New Life Line type of service

[Guest guest]

There is a new service similar to Life Line emergency service 24-hour

response. The Life Line service, and others, work from a pendant worn around

one's neck which signals a speakerphone-like device in the house. Monthly

rates are about $35 on up. These services have been very beneficial as far

as they go.

5 Star Urgent Response consists only of a device worn around one's neck. It

is essentially a modified cell phone and communicates via cell phone towers

and contains a GPS chip. Therefore, one can be anywhere - home, community,

etc. - and press a button for 24-hour emergency service and speak with a

live person. There's a $100 initial cost and then a $14.99 plus tax monthly

fee. It also comes with their " Live Nurse " service.

For more information:

http://www.greatcall.com/default.aspx

BTW, there is also an iPhone app and, soon an Android app, which does the

same stuff for the same monthly fee of $14.99

A FREED consumer with MS tipped me off to this service. He has it and used

it once when he fell in the bathroom. Once he initiated the contact, the

fire department was there within 10 minutes. He raved about the service.

I looked up vendors where one can actually see & touch the device; generally

they include Sears, Walmart, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, etc. Many of these

vendors also have the Jitterbug cell phones which are simplified, large

button, large screen phones for seniors and others needing simple and highly

tactile phones.

I am not aware of other services like this; if you know of others please let

this AT Network list know.

Jeff Samco

Assistive Technology Advocate

FREED Center for Independent Living

117 New Mohawk Road, Suite A

Nevada City, Ca 95959

530-265-4444

www.freed.org