A Personal Emergency Response System, more commonly known as a PERS unit, may keep you both secure and independent. You want to remain in your own home where you feel comfortable and safe. But for seniors, the home environment is where more than half of all falls that result in injury occur. If you live alone, a fall could result in a delay in getting medical attention which could jeopardize your recovery.

PERS is affordable, especially when you consider the cost of delayed medical intervention. The units can be installed quickly and are easy to use. Common features of the unit: a push button (worn around the neck or on the wrist); access to a dispatcher 24 hours a day; a one-time installation fee; and monthly service charges. PERS unit users also provide a list of their emergency contacts so the dispatcher can alert them when there is a problem.

The cost to have a PERS unit installed by a technician varies depending on the provider you choose. In this area, the installation costs tend to range from $30 to $100. The units that are available through mail order or online will require a one- time activation fee once you are ready to use your unit; this fee is in the same range as the installation fee.

Service charges for Broome County providers typically range from $30 to $80 per month depending on the provider and type of unit. Most units are two-way voice activated, although a few providers still offer the non-voice unit which is the least expensive option.

When you press the button on the two-way units, you are able to talk with the dispatcher about the situation so that the most appropriate level of response can be made.

The more costly units are the ones that provide additional services such medication reminders and reassurance calls.

Most users pay privately for their service, but Medicaid can provide PERS for you if you are eligible for this benefit program. Contact CASA at 607.778.2420 for more information on obtaining a PERS unit through Medicaid.

To request a handout on PERS—including a list of service providers—call the Broome County Office for Aging at 607.778.2411; a brochure on falls prevention is also available.