For 33 years, Amador Lifeline has helped seniors and others with disabilities, chronic illnesses, in rehabilitation or on Hospice live independently in their homes by offering medical emergency response at the touch of a button. The not-for-profit program recently received a $2,800 investment from Sutter Amador Hospital to fund the upgrade of communicator equipment that is used in clients’ homes.
“Lifeline allows individuals to remain in their homes and gives them and their families peace of mind knowing that help is available 24 hours a day,” says Virginia Manner, Amador Lifeline supervisor.
The Lifeline system uses a two-way voice communicator and waterproof personal help button that can be worn as a necklace or wristband. In the event of an emergency at home, the wearer presses the button, sending a signal to the Lifeline Response Center dispatcher. The dispatcher evaluates the urgency of the situation and calls either a responder listed on the individual’s care plan or emergency medical personnel when needed.
Sutter Amador Hospital’s community partnership and support will fund the purchase of five two-way communicator units, which will replace aging units that can no longer be repaired. In addition, Lifeline has introduced a new wireless solution called HomeSafe for those who do not have a home phone line. The community investment will also support the purchase of one HomeSafe wireless communicator.
“We value the work of Amador Lifeline and the connections they support and maintain throughout our community,” said Sutter Amador Hospital CEO Anne Platt. “Our partnership with them helps extend the reach of health care.”
Amador Lifeline serves between 235 – 240 clients a month, most of whom are seniors. Manner says the majority of calls to Lifeline are related to falls in the home. Without immediate help after a fall, elderly individuals may suffer pain, emotional distress, or secondary medical problems like dehydration, pneumonia, renal failure and pressure ulcers. The program is invaluable in helping community members live safely at home and preventing hospitalizations.
Lifeline regularly partners with Sutter Amador Hospital and other community organizations to let seniors know about the service. Medical alert scams are at an epidemic level nationally, and locally, many have also fallen prey to these scams. Staffed by two professionals and 25 volunteers, Amador Lifeline is the only local, not-for-profit program providing service each day to keep the community’s most vulnerable residents living safe and secure in their own homes.
Sutter Amador Hospital is affiliated with Sutter Health, a not-for-profit, community-based health system located throughout Northern California. For more information about Sutter Amador Hospital, visit www.sutteramador.org.
