How much is the service?
Do you offer assistance to those who cannot afford Lifeline?
Is Lifeline only for the elderly?
What happens if I send a help call and the Response Center can’t hear me?
What if I move to a different home or apartment?
What if I spend part of the year in another home?
Can Lifeline be used if I have DSL Internet service from the phone company on the same telephone line?
Can Lifeline be used if I only have Voice Over IP (VOIP) phone service?
Who is involved in installing the Lifeline Communicator?
How far away from the Communicator will the Personal Help Button work?
Do I need to change the battery in the Communicator?
What is the difference between the red Help button on the Communicator and the Personal Help Button around my neck or on my wrist?
Do I need to test my Lifeline button? How often?
Can I wear my Personal Help Button in the shower or bath?
What if I accidentally hit my Personal Help Button?
Do I use the Personal Help Button to speak with Lifeline?
What happens if I push my Personal Help Button and I can’t get to the phone or Communicator?
Does the Personal Help Button have a battery?
How much is the service?
There is a one time enrollment fee of $60.00. The monthly fee is $35.50.
Do you offer assistance to those who cannot afford Lifeline?
Yes. The service may be covered by the Medicaid Waiver for those who are approved by their caseworker. Currently, Medicare does not cover the cost of the service. Some Long Term Care insurance policies may cover the service. Funds may be available for those who qualify for Wichita Lifeline's donor-supported Indigent Subscriber Fund.
Is Lifeline only for the elderly?
No. We provide the service to the disabled, physical therapy patients, people with medical conditions such as heart problems, CHF, and diabetes, and persons recuperating from surgery.
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Your Lifeline Service
What happens if I send a help call and the Response Center can’t hear me?
If the Lifeline Personal Response Associate doesn't hear you through the highly sensitive microphone or if you cannot speak, Lifeline will call your home phone. If the phone is not answered, we will begin calling your responders.
What if I move to a different home or apartment?
This is not a problem. Call the Lifeline office and we will work with you to make the change.
What if I spend part of the year in another home?
We can do this, just call the Lifeline office to make arrangements..
Can Lifeline be used with my Internet service?
Yes. Discuss your Internet set-up when ordering the Lifeline service..
Can Lifeline be used if I only have Voice Over IP (VOIP) phone service?
The Lifeline service cannot be used with Voice over IP phone service which uses the public Internet.
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The Lifeline Communicator
Who is involved in installing the Lifeline Communicator?
A member of the Wichita Lifeline, Inc. team will come to the home and install the equipment. The three primary installers have a combined 19 years of Lifeline service experience which allows them to ensure your comfort and knowledge of the Lifeline service before leaving the home. The will install the Lifeline communicator, perform a range test in your home and around the perimeter, and will test your button with you to ensure your comfort with the Lifeline Response Center.
How far away from the Communicator will the Personal Help Button work?
You can be in another room or on a different floor of your home, but the range varies from home to home. When your communicator is installed, the signal range of the PHB will be tested in and around your home. The unit will not work in the car, at the grocery store, or away from your home.
Do I need to change the battery in the Communicator?
No. Wichita Lifeline, Inc. maintains your Lifeline Communicator history and will make an appointment to provide maintenance and battery changes at no charge to the Lifeline subscriber.
What is the difference between the red Help button on the Communicator and the Personal Help Button around my neck or on my wrist?
Nothing. They will both place calls to our Response Center when you need assistance. The water-proof button around your neck (or on your wrist) is always with you, so it is more convenient to use since you are not always near your Lifeline Communicator.
Do I need to test my Lifeline button? How often?
Lifeline wants to hear from you at least monthly. But we encourage more frequent tests. To test your Lifeline button, simply press your Personal Help Button one time to call the Lifeline Response Center. The Lifeline Associate will ask if you need help, tell them you are checking in. Many people find it helpful to select the date of their birthday to make their test call. For example, if your birthday is January 8th, make your check-in call on the 8th of every month.
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The Personal Help Button
Can I wear my Personal Help Button in the shower or bath?
Yes! The Personal Help Button is completely waterproof, wear it at all times!
What if I accidentally hit my Personal Help Button?
There are no accidents. Any time you press your Lifeline Personal Help Button a Lifeline Personal Response Associate will respond to your call to make sure that you are okay. Do not worry that you are bother Lifeline, this is our job and we love hearing from you!
Do I use the Personal Help Button to speak with Lifeline?
No, the button is not the microphone. You do not speak into it. Rather, the button sends a signal to the Communicator, which in turn dials a toll-free number (no cost). You speak to the Lifeline Personal Response Associate from anywhere in your home.
What happens if I push my Personal Help Button and I can’t get to the phone or Communicator?
Stay where you are. Your Lifeline Communicator contains a highly sensitive microphone and a loud speaker. If you still can’t hear it or answer the Lifeline Personal Response Associate, Lifeline will place a call to your home. If there is no answer, Lifeline will call the people you have indicated as your responders.
Does the Personal Help Button have a battery?
Yes, each PHB has a battery. The Wichita Lifeline, Inc. staff maintains detailed records regarding all Lifeline communication equipment and will contact you for an appointment when it is time to replace your PHB.
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