Lifeline comes to the aid of older adults living independently

Gladys Oberlander of San Mateo doesn’t like being alone, and thanks to Lifeline, she has a direct link to vital emergency services in case of falls, burglary or other emergency.

Lifeline subscribers can call for help with one simple press of a button. “This service helps save lives every day,” Mills-Peninsula Lifeline coordinator Jessica Castro said.

“The help button is worn around the neck or wrist,” she said. “Pushing it connects you or your loved one with a trained operator who assesses the situation and sends appropriate help — fire department, police or ambulance.”

Subscribers wear the waterproof button 24 hours a day, and a communicator is installed in the home for voice contact to the call center.

“Lifeline is for anyone who wants to enjoy the independence of living in their own home with peace of mind, knowing help is quickly available,” Castro said.

Oberlander, a subscriber for nearly three years, feels more secure knowing someone can help her when she needs it. She can remember at least two falls.

“I carry my cordless phone with me but if I can’t reach it when I fall, I simply press the button around my neck. Help is there when I need it most,” she said.

The national emergency response service provides assistance to almost 500,000 older adults or disabled people nationwide.

Sponsored by the Auxiliary and run by volunteers, Mills-Peninsula has been providing Lifeline to the community since the program’s inception 30 years ago.

Subscription to the service requires a one-time $50 installation fee and monthly payments of $30 for the standard model communicator, Castro said. A deluxe model with an amplified receiver, large numbers and other features is also available for $35 a month.

“Most often it’s an adult child or other family member who calls to sign up an older relative,” Castro said. “Caretakers benefit knowing their loved ones will be quickly assisted in their absence.”

“From time to time they even call me when I don’t need help,” Oberlander said. “It’s good to know someone is watching out for me.”
Call 696-4823 to subscribe or for more information.