The individuals who make up today’s generation of senior citizens are interested in staying active and independent for as long as possible. They have varying levels of mobility, and they engage in a range of activities. Some enjoy traveling and hobbies such as gardening and exercise by taking walks, playing tennis or riding bikes. But until recently, seniors had to rely on Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) technology that was designed for a house-centric lifestyle. That has changed now that a new option, mobile PERS (mPERS), is available.

mPERS is inspiring new levels of customer loyalty and extending customer relationships in the PERS business because the next-generation devices eliminate the drawbacks associated with traditional PERS units. Whereas traditional PERS devices typically comprise a bulky base unit with a speaker and microphone that is connected to a landline, mPERS devices don’t require landline service, which is good news for seniors who are trying to save money by eliminating their landlines.

Traditional PERS devices typically come with pendants seniors can use to summon help in an emergency, such as a fall at home, but most two-way voice pendants aren’t waterproof, and users can’t talk to an emergency response professional unless they are within voice range of the base station. mPERS units are miniature, shower-safe cellular devices that can summon help and communicate with an emergency response specialist from anywhere with cellular service—at home, in the yard, while on vacation or across the country.  

Another explanation for the fast growth of the mPERS sector is that the devices are simple to set up and use. Instead of having to set up a base station and connect it to a landline, mPERS features a much simpler setup process. If users move to a new residence or go on vacation, the mPERS unit continues to work without interruption, as long as there is cellular service. mPERS is a great option for seniors who live the “snowbird” lifestyle.  

Another key feature that increases mPERS device user satisfaction is the long battery life offered by certain models; these mPERS units can operate for up to two months on a single charge and even notify users or caregivers via a text message or email when the unit needs to be recharged to make sure that users are always protected.  

Today’s seniors are generally more healthy and active than prior generations. That’s why mPERS units are a great solution for modern seniors. A well-designed mPERS device is simple to use and easy to integrate into daily life. The flexibility and ease of use appeal to seniors across a broad range of ages, mobility levels and residential settings. For these reasons and more, mPERS devices are enabling dealers to forge longer-lasting customer relationships – and empowering seniors to stay independent longer.

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About the Author: Josh Garner is CEO of Freeus, LLC, which manufacturers eResponder and other mPERS and distributes through authorized dealers nationwide.  To learn more, visit www.freeus.com/eresponder.