“One of the greatest threats to seniors’ health is falls and associated injuries,” said Diane Betkoski, Lifeline Program coordinator.
“For the cost of a cup of coffee a day, Lifeline with AutoAlert can help seniors maintain their independence and provide their caregivers even more peace of mind knowing that their loved one will be safe.”
Lifeline with AutoAlert features the first pendant-style help button that can automatically call for help if a fall is detected and a senior is unable to push his or her help button.
According to an internal laboratory study of simulated falls, Lifeline with AutoAlert detected over 95 percent of many types of falls and had a low rate of false alarms.
Seniors are living longer and remaining in their own homes, and falls have become an epidemic problem that jeopardizes seniors’ chances to live independently.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year in the U.S., one out of three people age 65 and over will fall. This statistic translates to 13.3 million people who will fall in 2013, or one person falling every 2.3 seconds on average.
Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma, as well as injury-related deaths, for seniors.
Close to 50 percent of seniors can’t get up from a fall without help and lying on the floor for an extended period of time can lead to serious complications, including: pressure ulcers, muscle necrosis, dehydration, hypothermia and pneumonia.
The care and treatment of these potentially preventable complications are costly to the healthcare system and negatively impact quality of life for seniors.
Lifeline with AutoAlert is designed to help reduce the risk of long lie times. If a fall victim receives help more quickly, that may reduce emotional distress and potential costs of extended treatment, rehabilitation and supported living.
With AutoAlert, if a fall is detected, subscribers still have the opportunity to receive quick access to assistance even in situations where they can’t push their button, for example, if they lose consciousness, become immobilized, forget to push their button or won’t push their button because they feel they can manage the situation independently.
Just as important, the service can provide added confidence and peace of mind to the 22 million seniors who fear falling.
For more information about Lifeline with AutoAlert, visit lifelinesys.com/affiliate/griffinhealth or call Griffin Hospital Lifeline, 1-800-242-1306, x4722 to order the service.
This post is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital.
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