Lifeline is an emergency response service provided in Fulton County and the surrounding areas by Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home.
Lifeline provides 24 hour per day, 7-days per week monitoring of the subscriber. This is done with a piece of electronic equipment which is installed in the subscriber's home. The subscriber is instructed in how to use this equipment and is contacted periodically by Lifeline staff to assure that it is working properly.
By simply pushing a "help needed" button, the Hospital is notified that assistance is needed by the subscriber.
When the "help needed" button is activated, Hospital staff will first call the subscriber to determine what the problem is. If the subscriber does not answer, contact is made with a friend, relative, or neighbor who can help. These people are designated in advance by the subscriber, and are called "responders". If at the time of an emergency no responder can be contacted, Hospital staff will notify an appropriate police, rescue or fire department about the emergency situation. The Lifeline call is not complete until help arrives at the subscriber's home.
Life is unpredictable. An unexpected fall or medical emergency could threaten your future health if help is delayed.
Lifeline Can Be Installed If:
The subscriber has a private telephone service and modular telephone connection, along with an appropriate electrical outlet nearby.
Please note: Digital and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones are not compatible with Lifeline units at this time.
The subscriber identifies two or more people who will act as responders. Responders should have a key or access to the subscriber's home in case of an emergency.
When a request for Lifeline is received, the Lifeline Coordinator takes the following steps:
An appointment is made to visit the subscriber's home. At that time the coordinator brings
the equipment and collects needed information about the subscriber, responders, and
current telephone service to the subscriber's home. She will at that time explain the
program, including the subscriber's responsibilities and program costs.
If needed, the coordinator will arrange for any updates to the phone wiring. She also
completes required paperwork so that the emergency monitoring can be provided efficiency
and correctly.
Lifeline will be set up at the time of interview if possible. It is installed and tested
and the subscriber is instructed on how to use it properly. We encourage that family
members or friends be present for instructors. The subscriber is required to sign an
agreement outlining ownership and use of the equipment; payment for the service; and
Hospital's responsibilities.
A one-time charge of $50.00 is billed with the first month's service fee.
The $38.00 monthly service fee covers the use of the equipment and the 24 hour monitoring
service provided by NLH staff Some subscribers may pay a reduced rate based on their
monthly income. Contact the Lifeline Coordinator for details.
Currently most health insurance companies will not pay for Lifeline service. Inquiries about such coverage should be directed to the benefits coordinator representing your insurance plan.
For more information, call Lifeline Coordinator Margaret Luck at (518)773-5507 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or click here to email her.