|
It's hard to believe a little button worn around the
neck or as a bracelet can give people independence, but when that
little button comes from Lifeline, that is just what it does. It
also offers peace of mind to family and friends of those who wear
it.
Lifeline is a personal response service. When you need
help, you press the button and a call is put into the Lifeline Call
Center. "Lifeline is the leader for this service," says
Jake Knapitsch, Lifeline coordinator for Carondelet Care Resources.
"It's been around for 30 years. Clients can call anytime-24
hours a day, seven days a week. Those responding are very highly
trained and very caring and have access to the subscribers complete
profile. They make sure you get the attention you need very quickly."
One happy client is Joyce. She didn't want to use her
full name, but has had the service for three and a half years and
she's very happy with it. "I've only really needed it once.
I'd fallen and couldn't get help. They were very prompt and so nice."
Joyce says she has accidentally hit the button in her
sleep, but even that was a good experience. "I was kind of
embarrassed and apologized, but they were so understanding. They
assured me it was no problem at all and were glad I was okay. They
made me feel very, very comfortable."
A new client decided to get the service after a recent
harrowing experience. "I got dizzy and fell," explains
Ruth. "I couldn't get up because of my arthritis. I live in
an apartment, and could hear people around, so I yelled and yelled
but no one could hear me."
Ruth's son and daughter-in-law were out of town, and
became concerned when they couldn't reach her by phone. They called
a friend to check on her and she finally got help, but after she
had spent some 60 hours on the floor. She ordered Lifeline right
after that.
"I haven't had occasion to use it yet," says
Ruth, "and I hope I don't have to use it, but it's comforting
to know it's there."
It's estimated nearly one-third of all people over the
age of 65 falls each year. Of course, it frequently happens while
someone is bathing or showering. Lifeline's help button is waterproof
and can be worn in the bath or shower.
When the button is pressed, a call goes into the Lifeline
Call Center. The monitor has all the information about the subscriber
on the screen. They can call the subscriber's family, neighbor,
doctor or emergency help if needed. The monitor stays on the line
with the client until help arrives, so they are never left alone.
Knapitsch says personal service is a hallmark of Carondelet
Care Resources Lifeline. "While some companies may just send
the equipment, we offer more. I install the communicator, test it
and maintain it. Clients don't even have to change a battery."
For more information, call Carondelet Care Resources at 816-943-4770.
|
