Online Exclusive: Mobile PERS Myths Dispelled

Five Myths about Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) for Seniors:

1. Seniors prefer landlines and are not receptive to mobile devices. According to 2014 data from the Pew Research Center, 77% of seniors 65 and older have mobile phones.  Younger consumers are getting rid of landlines in huge numbers, and while exclusive use of mobile phones is less common among seniors, it’s growing quickly. The CDC reported that the percentage of people aged 65 or older without a landline increased from 7.9% in 2011 to more than 15% in 2014. In addition to using mobile phones, many seniors are also moving to Voice over IP (VoIP) devices instead of landlines to cut costs.

2. Seniors only need PERS protection at home. Many of today’s seniors are independent and active. Traditional landline-based PERS devices only provide protection within a limited range of the base station, and voice communication is typically only available if the user is in the same room with the base unit. More active seniors require a broader coverage range, and PERS devices that use cellular technology can extend the area of protection to anywhere with cell phone service.

3. Traditional landline-based PERS devices are less expensive. The hardware costs for an advanced mobile PERS system can be lower than a landline-based PERS unit. Mobile PERS devices are also usually easier to set up and require less dealer support than traditional PERS devices, so the cost savings extend beyond the initial hardware purchase, making mobile PERS a more affordable option for dealers and users alike.

4. Short battery life is a challenge with mobile PERS devices. Some PERS dealers worry that devices based on cellular technology would require charging as often as the typical mobile phone. However, there are mobile PERS devices on the market with rechargeable batteries that hold a charge for up to two months. Also, users and caregivers can receive email or text message reminders when the battery needs to be recharged.

5. Traditional PERS devices protect seniors in the shower. The bathroom can be the most dangerous room in the house for seniors, but the base station unit for landline-based systems is typically located in the living room or kitchen, making voice communication challenging when the user is in the bathroom. Seniors with shower-safe two-way-voice mPERS can wear their device at all times and talk to a care specialist wherever help is needed, including in the shower.

Josh Garner is the President and CEO of AvantGuard Monitoring Centers (www.agmonitoring.com). To request more information about the company, please visit www.securityinfowatch.com/10212950.