No two Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) members are the same. Some members experience emergencies often. Others may never have one. As a responder, it always helps to have a plan before you need it.
A simple plan can save time during a stressful moment. It helps everyone know what to do, who to call, and where to find important information.
Keep important information in one place
During an emergency, you don’t want to waste time looking for phone numbers or medical records. Keep important information together in one place that is easy to find.
Your list should include:
- Current medicines and how much to take
- Allergies
- Health conditions
- Doctor’s name and phone number
- Health insurance information
- Emergency contacts
- Preferred hospital, if there is one
- Advance directives or other important legal papers
- Home entry information, such as a gate code or lockbox, if trusted helpers may need it
Check this information every few months. Update it if anything changes. The Care Center may ask you for some of this information, depending on your loved one’s needs.
Build a support team
You do not have to do everything alone. Think about the people who could help if there is an emergency.
Your support team may include:
- Family members
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Members of your faith community
- Paid caregivers
- Other trusted people who live nearby
Talk with your support team ahead of time. Decide who should be called first, who can give a ride, who has a house key, and who can help if you are not available.
Make the Care Center part of your plan
Make sure everyone understands how the Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), including the Care Center, fits into your emergency plan.
Talk about when to press the emergency button. Remind your loved one to wear or keep the device close by.
When the button is pressed, your loved one is connected to a trained Care Center representative. The Care Center can find out what is happening, call emergency services if needed, and contact the people listed in the member’s response plan.
If the Care Center calls you, answer if you can. Be ready to share helpful information and help if needed. The Care Center stays involved until the situation has been resolved.
Review your plan together
A plan only works if everyone knows it.
Once or twice a year, take a few minutes to review these questions:
- Who should the Care Center call first?
- Is the contact list up to date? Does the Care Center have it?
- Where is the emergency information kept?
- Who can meet the emergency response team if needed?
- Does everyone know how the PERS device works?
Small updates today can make a big difference later.
Be ready before an emergency happens
You can’t stop every emergency. But you can be ready for one.
Keep important information together, build a support team, and communicate with the Care Center. A little planning today can help your loved one stay safe and help you feel more prepared if an emergency happens.
