What Are mPERS and PERS?
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are at-home devices that allow users to send an alert for emergency help. They are made up of several components: a mobile device, usually a pendant or wrist watch, and a base unit that communicates with the alarm monitoring company or someone on the contact list. PERS are used by a variety of users, including people with mobility issues, disabilities, or the aging generation. Because PERS have a limited reach, these devices are typically used by individuals who spend most of their time at home.
Mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems (mPERS) are wearable devices that often use GPS to locate the user when an emergency arises. mPERS enables the wearer to maintain independence with a renewed feeling of safety and boosted confidence. These units give the ability to participate in activities that may have been avoided, out of fear of injury.
How Do PERS And mPERS Differ From Other Alarm Monitoring Systems?
mPERS and PERS systems are completely unique from other alarm monitoring systems. Users typically sign a contract for around 18 months without an automatic renewal built in. This is ideal for customers who need end-of-life monitoring solutions, or those who are aging-in-place. Compare this to an intrusion system, which generally has a five year or more contract minimum. When the contract is up or the unit is no longer needed, many businesses refurbish units for the next customer.
In addition to contracts and product maintenance, there are other factors to consider when it comes to professional monitoring for mPERS and PERS. Specialists must undergo extensive training to obtain the skill set to monitor medical alarms. At Rapid Response, our Specialists then go on to become part of a dedicated division focused solely on life safety monitoring.
Most professional monitoring centers do not provide pre-arrival care, medical care, or medical advice. It’s standard for Specialists to stay on the phone, when needed, until dispatch arrives, to provide additional support.
Optimize Your Business For An Ever-Changing Market
In a report on the mPERS market, Parks Associates notes: “The number of Americans ages 65 and older will double to over 80 million by 2050. Three out of four consumers ages 40 and older expect to live in their own homes when they turn 80, and the costs of assisted living facilities will make aging in the home the only option for Americans.”
With this data in mind, it’s apparent that mPERS and PERS devices are crucial to encourage independent living and bolster non-traditional care models, like Hospital-at-Home. With the support of 24/7 remote monitoring, patients are given the option to stay at home, when a normal care plan would require a hospital visit or even an overnight stay.
As a Dealer, supplementing your business with mPERS and PERS may be a good solution to add more RMR. One thing to consider is that your business must be optimized for this offering. Medical monitoring requires a dedicated department or team, operators with the correct skill sets, and a sales and marketing team to bolster the service.
Support from a strategic partner who has experience navigating the ever-changing industry is essential, enabling you to adapt with evolving customer needs.
As a leader in the monitoring industry, we provide a full suite of solutions that could help your business dive into medical monitoring. As you kick-start this new business venture, Rapid Response Monitoring can provide support in a variety of ways, including expert advice. A partnership with us gives you a competitive advantage and a head-start as you adopt these new services.
The Industry Is Evolving
While it’s impossible to foresee the future, technological changes are continuing to occur which are expanding the way we support mPERS and PERS customers.
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked the rapid growth of telehealth solutions, demonstrating the need for connected health devices and virtual health options. As COVID-19 concerns lessened, there was a decline in telehealth adoption from larger facilities, such as hospitals. However, connected health options in the home are more popular than ever. 54% of Americans own at least one connected health device (Parks Associates, 2022). Connected health devices, such as smart watches, are becoming even more popular.
Insurance companies are recognizing this shift, and are offering complete coverage of telehealth, with many businesses using this as a benefit for their employees.
Today, remote and telehealth solutions are now expected by consumers.
What does this mean for medical monitoring?
PERS and mPERS devices provide a solution for customers to age-in-place comfortably, for lone workers to have a sense of safety while out in the field, and for people with chronic illnesses to get the extra support they require. These devices monitor for health emergencies, providing the customer with assurance that someone is always there when they need help. The fact that they remotely monitor for health issues and keep loved ones informed is a big differentiator from other alarm monitoring devices.
Other services that have become available originate from the AI sphere. Virtual caregivers, like Addison Care, a product from Electronic Caregiver, connect directly to medical monitoring devices using Bluetooth, and function like a home care nurse. Medication reminders, 24/7 emergency care, vitals — these are just a few use cases for Addison Care.
Anthony Dohrmann, founder of Electronic Caregiver says of Addison Care:
“Dedication and time are crucial for achieving success in the medical alarm industry. During the production process of our product, Addison Care, we organized hundreds of health industry collaborators and gathered hundreds of millions of data points. Without such commitment over the years, our product wouldn’t be the success it is today. My advice for Dealers breaking into the industry: take the time to optimize your business and it will make all the difference.”
With these solutions in place and many more in production, it’s no wonder the consumer demand for this technology is creating opportunities for Dealers to enter the market.
Getting Into The Business Seems Daunting, But You’re Not Alone
It may seem overwhelming to get into the medical alarm business, with the vast amount of information and options available. There’s always something new to learn and discover but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible feat.
Not sure how to get started? We’ve got you covered.
There’s a wealth of knowledge to pull from. Check out industry events, learn from established Dealers in the market and connect with our knowledgeable support teams.
With planning and dedicated effort, medical monitoring could be a valuable addition to your business.