|
|
|
|
Emergency Response Devices An Emergency Response Device (ERD) is a mechanism that can summon help with the press of a button. It can be a great help to a frail elder living alone. The system described here is one that I am familiar with. However, there are many other systems that may be somewhat different. The cost of these systems usually consist of an installation fee of about $50 and a monthly rental fee of $35 to $50 Some local hospitals have less expensive programs for their patients. An ERD is generally a box that is connected between an incoming telephone jack and any home telephone, using modular jacks. The resident wears a button that is a miniature radio transmitter. Upon installation, the resident fills out an information form that contains the names and phone numbers of up to three family members, friends, or neighbors who are nearby and who have a key to the house or apartment. The form also asks for information about important medical conditions and local emergency phone numbers. If the button on the pendant is pushed, the ERD is automatically activated. It dials the number of the monitoring station where all of the resident's information has been entered into a computer. The station knows exactly where the call is coming from and who the resident is. With most newer units, there is a two way speaker in the ERD. The monitoring station attempts to make voice contact with the resident to determine what kind of assistance is needed. If, for example, the resident is experiencing severe chest pain, the monitoring station will call the local rescue and one of the designated family members or neighbors. If no voice contact is made, the monitoring station will call the designated family members or neighbors and wait for a response. Once an alarm has been sent, the monitoring station will keep the connection with the resident open until help arrives. Emergency response systems have their limitations. The most common one is that the resident must have the pendant to push the button. It does no good if the resident falls in the bathroom and the pendant is hanging on the bed post. The ERD is also of little use if the resident is unconscious. However, most units have alarms that automatically activate the ERD if there is no phone activity in a 12 or 24 hour period. Some emergency response systems have many optional features. Smoke detectors or motion sensors can be attached for added security. There are also devices available to activate the ERD for severely disabled residents who cannot push a button. A cautionary note. There are some companies that try to sell elaborate systems costing thousands of dollars to unsuspecting older people that won't do any more than a basic ERD. Get references of other customers and check with your local better business bureaus. |