Frequently Asked Questions
Lifeline offers you and your loved ones peace of mind, independence, early intervention and reassurance. The following are ten of the most frequently asked questions about the Lifeline Personal Response Service:
My mother's independence is very important to her. Would she 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 seniors who didn't use the Lifeline service. Lifeline actually helps seniors preserve their independence by providing the confidence to continue to live where they want - in their own homes. Your mother is always in complete control. She simply activates the Personal Help Button for assistance. She tells us who she wants us to contact if she needs help.
My dad is fine on his own. Why would I want him to be a Lifeline subscriber?
Lifeline is like insurance. Your father may never need it, but if he does, he'll be glad he has it. It's reassuring to know that if he has a sudden illness or injury, help will be on the way in a matter of minutes, even if he cannot move or speak.
My mom says she has all the help she needs. Her neighbor checks in with her daily. Why would she need Lifeline?
Between your mother's neighbor's visits, she is left unprotected. She could fall and be unable to get help for over 24 hours. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that persons 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 Lifeline service cost?
It is surprisingly affordable. Subscribers do not have to buy anything or make a long-term commitment. Subscribers pay a low, one-time installation charge and a low monthly fee for as long as they use the service. And the monthly fee is the same, regardless of how often subscribers use the service or how long they talk.
Who are the people answering calls?
They are deeply caring, highly trained professionals. Their only job is to answer subscribers' calls and ensure that they receive the attention they deserve and the help they need.
Is Lifeline complicated to use?
No. It is easier than using a telephone. To activate the Lifeline service, subscribers just have to press their Personal Help Buttons. The communicator automatically responds to the activation by dialing the Lifeline Response Center. Within seconds, subscribers are speaking with Lifeline Associates who have immediate access to each subscriber's information.
What is the next step to subscribe?
It begins with a phone call to (310) 423-5468. Knowledgeable phone representatives are waiting to discuss your and your loved one's special needs and answer any question you may have about the Lifeline service. Within a few days, an experienced Lifeline home service representative will visit your loved one to install the equipment and demonstrate its use. He won't leave until your loved one has practiced and is comfortable using the Personal Help Button to call the Lifeline Response Center.
Is there a great deal of equipment involved?
No. There are just two pieces of equipment: the Personal Help Button worn as a wristband, pendant or watch and the CarePartner Communicator or Telephone Communicator.
Classic Pendant Personal Help Button
CarePartner Telephone Communicator
Slimline Wristband Personal Help Button
6800 Communicator
Philips Lifeline Tempo Watch
Do I have to be in the same room as the communicator for it to work?
No. You may be in another room, on a different floor or even in an outside yard - the signal will still be received. At the time of the installation, the home service representative will determine how far away from the communicator you can be to remain safely in range. The Personal Help Button is waterproof, so it should be worn in the shower or bath, where many falls occur.
How can I be sure the Lifeline equipment is working?
Lifeline equipment is expertly designed and manufactured and is proven to be reliable, durable and trouble-free. In the unlikely event that your loved one should have a problem that the Lifeline Associate can't correct over the phone, we will do whatever is necessary to immediately solve the problem. We encourage your loved one to press his or her Personal Help Button at least once a month just to know that we're there and that everything's working properly.
