It’s like having the world at your fingertips. Well, almost.

Rosscare Lifeline, a program of Eastern Maine Healthcare, provides medical emergency response, friendly support, and a sense of security, literally at the touch of a button.

“This is a unique service in that it is not only for emergencies, but is total telephone support,” said Kate Kirkpatrick, program manager for Rosscare Lifeline.

“We can help in any type of situation, whether medical or not. Some people may push their button because they are feeling anxious and just need to chat for a few minutes, or they smell smoke, or just want to test their button. One lady called because her cat was sick and she wanted a veterinarian. And all of this is perfectly all right. That is what we are here for. Ninety-four percent of the calls are not emergencies,” she said.

In fact, Lifeline encourages new subscribers to press the button two to four times a day for the first week, until it becomes second nature.

People who subscribe to this service receive a small waterproof battery-operated call button roughly the size of a half-dollar. This button can be worn on a wrist strap or as a necklace.

They also receive a base unit, about the size of a half-loaf of bread, which hooks into a phone line. The response center returns calls through this unit, which acts as a speakerphone.

Subscribers fill out a contact sheet with their address – including clear, accurate directions – and the names of people willing to be called in case help is needed, emergency or otherwise. Family living close by or neighbors are good choices, as they can quickly come to the person’s aid if necessary.

Here’s how it works. The button is pushed, activating the base unit, which sends a call to the response center. The operators, who are trained in elder issues including Alzheimer’s disease and high anxiety situations, call back and ask if anything is wrong. They determine the reason the button was pushed.

Maybe the person is scared because a stranger is lurking around outside, or is feeling lonely and needs a little comfort. Or, maybe there is a real medical emergency. The response center is equipped to handle all of these scenarios. Staff can alert police, a person on the contact sheet, or an ambulance, depending on the need. Average response time is less than 40 seconds. If the button is pushed and the operator receives no response from the subscriber, people on the contact sheet are notified immediately. If they are unreachable, the next call is to the police or an ambulance.

The button also can be used to answer incoming phone calls.

“This is a safety feature because it eliminates the need to run for the phone when it is ringing, thus reducing the chance of falling,” said Kirkpatrick. “It is also a tremendous convenience if you are in the bathroom, down the hall, busy crocheting, disabled, or otherwise not able easily to get to a phone.” The unit’s range is about an acre.

Lifeline actually fosters independence by providing a feeling of security to people.

This allows them to participate in favorite activities both in their home and outside in their yards, knowing they can get help if necessary.”

Kirkpatrick recalls one elderly man, whose wife was housebound, who subscribed to Lifeline so he could continue to work in the garden he loved. His wife had insisted that he quit this hobby because, due to an extremely stooped back, he had a tendency to topple over. Being ill, she could not help him up each time.

With Lifeline, if he fell, he’d just press the button. The wife’s comment to the operator who responded was always the same: he must have fallen again. The response center would immediately call a neighbor to come.

Another man, not realizing the conditions, ventured outside of his home for some fresh air during mud season. It didn’t take long for his wheelchair to become stuck. His button brought help immediately.

“While this service is for a variety of needs, the medical component is important,” said Kirkpatrick. “Immediate attention can virtually stop secondary deterioration caused by a delay in treatment, thus reducing hospital stays.”

There are no criteria for subscribing to Lifeline. The local price is $31 per month, private pay, and there is no installation fee. There is also no long-term commitment, as contracts are month to month.

Those interested in Lifeline should call Kate Kirkpatrick at 973-7080.

While this service is not covered by insurance, there are some Medicaid programs and some agencies, including Eastern Agency on Aging, which have limited funds available to help cover the cost, in some situations.

“This is really a push-button system of getting a hold of some service, no matter what the situation,” said Kirkpatrick. “And it is comforting to know that there is always help available at the end of your finger.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For more information on EAA, log onto www.eaaa.org or call Chuck or Marilyn at 941-2865.