St. Camillus recently began offering the Lifeline Personal Response Service, a program that allows individuals to quickly get help during a medical or other emergency. To call for help, a Lifeline subscriber simply presses a button on a small device worn around the neck or wrist.

“We’re very pleased to make Lifeline available to our patients and the community,” said St. Camillus President Aileen Balitz. “It’s a nice complement to our other programs and services, especially our inpatient rehabilitation programs. Since the majority of these patients are seniors and typically return to living in their own homes, it gives them the reassurance of knowing that they can get help whenever they need it.”

Lifeline is a valuable “safety net” for those susceptible to heart attacks, strokes or falls, or anyone with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes. These people could quickly experience difficulties, especially if they live alone.

Lifeline is simple to use. The subscriber wears a lightweight personal help button device as a pendant around the neck or on a wristband. It works in the home or yard near the home, and is small and waterproof for wearing in the shower or bath—locations where accidents can often occur. With the push of a button, a call for help goes out. The right kind of assistance is then quickly sent, whether it’s an ambulance or just friendly help from a neighbor.

It’s also easy to join Lifeline, or give it as a gift to parents or grandparents. All it takes is one phone call to provide some information. A home service representative is then sent out to install the equipment and explain its use.

At less than $1.25 per day, Lifeline is surprisingly affordable considering it’s always “on” and ready to call for help. The cost is $37 per month, and there’s a one-time installation fee of $50. There are no other charges, no equipment to buy and it may be discontinued at any time.

For more information about Lifeline, or to order the service, please call 1-800-543-3546.