machine and sends the emergency alert through the phone lines. It works with any private phone line and generally does not require special wiring. If you have more than one phone extension, a special jack or wiring may be required to enable the console to function correctly. Emergency Response Center There are two types of emergency response centers – provider based and manufacture based. Provider based centers are usually located in the users area. Manufacturer based usually have one national center. Sometimes the user can choose between provider and manufacturer based centers, but those that rent the systems usually must use its national center. Buying, Renting, or Leasing a P.E.R.S. P.E.R.S. can be purchased, rented or leased. In Texas, Medicare does not pay for the purchase of the equipment or the service, Nor will most insurance companies. Medicaid and the few insurance companies that do pay require a doctor’s recommendation and are on a case-by-case basis. Purchase prices normally range from $200 to more than $1,500. You will also have to pay a one-time installation fee and a monthly monitoring charge, which may cost from $10 to $30. Rentals are available through national manufactures, local distributors, hospitals, and social service agencies. Monthly fees range from $15 to $50 and usually include the monitoring service. Lease agreements can be long-term or lease-to-purchase. If you lease, review the contract carefully before signing. You may be required to pay a cancellation fee or other charges. |
| SHOPPING
CHECKLIST To help you shop for a P.E.R.S. that meets your needs, consider the following suggestions: * Check out several systems before making a decision. * Find out if you can use the system with other response centers. Ex. Can I use the same system if I move? * Ask about the pricing, features, and servicing of each system and compare costs. * Make sure the system is easy to use. * Test the system to make sure it works from every point in and around your house. Make sure nothing interferes with the transmissions. * Read your purchase, rental, or lease agreement carefully before signing. Questions to ask the response center * Is the monitoring center available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? * What is the average response time? * What kind of training does the center staff receive? * What procedures does the center use to test systems in your home? How often are tests conducted? |
| Who are you going to
call? Personal Emergency Response Systems or PERS |
| For additional safety information and local dealers, contact Aransas County EMS during regular business hours 9am-5pm 361-729-2112 or stop by 400B Enterprise Blvd., Rockport, TX |
