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LifeLine
Your Gift Will:
- Purchase 80 Lifeline Units
- Provide 50 scholarships for low-income Lifeline subscribers
- Make it possible for many senior and disabled people to retain their independence and continue living in their own homes
Background
Lifeline is a personal emergency response system used at home by the elderly and physically challenged. Subscribers are linked to 24-hour assistance by pushing a portable button attached to a neck cord or wristband. The Lifeline Program began in the early 1980's with a few dozen users. Today, there are over 500 Lifeline subscribers just in our area, with requests coming in daily.
According to a study conducted by the Department of Social Gerontological Research in Boston, personal emergency response programs improve the quality of life of frail elderly, while reducing the cost of long-term care. The study also indicated that Lifeline users felt more comfortable about living alone and more confident about continuing to live independently thereby postponing nursing home care.
The Challenge:
The Lifeline program at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is the largest of its kind in Alameda County. At this point, there are over 560 Lifeline subscribers and the demand continues. The service area for this program extends throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The cost of new units is roughly $500.00 each and this year we need to purchase 80 units to keep up with demand.
As a non-profit, mission driven medical center, your support is needed to provide scholarship assistance to those subscribers who need the Lifeline unit to remain living independently, but cannot afford it. Through contributions, last year over 50 scholarship units were provided for low-income seniors with new requests coming in nearly every day.
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