How A Personal Emergency Response System Helps The Elderly Beat The Heat Article

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How a Personal Emergency Response System Helps the Elderly Beat the Heat

Sweltering summer temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses that can be fatal to the elderly. A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) can provide assistance in a matter of seconds, before things get too hot to handle.

Author: Chris Thompson

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Do you know what the number one weather-related killer was between 1994-2003? Would you believe it was heat? Heat caused more deaths in each of those years than tornadoes, hurricanes and winter storms. With summer upon us, and as the blistering heat sweeps across Minnesota, everyone is at risk as temperatures reach 90 and above. However, the elderly are most vulnerable during periods of high temperatures. Heat stress can cause serious injury and even death, especially if a person is left unattended. Home alarm system monitoring, or a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) can provide assistance in 40 seconds or less, just in time to cool things down.

An elderly person suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion must be attended to immediately, or it can be fatal.The American Red Cross advises everyone to take precautions against the fierce summer heat. Simple measures like drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks while working outdoors can significantly reduce the chance of getting heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. You can help out your elderly loved one this summer by making plans to visit at least twice a day, especially if there is no air conditioning in the home. Also, watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If your time is limited, or if you do not live near our elderly loved one, consider the reassurance of a home alarm system monitoring service, or a PERS. A PERS is a medical alarm that will help take the worries out your summer.This form of medical security allows the elderly to live independently, and gives family members the comfort of knowing that their loved one will be taken care of in the event of an emergency.

How a PERS works:
A PERS, has three parts: a small radio transmitter, a console connected to the telephone, and a communications center that responds and monitors calls.

The light-weight transmitter is powered by batteries. It can be worn around the neck, on a wrist band, on a belt, or even placed in a pocket. It works with a simple push of a button. When an elderly person needs help, he or she presses the transmitter’s “help” button, which then sends a signal to the console. Immediately, the console dials one or more of the emergency telephone numbers that you provided during the initial set up.

Usually, the alarm system is programmed to call an emergency response center. A skilled and trained professional will immediately respond to the call and determine the nature of the emergency. The representative will remain on the line until help arrives, whether it be a close by neighbor, family member or ambulance. They may also check to see who else should be notified based on your medical history.

PERS’s can be purchased, rented, or leased. While Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies typically don’t pay for the equipment, some hospitals and social service agencies may subsidize the device for low-income users. Purchasing a PERS requires an installation fee and a monthly monitoring charge.

Ask some of the following questions to the PERS company you are considering:

* Is the monitoring center open 24/7?
* What’s the average response time? Who gets alerted?
* Will I be able to use the same system with other response centers if I move? What happens
if I move to another city or state?
* What is the repair policy? What happens if I need a replacement?
* What are the initial costs? What costs are ongoing? What kind of services and features will I
receive?

When it comes to PERS, your options vary depending on where you live. Visit your local Area Agency on Aging, and learn more about your options. Summer is here, and it won’t be long before you’re caught up in the heat of the moment.

About Author

Chris Thompson is co-owner and president of WEBCO Security Inc., located near Minneapolis, MN. WEBCO offers customizable value priced residential and commercial products and services from the latest cutting edge technologies, web based security and energy efficiency product/service applications to helping the elderly with Personal Emergency Response Systems in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota area as well as a variety of phone, cable, audio, and home theater systems.

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How a Personal Emergency Response System Helps the Elderly Beat the Heat