Alice Swanson does not like gadgets. Initially, the thought of wearing a “gadget” such as a Phillips Lifeline on her body seemed more like a hassle, than a help.
“I did not like the thought of having to wear something that I was constantly tied to,” said Swanson, “However, I quickly became used to it. I even found it comfortable on me,” she said.
Lifeline is a service of JRMC Home Health. It is a wearable personal help button that gives a person 24/7 access to a response center.
After a cancer diagnosis in 2014, Swanson said her children were concerned about her. What if she needed something? What if she fell?
“Both of my children live out of state. So, for them, getting Lifeline for me was peace of mind for them,” Swanson said.
Swanson is an 88-year-old active Jamestown resident. She likes that she is able to use Lifeline at her house in town, as well as on her farm. “I was surprised at how much comfort wearing it on the farm gives me,” she said.
Swanson is not limited in where she will have coverage. She has the Lifeline Go Safe model. This specific model allows continued coverage for its clients through Wi-Fi hotspots and satellite feed. It provides clients the ability to travel freely with its service.
Chelle Elhard, a JRMC employee and a Patients Account Coordinator for Lifeline, said that the response time for Lifeline is one of the aspects that make it exceptional.
“Once the help button is pushed, there is a 30-second response time,” Elhard said.
Lifeline patients also receive a benefit that many are unaware of. Lifeline notifies Elhard when a user’s Lifeline battery needs to be replenished or a button needs to be replaced.
For Marion resident, DeLoris Anderson, Lifeline gave her piece of mind living in a rural area. Originally, Anderson said she was reluctant to try the device. She said she feared she wouldn’t like wearing it and that it would make her feel trapped. But now that she’s worn it around her neck for about a month, Anderson said she has grown to appreciate it.
“I like my Lifeline. It makes me feel safe,” she said. “I hardly notice it anymore.”
Rural residents are some of Lifeline’s primary users.
“When the closest neighbor is 15-miles away, Lifeline can be a necessity,” Elhard said. JRMC currently has 186 Lifeline clients.
Swanson, a Lifeline client since 2014, said she cannot imagine being active without the comfort of her Lifeline.
“Thank God for technology. I know my bones aren’t getting any younger or stronger. So, I am thankful that I can rely on technology like Lifeline,” Swanson said.
If you are interested in learning more about Lifeline, please call JRMC Home Health at (701) 952-4816