Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
The Connect America benefit offers PEF members and retiree members the peace of mind that comes from having a PERS for their loved ones. Connect America’s goal is to enable older adults and those with long-term health and care needs to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible, allowing a better quality of life while providing invaluable support to Connect America PERS users, their loved ones, and caregivers.
Who is eligible?
The Connect America benefit is available to PEF members, PEF retiree members, and their family members.
Who benefits from PERS?
Many people associate personal emergency response systems with seniors or the elderly. While our population is shifting to have more seniors, and while we see that our population is living longer, PERS help other individuals as well, individuals that may fall into any one of these groups:
- With chronic conditions
- On multiple medications
- With a traumatic brain injury
- With disabilities
- Recently discharged from acute care, transitional care, or a rehabilitation center
- At risk for falls
- With behavioral health issues
Connect America has a solution for every lifestyle and need.
Why Choose a Connect America PERS?
Connect America PERS are used by individuals who are happy living at home and going where they want to go. However, as we know, life happens and a sudden fall or other life-impacting emergency could threaten your health and your independence so it’s important to be prepared with the right tools and a good plan. Connect America offers:
- State-of-the-art 24/7/365 U.S. Emergency Response Centers
- Over 35 years experience in Remote Care and Safety Monitoring
- Nationwide service
- Emergency response centers that are multilingual with 140 languages available
- Notification to emergency responders, caregivers, and loved ones
How the system works
The Connect America system integrates a two-way speaker and a small, lightweight, all-in-one help button that can be worn around the neck or wrist. The button can also be worn in the shower or bath where accidents often occur. When the help button is pressed, the PERS connects the user directly with a Connect America 24/7/365 emergency response operator. Using a carefully-gathered profile of information about the user, the trained operator will diagnose the emergency signal and send an ambulance, police, firefighters, a relative, or neighbor to help—depending on the specific situation.
Systems available through Connect America
Landline System
Feel safer than ever in the comfort of your home with a PERS that works with your existing telephone landline. This system has two-way voice interactive monitoring, rechargeable 36-hour battery back-up, scheduled automatic internal test, and is easy to install and operate. You receive 24/7 emergency monitoring service and a waterproof pendant or wristband. This system is compatible with a Fall Detector Pendant.
Monitoring Fee: $17 per month ($22 per month with fall detection)
Cellular System
Enjoy peace of mind and maintain your independence with an At-Home Cellular-Based System. This system works using AT&T’s nationwide cellular network; no special contracts or cell phone plan required, and is easy to install and operate. Includes two-way interactive monitoring, 24/7 emergency monitoring service, waterproof pendant or wristband, and is compatible with a Fall Detector Pendant.
Monitoring Fee: $20 per month ($25 per month with fall detection)
Belle
This system includes a portable, changeable base station that easily fits in a pocket or purse, along with a wearable, lightweight button. No landline or cell phone required. Includes wearable two-way voice interaction monitoring and provides the latest location. This system operates on the AT&T or Verizon 4G network. Easy to install and operate. 24/7 monitoring service, no cellular contact is required, and includes a 30-day rechargeable battery life. This system is also wearable while bathing.
Monitoring Fee: $26 per month ($31 per month with fall detection)
Belle+ with Built-in Fall Detection
This system is a wireless device with GPS and includes a portable, changeable base station that easily fits in a pocket or purse, along with a wearable, lightweight button. No landline or cell phone required. Includes wearable two-way voice interaction monitoring and provides the latest GPS location. This system operates on the AT&T network. Easy to install and operate. 24/7 monitoring service, no cellular contact is required, and includes a 5-day rechargeable battery life. This system is wearable while bathing and includes built-in fall detection.
Monitoring Fee: $31 per month
Mobile LTE
This system does not require a landline or cellular phone, nor a cellular contract. It includes up to a 5-day rechargeable battery life. The system used advanced GPS technology and works on the AT&T cellular network. The system is interchangeable and lightweight and can be worn on the neck or wrist and in the bath or shower as well. It provides one button access to emergency help through a built-in, two-way speaker.
Monitoring Fee: $26 per month ($31 per month with fall detection)
Mobile with Built-in Fall Detection
This system does not require a landline or a cellular phone, nor a cellular contract. It includes up to a 5-day rechargeable battery life. This system used advanced GPS technology and works on the AT&T network. It provides one button access to emergency help through a built-in, two-way speaker.
Monitoring Fee: $31 per month
Additional benefits of the Connect America Partnership:
- A pendant for a second individual residing with the participant will be offered at no additional cost.
- A lockbox (to place a house key on the front door in case of emergency) will be included to each participant at no additional cost.
- There are no charges for lost equipment.
- This is a mail-order program and devices will be drop-shipped to participants.
All systems include:
- Power supply
- Telephone connection or cord (if required)
- Water resistant emergency pendant or wristband
- 24/7 monitoring approved with two-way voice communication
- No activation fee
PERS supplier comparison:
Medication Management Systems Available Through Connect America
Medication Management—standard or cellular options
Medication management systems include a landline or cellular option. They are easy to use and install. The systems are designed to help those who are forgetful when maintaining a regular medication regiment. A time-based alarm system provides the next dosage automatically. The dispenser holds up to 28 doses. In addition, the dispenser has the capability to communicate compliance events via cell towers. No phone line or internet connection is necessary at the dispenser location. Checking of compliance history, changes in dispensing times, and updating of all device settings is done remotely.
Standard Medication Management System: $32.95 per month
Cellular Medication Management System: $37.95 per month
To Learn More
- Call toll-free (800) 239-2213
- Visit the Connect America website
About Connect America
Connect America is proud to be the nation’s largest independent provider of medical alert systems. They offer a full suite of reliable connected health solutions offered directly to individuals or through more than 1,000 healthcare network partners. They have improved the quality of life of more than 1 million individuals and their caregivers over their 35 years of life saving monitoring. At Connect America, they believe that “Connecting is Caring” and their mission is simple: To ensure that customers reap the vital and, at times, life-saving benefits of living in a connected world. Their highly dependable systems keep patients safe and independent, while reducing readmission costs for providers. With all products, the simple push of a button instantly connects subscribers with highly trained emergency response operators who assess the situation and send the help needed—anytime, anywhere.
