Frequently asked questions

When Seniors Fall

Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert with Fall Detection is a sleek wearable that uses three different technologies to more accurately detect falls, avoid false alarms (a leading reason people don’t like wearing alert devices), and call for help whether your parent presses the button or not. Learn more about why Lifeline’s AutoAlert fall detection is right for your loved one.

When Seniors Have a Medical Emergency

You’re right to worry about unforeseen medical emergencies, like heart attacks, dizziness or disorientation. Philips GoSafe 2 is perfect for active seniors who spend a lot of time outside the home, enabling them to request assistance from any location at any time. Philips HomeSafe with AutoAlert is designed for homebound seniors, providing a 24/7/365 virtual companion that’s just a button-press away.

For Seniors with Chronic Conditions

These adults are more likely to fall, and they require emergency transport 54 percent more often than their healthier peers.[1] Our CareSage solution uses a predictive analytics engine to help your parent’s care team determine when s/he may be at more of a risk for a health episode or fall so you can take preventive action. Philips GoSafe 2 and HomeSafe with AutoAlert give your chronically ill parent access to assistance whenever s/he needs it.

[1] https://www.usa.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2015/20150929-New-Philips-study-reveals-seniors-with-common-chronic-conditions-had-an-increased-fall-rate-up-to-54-percent.html

For Active Seniors

Whether they’re at home or on the go, Philips GoSafe 2 gives your active parent the freedom to pursue their interests and activities with the confidence and security of knowing help is available at the press of a button. This wearable is waterproof, so it can be worn even in the bath or shower, where almost 36 percent of home-based fall injuries occur.[2]

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3591732/

When Seniors Have a Non-Medical Emergency

Our Trained Care Specialists, accessed through a Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert device, are ready to assist even when your parent has a non-medical need, such as when s/he is locked out, requires roadside assistance, or needs to report a burglary or fire. 

How can falls be predicted, identified, and reported?

Our CareSage solution uses data from your parent’s medical records, plus Lifeline enrollment and medical alert service activity, to predict if your parent is likely to need assistance, or is at risk for emergency transport in the next 30 days. That empowers the care team to prepare accordingly. If a fall does occur, quick response is vital: 60 percent of seniors who don’t request help for an hour or more are unable to return to independent living.[3] Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert with Fall Detection uses three different technologies to more accurately identify and report falls. The AutoAlert Help Button detects more than 95 percent of many types of falls*, and can automatically call for help with or without the press of a button,** so help is on the way much faster than if your parent called 9-1-1 on their own. Learn more about what happens when seniors fall.

*Based on the number of undetected falls that have been reported to Philips Lifeline by U.S. AutoAlert subscribers for the period from January 2012 through July 2012. Undetectable falls can include a gradual slide from a seated position – such as from a wheelchair, which may not register as a fall.

**AutoAlert does not detect 100 percent of falls. If able, the user should always press their button when they need help.

How do we access 24/7/365 support?

Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert with Fall Detection give your parent access to support 24/7/365, whether they’re having a medical emergency, need help after a fall, or are feeling lonely or disoriented. This “virtual companion” gives you and your parent the confidence to continue living how and where s/he wants to. Learn more about aging at home.

Rapid Response

Admissions to the hospital and subsequent moves into long-term care are strongly associated with lying on the floor or ground for a long time after a fall.[6] On average, with Lifeline with AutoAlert with Fall Detection, it takes less than 20 seconds for a Trained Care Specialist to answer a call after a button is pressed or a fall is detected. [7]

[6] Gurley RJ, Lum N, Sande M, Lo B, Katz MH. Persons Found in Their Homes Helpless or Dead, NEJM 1996; 334(26): 1710-1716.

[7] Documented by command center 2020 Q4 Avg.

Lower Emergency Medical Costs

Philips GoSafe 2 and HomeSafe with AutoAlert can reduce the cost of caregiving with rapid response to falls and other medical emergencies which can help reduce expensive ER visits (average cost: $1,233[10]) and ambulance rides (average cost: $429/[11]), as well as avoiding high deductibles.

Our medical emergency alert systems range from $539 to $659 per year. Check with your CPA about medical expenses – some systems that maintain medical information may be deductible. Learn more about how to reduce the cost of caring for an aging parent.

[10] Caldwell, N., Srebotnjak, T., Wang, T. et al. “’How Much Will I Get Charged for This? ’ Patient Charges for Top Ten Diagnoses in the Emergency Department.” PLOS ONE.

[11] https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-13-6.pdf

Fewer Hospital or Skilled Nursing Admissions

Philips GoSafe 2 and HomeSafe with AutoAlert can help reduce the cost of caregiving with rapid response to falls and other medical emergencies which can help keep your parent from requiring admission to a hospital (average cost for a fall-related admission: $30,000[12]) or nursing home (median cost of private room: $92,378/year).[13]

Our medical emergency alert systems range from $539 to $659 per year. Check with your CPA about medical expenses – some systems that maintain medical information may be deductible. Learn more about how to reduce the cost of caring for an aging parent.

[12] Burns EB, Stevens JA, Lee RL. The direct costs of fatal and non-fatal falls among older adults—United States. J Safety Res 2016:58.

[13] https://www.genworth.com/about-us/industry-expertise/cost-of-care.html

Less Need for In-Home Services

Philips GoSafe 2 and HomeSafe with AutoAlert provide better monitoring and response, which can lower your parent’s need for in-home services like a home health aide (median cost: $46,332) or homemaker service provider (median cost:$45,760).[14]

Our medical emergency alert systems range from $539 to $659 per year. Check with your CPA about medical expenses – some systems that maintain medical information may be deductible. Learn more about how to reduce the cost of caring for an aging parent.

[14] https://www.genworth.com/about-us/industry-expertise/cost-of-care.html

How can Philips help me monitor my parents when I’m not there?

Better remote monitoring of your parent’s health and well-being reduces your need to take time off from your job or from other family obligations. Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert with Fall Detection detects more than 95 percent of many types of falls* and reduces false alarms to only one every two months[15]. That means fewer unnecessary trips for you to check on Mom or Dad or respond to erroneous calls for help. Many of these devices also provide information to the care team, saving you time during doctor visits. Learn more about balancing caregiving and work.

*Based on the number of undetected falls that have been reported to Philips Lifeline by U.S. AutoAlert subscribers for the period from January 2012 through July 2012. Undetectable falls can include a gradual slide from a seated position – such as from a wheelchair, which may not register as a fall.

[15] AutoAlert Webinar FINAL052

How can I reduce the toll of caregiving?

Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert and other Lifeline solutions ease the physical and emotional toll of caregiving. When you’re confident your parent is healthy and safe, and when you’re not stressed out over having a too-long to-do list, your relationship with every family member improves. TV and radio host Leeza Gibbons, who cares remotely for her dad, explains: “I don’t nag so much now knowing that Philips Lifeline has us covered! Seriously, I had become so concerned about dad’s well-being that much of our conversation was ‘what to do about that’. Once he had the Lifeline, I was secure in knowing that he could go about his busy life without worry.” Learn more about using technology to stay connected with your parents.

How can I reduce the toll of caregiving?

Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert and other Lifeline solutions ease the physical and emotional toll of caregiving. When you’re confident your parent is healthy and safe, and when you’re not stressed out over having a too-long to-do list, your relationship with every family member improves. TV and radio host Leeza Gibbons, who cares remotely for her dad, explains: “I don’t nag so much now knowing that Philips Lifeline has us covered! Seriously, I had become so concerned about dad’s well-being that much of our conversation was ‘what to do about that’. Once he had the Lifeline, I was secure in knowing that he could go about his busy life without worry.” Learn more about using technology to stay connected with your parents.

Maintaining Independence for Sheridan County since 1988

Life Link of Sheridan County is pleased to provide members of our senior community with America’s most trusted alert service. For more than 30 years, Lifeline has enabled seniors in Sheridan County, with greater independence, peace of mind and dignity in the place they feel most comfortable – their own homes.

Because the Lifeline service also helps family caregivers to balance the needs of their loved ones with the demands of their own busy lives, Lifeline greatly benefits them as well. If you have any questions, would like to talk about your particular needs, or are ready to begin service, please give us a call at (307) 751-9348.