My elderly parents live alone. They are a great way to help elders stay in their own homes and be just a button-squeeze away from help. Older people simply wear a device that allows them to summon emergency services should they take a fall or otherwise require immediate help. Typically these systems consist of a signaling unit in the form of a pendant, beeper, or wristwatch-like device, wired to a central response center. On file at the center are the subscribers' medical history and the names and telephone numbers of family, friends, neighbors, hospitals, and home health agencies to be notified in a crisis.
Some systems provide additional services, including medication reminders.
A senior who might be forgetful about taking his pills is helped with a friendly phone call or a pre-timed beeper alert. Debra Okins, director of Interim In-Touch in Ft. There are now more than 30 such systems on the market serving half a million adults nationally, according to the AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons. The Lifeline Response Center staff receives training in gerontology, stress management, and call handling, and they are recertified annually. Staff is also multilingual.