Staying independent can be tough for seniors, especially if you live alone. It is estimated that over half of all falls that result in injury occur at home. If you fall and the phone is out of reach, medical help could be delayed for hours or days. With the Lifeline Personal Response Service offered through HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley®, help will be on the way within minutes.
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline is an easy-to-use personal response service that ensures that older adults alone at home can get quick access to emergency services and caretakers whenever it is needed, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How does it work?
A common misconception is that pressing the Personal Help button will automatically send an ambulance. However, when you press the help button, it connects you to a Lifeline Personal Response Associate who you can speak to and hear through the Lifeline unit.
The Associate will access your medical history and information, and assess the situation. They can contact a neighbor, loved one, or the appropriate emergency responder based on your needs, and will follow up to ensure you are receiving assistance.
The Lifeline Personal Help button is also available with a fall detection device. If you are unresponsive or unconscious following a fall, Lifeline’s Response Center will dispatch help.
Every Second Counts
In an emergency situation, time and information are tantamount to your health. When signing up, we will compile your medical history, including allergies, past procedures, medications you are on, prosthetics and more. Along with your home address, insurance information, and whether you have any special circumstances like pets, Lifeline will be able to share this information efficiently with emergency responders. If you need help, Lifeline ensures that the right people will be contacted as soon as possible, and they will have the information they need to assist you.
More on Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, one out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year. Roughly 25% of those people suffered injuries such as lacerations, fractures and head trauma. Not being able to get up after a fall can worsen injuries and cause conditions such as:
Pressure Ulcers: Caused by unrelieved pressure. Also known as “bed sores,” these can extend to damage deeper tissues if assistance does not come.
Rhabdomyolysis: When muscle tissue is damaged, unwanted proteins are released into the bloodstream, which can clog the kidneys and even cause acute kidney failure.
Dehydration: Without access to water after a fall, dehydration can lead to low blood pressure, confusion, shock, brain damage and organ failure.
Hypothermia: Lying still in a cold room can reduce body temperature, and can affect heart function.
Aspiration Pneumonia: A fall can force fluid, food, and other foreign matter into the lungs after a fall, causing a serious lung infection.
Preventing Falls
The CDC has several suggestions for preventing falls, including:
Regular exercise: Focus on improving leg strength and balance, with programs like Tai Chi.
Medicine review: Ask a doctor or pharmacist to check if any prescribed or over the counter medications could cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Vision: Get an eye exam at least once a year and update eyeglasses to maximize vision.
Home safety: Reduce tripping hazards, add grab bars and railings, and improve lighting.
Nutrition: Be sure to get adequate calcium and Vitamin D.
Osteoporosis: Be screened and treated, if applicable.
How Much Does Lifeline Cost?
For a little more than a dollar a day, you get the Lifeline Personal Response Service. You are not required to buy any equipment or make a long-term commitment. There are no hidden or extra fees.
Lifeline is the #1 medical alert service, helping over 6 million seniors and their families, and is recommended by HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley® doctors and professional caregivers across the country.
• Helping you live independently. Safely.
• Continue living in the comfort of your own home.
• Prompt, caring assistance at the touch of a button – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Security and peace of mind for you and your family.
Contact
Lifeline
25 Barbarossa Lane
Kingston, N.Y. 12401
(845) 334-2747 or (800) 832-7037
Fax : (845) 334-2748
Email: lifeline@hahv.org
To apply, please print out and complete the application form and fax to 334-2748 or email to lifeline@hahv.org
