Lifeline

The Lifeline Program enables individuals to live independently and with peace of mind. The program was first offered by Morris Hospital in 1985 and has served thousands of individuals - providing everything from lifesaving help, to assistance from a fall, to a comforting phone conversation. Those who have touched the program know its worth by the faces of those it serves. To speak with a Morris Hospital representative about the Lifeline program, please call (815) 942-2932, Ext. 7251.

Following are some frequent questions, comments and answers regarding the Lifeline Program:

• Who is Lifeline?
• How will I benefit from the Lifeline Personal Response Service?
• My independence is very important to me. Would I be giving that up by subscribing to Lifeline?
• I'm fine on my own. Why would I want Lifeline?
• I already have all the help I need. My neighbor checks in with me every day.
• How much does the service cost?
• Who are the Monitors answering my call?
• Is Lifeline complicated to use?
• What is the next step if I decide to subscribe?
• Is there a lot of equipment involved?
• Do I have to be in the same room as the communicator for it to work?
• How can I be sure the Lifeline equipment is working?

Who is Lifeline?

For over 20 years, Lifeline has been North America's leading personal response service. Lifeline has helped over 4 million people just like you make their personal declaration of independence.

• Our goal is to give you the confidence to continue to live independently in your own home - doing things for yourself. We do this by ensuring that you know whenever you need help, it's just a button push way.
• To call for help, you simply press the Personal Help Button you wear as a pendant or on a wristband. The Personal Help Button activates a small in-home communicator that automatically dials the Lifeline Response Center.
• Within seconds, your call will be answered by one of our caring, highly trained operators (we call them Lifeline Monitors).
• You will never be asked to talk to a machine.
• You might be calling to tell us you have a minor problem that only requires a neighbor to stop by - or you may need an ambulance.
• Whatever you need, we will respond quickly. All your important information is immediately available to the Monitor answering your call, so the type of help you need is quickly determined - and we make sure you get it.
• We want you to make frequent check-in calls. Press your Personal Help Button just to say hello and let us know how you're doing or to make sure your Lifeline equipment is working properly.
• We recommend you contact us at least once a month. In fact, most of our incoming calls aren't emergencies.
• Our communicators have a highly sensitive speakerphone that lets the Monitor speak to you, even if you can't get to the phone.
• And, if you press your Personal Help Button but cannot speak, your Lifeline Monitor will quickly send help.

How will I benefit from the Lifeline Personal Response Service?

Lifeline offers you and your loved ones peace of mind, independence, early intervention and reassurance. Here are 10 of the most frequently asked questions we hear - and our answers:

My independence is very important to me. Would I be giving that up by subscribing to Lifeline?

No. In fact, a recent clinical study proved that Lifeline users were 10 times less likely to need a long-term care facility like a nursing home than people who didn't use the Lifeline Service.

Lifeline actually helps you preserve your independence by giving you the confidence to continue to live where you want to - in your own home - enjoying a lifetime of memories.

You're always in complete control.

You press your Personal Help Button when you need assistance. You tell us who you want us to call if you need help.

I'm fine on my own. Why would I want Lifeline?

Lifeline is like insurance. You may never need it, but if you do you'll be glad you have it. It's reassuring to know that if you have a sudden illness or injury, help will be on the way in a matter of minutes even if you can't move or speak.

I already have all the help I need. My neighbor checks in with me every day.

Between your neighbor's visits, you're left unprotected. You could fall and be unable to get help for over 24 hours. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that people found within one hour of a fall are five times more likely to survive than those who remain helpless for over 72 hours.

How much does the service cost?

It's surprisingly affordable. You don't have to buy anything or make a long-term commitment. You pay a low, one-time installation charge and a low monthly fee for as long as you use the service, And the monthly fee is the same, no matter how often you call, or how long you talk. Lifeline - $35.00 installation; $25.00 monthly. Lifeline is a Personal Emergency Response & Support Service. SeniorWell members receive a discount on this service. Call (815) 942-2932, ext. 7251.

Who are the Monitors answering my call?

They're deeply caring, highly trained professionals. Their only job is to answer your call and ensure that you receive the attention you deserve and the help you need.

Is Lifeline complicated to use?

It's simpler than using a telephone. All you have to do is press your Personal Help Button. The communicator dials the Lifeline Response Center. Within seconds you're talking with a Monitor who immediately has all of your important information displayed on a screen.

What is the next step if I decide to subscribe?

It begins with your call. Knowledgeable phone representatives are waiting to discuss your special needs and answer your questions about the Lifeline Service. Within a few days, a representative from Morris Hospital will visit you to explain the service and demonstrate the equipment. The representative will also locate the best site for the communicator and install it. Our Home Service Representative won't leave until you have practiced using your Personal Help Button to call the Lifeline Response Center and you feel comfortable using the service.

Is there a lot of equipment involved?

No. There are just two pieces of equipment: your Personal Help Button worn as a pendant or on a wristband and the communicator.

Do I have to be in the same room as the communicator for it to work?

No. You can be in another room, on a different floor or even outside in your yard - your signal will still be received. Your Personal Help Button is completely waterproof (not just "water-resistant"), so you should wear it in the shower or bath where many falls occur.

How can I be sure the Lifeline equipment is working?

Our equipment is reliable and trouble-free.

In the unlikely event that you should have a problem that the Monitor can't correct over the phone, we will do whatever is necessary to immediately solve the problem.

We encourage you to press your Personal Help Button at least once a month just to let you know that we're available.

Caution: The pendant's neck cord is not designed to break away. Therefore, it can pose a choking risk, including the possibility of death or serious injury. This may apply to wearers in wheelchairs, using beds with guardrails, or otherwise protruding objects upon which the cord can become tangled. Wearers for whom this is a concern may wish to consider the wrist style method.