Lifeline program provides peace of mind for seniors

Lifeline began in May 1986 after a one-year study by the Royal Victoria Hospital revealed that such a program could help seniors stay in their homes longer. A former Rotarian read about the Lifeline program in a Saskatchewan publication and brought the idea to Westmount, where past-presidents Doug Whiting and Tom Fisher ran with the idea. In 1987, the club made a significant investment in the program to purchase the response board and initiate the program at the Royal Victoria Hospital, where it is still operated out of today.

The program began by giving away 25 trial units, and the response was overwhelming. That enthusiasm continues today with Lifeline servicing almost 1,000 units.

Since starting the program, Lifeline has helped over 10,000 subscribers, the oldest 104 years and the youngest a 29-year-old in a wheelchair.

The program is simple. A senior registers as a subscriber by calling the Rotary office at 514-935-3344 and makes an appointment for a volunteer from the club to come and install the unit, which includes a bracelet or necklace and a Lifeline phone unit. If she finds herself in trouble, she simply pushes the button. A responder at the centre answers the call and determines the issue, and when necessary calls 911 as the first responder. If the client is taken to the hospital, the centre contacts people on the subscriber’s notification list.

At a cost of roughly $600 per unit, each consists of both a phone and a remote button that works with a range of 100 to 125 feet. The cost is $39.95 a month with any surpluses over costs going to the Royal Victoria Hospital. For those who are financially challenged there is also a subsidy program.

Responders work out of call centres in Boston, Toronto and Montreal. When the call is answered the client’s full health history comes up on the computer screen. Responders know they are dealing with seniors and are trained to deal with stressed individuals in 144 languages. And while 85 per cent of calls are not emergencies, for that 15 per cent it can be a matter of life and death.

For more information, call the Rotary Club of Westmount at 514-935-3344.