All year long, Catawba Valley Medical Center’s (CVMC) Lifeline program celebrates Independence Day by providing older adults with the sense of security they need to maintain an independent lifestyle. Lifeline clients and their family members know the comfort of living in one’s own home. In honor of independence, Lifeline will be offering free installation with no subscriber cost for the month of June to new subscribers, an $80 value. Alma Bentley of Catawba knows first-hand about the benefits of CVMC’s Lifeline program, crediting it with saving her life.

Ms. Bentley enjoys watching birds around her farmhouse. One unfortunate morning she slipped while settling into her favorite chair by the window, injured her legs and could not get up. “I called Lifeline and told the CarePartner Communicator what happened to me,” said Ms. Bentley. “Very soon paramedics came to take me to the hospital where the doctor examined me. I was released later that day to come home with my son.

“To this day, I consider that Lifeline saved my life that day,” continued Alma. “I am 90 years old, living by myself and doing my thing. I am very happy to be able to live on my own and Lifeline helps me do that. I depend on it. I’m glad I’ve got someone I can call if I need help.”

Lifeline is a simple wireless device worn as a pendent or a wristband that allows the wearer to summon help at the push of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In the case of an emergency such as a fall, the subscriber pushes the button activating the CarePartner Communicator, which connects to a trained response associate, who quickly assesses the profile and dispatches assistance.

On average, one of every three adults over age 65 falls each year, making falls the most common cause of death or injury in the home—creating real concern for seniors and their loved ones. The Lifeline service gives elders living alone, family members and caregivers increased peace of mind everyday.

For more information on Lifeline services, call Carol Beard, CVMC Lifeline coordinator at 828-485-2696.

Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit, public healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. CVMC, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet facility, was recently named a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers.