The Noyes E.A.R.S. Lifeline Program is celebrating their 30-year anniversary providing medical alert services throughout the hospital’s service area. The program started with five Lifeline units for older adults living in Livingston County in October 1982 and was funded by the Livingston County Office for Aging. The program has grown to now 750 subscribers, of all ages, living at home who are at risk of falls or medical problems and now serves five counties. The program Director, Patty Piper, has been with the program since 1986 and states, “This program helps keep people safe in their home…and helps them age in place.”

Over the past 30 years, over 7650 subscribers have been served and Lifeline monitors have sent help for over 8000 emergencies. The primary need for help continues to be falls, though other needs include medical problems, mobility issues, and safety/security concerns.

Tara Coffey, the Lifeline Program Coordinator, states, “If we did not have a Lifeline Program these past 30 years, you need to wonder what would have happened to all these people…when they needed help.” Lifeline will not prevent someone from falling or getting sick, but it ensures someone will get help quickly so they will not suffer needlessly and have the best chance of a full recovery For more information on the E.A.R.S. Lifeline Program, the Lifeline Staff can be reached at 335-4359 or lifeline@noyes-hospital.org

E.A.R.S. Lifeline celebrated this milestone achievement at a reception held on 10/18/12 in the Noyes Conference Center.  Representatives from the Livingston County Office for the Aging, Philips Lifeline, Livingston County Sheriff’s Department and Noyes Hospital Administration all spoke about their roles in supporting this very important program that helps older adults remain independent and live safely in their home.