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Lifeline Personal Response and Support Services is an easy-to-use personal response service offered through New York State United Teachers Member Benefits to members and agency fee payers. The program ensures adults living at home get quick assistance whenever needed — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A simple push of a button, worn on a pendant or wristband, activates the Lifeline home unit. This unit dials the Lifeline Monitoring Center and establishes two-way voice communication. Within seconds, a certified Lifeline representative, called a monitor, has complete access to the subscriber's pertinent health history and personal profile on his or her computer screen. The monitor communicates with the subscriber through a speaker, assesses the situation and summons appropriate help, whether it is a neighbor, relative or ambulance. The Lifeline monitor then follows up to ensure that help arrived.

Lifeline monitors are caring professionals who are extensively trained in gerontology, stress management and monitoring. They undergo annual mandatory re-certification.

Lifeline is not only for medical emergencies. It allows the subscriber to answer the telephone without having to rush to grab a handset. This is an extremely valuable feature; a major cause of falls is people running to answer the phone. Another major cause of falls is slipping in the shower or bathtub, which is why the personal help button is waterproof.

Lifeline also includes a reminder capability. This feature can be used to remember to take medications, follow care-plan guidelines, keep medical appointments and keep track of social engagements.

A study conducted between June 2001 and December 2002 by the Cleveland Clinic Health System showed that Lifeline with Reminders optimizes outcomes for patients with heart failure. The study found that length of hospital stay was significantly reduced for patients who used Lifeline with Reminders. These patients also reported significant improvements in quality of life with increased independence and an improved sense of well-being.

Knowing that help is just a press-of-a-button away, Lifeline lets the subscriber and his or her family maintain peace of mind.

NYSUT members have reduced pricing for this service. Subscribers pay an initial enrollment fee, plus shipping, handling and taxes. Thereafter, a monthly fee is charged. While no contracts need to be signed, there is a minimum commitment of three months. For more information, call Lifeline at 800-LIFELINE (800-543-3546) and ask for ext. 1500.