The new generation of personal emergency response systems - How can 24/7 safety for older people be ensured?

The New Generation of Emergency Response Systems – How Can 24/7 Safety for Older Adults Be Ensured?

Caring for elderly family members has always been one of the most important responsibilities of families. In the past, it was common for several generations to live under one roof: grandparents, parents, and children shared their everyday lives, so older family members were rarely left alone. If they needed help, a simple call or ring of a bell was enough for someone to be there immediately.

However, modern lifestyles have completely transformed this traditional model. Today, family members often live in different cities or even different countries, while older adults still want to remain in their own homes and familiar surroundings. This has created a new challenge.

How can independent living and continuous safety be ensured at the same time?

Personal Emergency Response Systems, also known as PERS solutions, were developed to address this challenge.

The Evolution of Emergency Response Systems

The developers of the first emergency response systems approached the market cautiously. It was uncertain how readily older adults would accept the technology, whether they would be willing to wear the devices regularly, or whether they would remember to keep them charged.

In Hungary, the introduction of the Gondosóra Programme significantly changed the situation. The everyday use of personal emergency response devices became widely accepted among older adults, representing a major step forward in public attitudes toward this technology.

At the same time, the system highlighted a critical issue: while the device is being charged, the user is effectively left without protection.

Experience shows that emergencies often happen precisely when the device is not being worn.

The Greatest Risk: When the Device Is Charging

One of the biggest weaknesses of current systems is that the devices require regular charging. While the elderly user is taking care of the device to ensure that it remains operational, the system itself is temporarily unable to take care of the user.

This can be particularly dangerous in the event of a fall, sudden illness, or other unexpected medical emergency.

A new approach based on a dual-device system could provide a solution to this problem.

Two Devices – Continuous Protection

An optimal system consists of one mobile/outdoor device and one home device.

The concept is simple:

• when the outdoor device is being charged,
• the home device remains with the user,
• ensuring continuous protection 24 hours a day.

This approach can significantly increase safety, although it also requires careful technical design.

Different Requirements for Outdoor and Indoor Use

A device designed for outdoor use needs to support a wide range of functions:

• GSM communication,
• Bluetooth communication,
• radio-frequency communication,
• GPS positioning,
• microphone and speaker,
• fall detection,
• higher battery capacity.

These features inevitably result in a larger device.

For outdoor use, this is an acceptable compromise. At home, however, different considerations become more important. The home device should be:

• lightweight,
• slim,
• comfortable to wear.

It should not interfere with the user while getting dressed, bathing, or sleeping.

How Can Size and Cost Be Reduced?

One of the most important development directions for modern systems is intelligent cooperation between devices.

If the home device communicates with the outdoor unit via radio frequency, several expensive and power-hungry components can be eliminated:

• there is no need for separate GSM and Bluetooth modems,
• GPS is unnecessary for indoor use,
• the microphone and speaker can also be omitted.

As a result, the home unit can be smaller, lighter, and more affordable.

At the same time, radio-frequency communication provides an ideal solution for maintaining a stable, low-power connection between the devices.

Fall Detection or Long Battery Life?

One of the most important considerations in system design is whether to support fall detection.

Without fall detection:

• the home device can even operate using a coin-cell battery,
• battery life can reach up to 2 years,
• regular charging is not required,
• an emergency call can only be initiated by pressing the S.O.S. button.

With fall detection:

• the system automatically detects a fall,
• it immediately sends an alert to the outdoor device,
• the outdoor device then forwards the alert to the remote monitoring centre.

In this case, however, continuous sensor operation means that the home device also requires regular charging.

Developers must therefore find the right balance between functionality and energy consumption.

Remote Monitoring Remains Essential

Technology alone is not enough.

Modern emergency response systems are, in fact, a combination of technology and human services. The monitoring centre continuously monitors:

• device operation,
• signal strength,
• battery level,
• communication stability,
• and any potential abnormalities.

In the event of an emergency request or automatic alarm, the operator immediately attempts to contact the user. If there is no response, assistance is dispatched to the location in accordance with the established protocol.

This background support is what makes the system truly reliable.

The Emergency Response System of the Future: Invisible Yet Continuous Protection

The evolution of personal emergency response systems is no longer purely a technological issue. It is increasingly about finding ways to provide older adults with safety while allowing them to maintain their independence, dignity, and familiar way of life.

Future solutions will be based on intelligent, interconnected devices that are:

• comfortable,
• energy-efficient,
• continuously available,
• and capable of protecting users almost unnoticed.

Because genuine safety matters not only when someone steps outside their home, but also at home, during the quietest moments of everyday life.

STANDARD ACCESSORIES

Wristband Adapter

The magnetic wristband adapter allows the SOS PAGER to be attached easily and securely to the user's wrist, enabling the device to be worn continuously.

Belt Clip

The supplied belt clip can be attached to trousers, a belt, or even a bag. The adapter can be connected to the back of the device with a simple movement.

Neck Lanyard

The attachment point located on the back of the device, below the charging connector, allows the neck lanyard to be threaded through easily, enabling the SOS PAGER to be worn comfortably around the neck.

Magnetic Charging Connector

The magnetic design and the alignment slot on the device help position the charger correctly. This eliminates the need to precisely align small connectors, making everyday charging simpler and more convenient.

ACCESSORIES (OPTIONAL)

Various types of external 433 MHz radio-frequency peripherals can be connected to the SOS PAGER. These accessories allow the personal emergency response function to be expanded into a more comprehensive remote monitoring service that also supports the monitoring of the home environment and the user's safety.

Waterproof Home Emergency Wristband

Allows the user to easily initiate an emergency call within the home environment.

Motion Detector

Detects movement within the monitored area and reports it to the remote monitoring centre.

Temperature Sensor

Monitors the ambient temperature and reports temperature changes to the remote monitoring centre.

Smoke Detector

If smoke is detected, an alarm event is transmitted to the remote monitoring centre.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Detects the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and reports the event to the remote monitoring centre.

Water Leak Detector

Detects the presence of water and provides early warning of potential leaks to the remote monitoring centre.

Our proprietary fourth-generation emergency response device family will be available in our product range from the fourth quarter of 2026!