For elders living independently in the community, sometimes one bit of technology can make all the difference in keeping them safe at home. Enter the personal emergency response systems offered through Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES).

A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) is a compact medical alert device worn by a consumer as a bracelet or pendant that, when the button is pushed, connects the consumer with assistance in the instance of a fall, medical issue, fire or other emergency situations. There is also a PERS unit that must be placed in the home that connects that consumer to the emergency response center.

A PERS has three components: a small radio transmitter (the device that you have with you), a console connected to your telephone, and an emergency response center that monitors calls.

One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, according to the National Council on Aging. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital and nursing home admissions among older adults. There’s no magic wand for completely preventing falls, so it’s crucial to provide immediate help when a fall does occur. PERS can offer tremendous peace of mind for elders wanting to stay living safely in the community.

Vincenza Joy, age 97, is a MVES consumer from Revere who can speak to the invaluable benefits of having a PERS in the home. “I am on my own a lot so wearing my PERS bracelet makes me feel safe and secure. I value my independence and want to remain living at home,” she states. “I highly recommend these systems for other seniors.”

To learn more about Personal Emergency Response Systems, please contact MVES at 781-324-7705.