Seniors Hear About Emergency Systems

By Nancy K. Crevier

Cait Ryan, a representative from Link to Life Personal Emergency Response Services based in Pittsfield, Mass., was at the Newtown Senior Center on Wednesday, February 7, to discuss the benefits of emergency services to seniors. The Link to Life emergency response service, she said, consists of a pendant-style or wristband-style button that is activated through a base unit plugged into the wall. “In the event of an emergency,” she told the two dozen listeners, “just press the button and the base unit calls out to the response center.”

Using information provided when signing up for the plan, a trained responder will then contact the caller and stay on the phone until local emergency service personnel arrive.

Emergency response services can mean the difference in emergency situations, such as a stroke, between 100 percent recovery and an extended hospital stay and recovery time.

Falls are probably the most common reason, said Ms Ryan, as to why senior citizens need immediate emergency response. Falls occur because of poor lighting, blocked pathways in and around the home, slippery or loose footwear, and icy situations, she said. People who live alone, not just the elderly, can benefit from installing an emergency response system, too. “It’s not just the elderly who have accidents,” she reminded the attentive group. “When people do have falls, 67 percent will end up in the hospital.”

Other emergency systems range from cell phones for dialing 911 to personal monitoring devices to automated systems, according to United Way of Connecticut at infoline.org. Carecall, Healthwatch, and Lifeline are other companies that provide services similar to those of Link to Life.

Most private companies, such as Link to Life, charge a one-time set-up fee and a monthly charge, while nonprofit companies or community services may charge no fee. Community Based Services and Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders programs can help eligible older adults offset the cost of an emergency response system.

In addition to emergencies, the response system can act as a link to other people for socially isolated individuals, said Ms Ryan.