America’s 65+ population is growing quickly, and the need for home-based care has never been more critical. Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are helping close care gaps, making it possible for older adults to age in place with greater independence, safety, and peace of mind.
The Growing Need for Home-Based Care
By 2030, one in five Americans will be over 65. Most want to remain at home, but many face challenges accessing affordable care. With rising demand and a shrinking direct care workforce, older adults are struggling to get the support they need to live safely at home.
The Cost of Aging in Place
Many older adults have not fully prepared for the costs of aging at home. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that more than half will need long-term care, which is often not covered by Medicare or insurance. These costs can be staggering:
- Full-time home care costs an average of $68,640 a year.
- An average American will incur $120,900 in future long-term services and supports (LTSS) costs.
- A private room in a nursing home runs around $116,800 annually.
- 24/7 home health aide services can cost an astonishing $288,288 per year.
Rising costs, combined with workforce shortages, are making it harder for this population to receive adequate support and home-based care.
How Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) Help
Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) help bridge gaps in care by providing older adults with 24/7 access to emergency assistance, real-time support, and continuous monitoring. With features like fall detection, GPS, and two-way communication, PERS enable immediate intervention when needed.
A simple press of a button connects users to trained staff who follow care protocols—whether that means dispatching emergency services, contacting a caregiver, or providing reassurance. This first line of support helps prevent unnecessary hospital visits, reduces caregiver stress, and promotes safer independence at home.
A Cost-Effective Option for Families and Health Plans
PERS offer a cost-effective alternative to assisted living or full-time care. Families gain reassurance that help is always available, while health plans and providers can offer members a scalable solution that lowers costs and improves outcomes.
Proven Impact on Outcomes
Research shows that Connect America’s PERS, when combined with analytics and tailored interventions, deliver measurable results:
- 68% decrease in 90-day readmissions
- 49% decrease in 180-day EMS encounters
- 31% reduction in hospitalization costs
- 42% of subscribers assisted on-site without hospitalization
- 3:1 ROI (for every $1 invested, $3.30 saved)
For payers and providers, these improvements mean measurable savings and more efficient care. For older adults, it means greater independence and safety at home.
The Future of Home-Based Care
As demand for care grows, PERS provide a first line of support that eases caregiver strain, reduces hospitalizations, and lowers costs. They help health plans deliver personalized benefits and support safer, more connected aging in place.
Help your members age in place safely and cost-effectively with personal emergency response systems.