Panic Alarm Buttons For Seniors
Numerous studies from the CDC etc. prove that delayed medical assistance in case of falls or medical emergencies can be life threatening and can bring about an end to independent living for Seniors living alone, Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) for seniors available today rely on panic buttons (usually found on a medical pendant) to call for help in the event of any injury. When the panic button is pressed, a speakerphone is enabled and the senior is connected with an emergency 911 operator or to a call center agent who in turn notifies the appropriate local Emergency Dispatch Centers (911) and family members of the emergency.
The problem with panic buttons
In theory, panic buttons provide a great solution to a common problem. If a senior has fallen and cannot get up, they can simply activate the panic button located on the pendant around their neck, and be connected with a 911 operator. The problem lies in the pendant itself. Many seniors do not like wearing a medical pendant, because of the social stigma. No one likes getting older and the prospect of wearing an emergency necklace for the rest of one’s life is hardly appealing. As a result, many senior place the critical panic alarm button out of reach when the emergency happens.
Don’t panic – buttons are not the only solution
Increasingly, seniors themselves as well as their caregivers are looking for new and better ways to ensure that Seniors stay safe at home. Many rely on family members and support circle members to call and check in. Others have full time nurses that live in the home. Whatever the solution, the goal is always to help a senior citizen continue to live independently for as long as possible.
With increasing availability of lower cost sensors and computing technologies, today’s seniors have more options available to them than ever before. While previously the options consisted only of different flavors of panic buttons, today’s seniors can choose from an array of technology designed to improve their quality of life.
Available solution today range from the Traditional panic buttons on pendants to sophisticated Activity Monitors (ADL monitoring) to next generation Wellbeing Monitors to ensure safety and security for Seniors living alone.