Methodist Lifeline is now offering a new lifeline product with AutoAlert, an enhanced medical alert service. The new device now has automatic fall detection capability. Lifeline with AutoAlert features the only pendant style help button that can automatically call for help if a fall is detected and a senior is unable to push the help button.

Manufactured by Royal Philips Electronics, Lifeline with AutoAlert is designed to help reduce the risk of long lapses between when a person falls and help arrives. If a fall victim receives help more quickly, there is reduced emotional distress and potential costs of extended treatment and rehabilitation. An internal laboratory study by Philips Electronics showed that Lifeline with AutoAlert detected 95 percent of many types of falls and had a low rate of false alarms.

Jill Prossser, Lifeline Coordinator for Methodist said, “Seniors are living longer and remaining in their own homes; however, falls have become an epidemic problem that jeopardizes seniors’ chances to live independently. Every year in the U.S., one out of three people age 65 and over will fall.”

Prosser said the new product first became available at Methodist in late March of this year.

For more information about the Lifeline AutoAlert, call the Methodist Lifeline at 1-800-Lifeline (543-3546).