What is a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)?

Assisted living residents wear a PERS pendant or wristband (sometimes called an alert button or call pendant) to request immediate assistance from staff. When pressed, the device alerts the facility's call system, dispatching caregivers to the resident's location. For residents who experience falls, sudden illness, or other emergencies when alone in their apartment, a PERS can mean the difference between quick response and prolonged distress.

In many Greater Hartford assisted living communities, PERS devices are standard issue, included as part of the base service package. Other facilities offer them as an optional add-on. Some residents pair the wearable system with in-room call stations (wall-mounted call buttons), creating multiple ways to reach help. Waterproof or shower-safe models are common, since residents need reliable access to help even during personal care routines.

The device itself is typically lightweight and designed to be worn continuously, either around the neck on a lanyard or as a wristband. Most systems have a range of 100 to 150 feet within the facility, and many include battery-life indicators so residents know when to charge. Facilities may also offer mobile or GPS-enabled PERS options for residents who leave the premises, though these are less common in independent assisted living settings.