Individuals who live alone and have medical or other health needs may fear that they would not be able to summon help in an emergency. Several types of emergency telephone response systems address this concern.

Emergency response systems use the telephone to check on an individual on a regular basis. A family friend, relative, or professional service may make a daily call at one or more set times throughout the day. This telephone reassurance program may be free to you because a family member or friend provides this service or it is provided by your state or local aging organization.

If you did not answer the phone, the check-in caller would be alerted to a possible problem. If the caller detected a change in condition or voice based on regular contact with you, the caller would take appropriate action.

Commercial emergency response systems may also available. These services require that you wear a “beeper” on your wrist or around your neck. If you have a fall or other emergency, the press of a button would alert the 24-hour response system. This system requires that you pay an initial fee and a monthly fee of $25 to $40 for this service.