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HHS' ConnectCARE program provides help at the touch of a button
by Rebecca Stoneman
For over 10 years, Halton Healthcare Services' ConnectCARE program (formerly known as the Home Emergency Lifeline Programme), has been providing "help at the touch of a button" for those living in Halton with a chronic medical or physical condition. The service is particularly beneficial for older adults who live alone as it provides quick access to help in emergency situations.
"For many older adults, the program provides an increased sense of security while continuing to live in their own home, and complements other home care services in order to prevent or delay institutional care," says Margaret Robichaud, ConnectCARE Coordinator. "Our clients and their loved ones know that help is never out of reach, day or night, which gives them all peace of mind."
According to Statistics Canada, every year approximately one third of seniors living in the community will experience a fall. Older adults have the highest rate for falls over any other age group resulting in the longest hospital stays. Older adults also have a greater risk of injury due to falls, which can lead to other chronic medical problems that may compromise an independent lifestyle.
"Just the fear of falling may have a negative affect on their self-esteem," Margaret continues. "They begin to see themselves as frail, less competent and more dependent."
If a fall occurs in the home, the telephone is often out of reach, and if an injury is sustained, delayed medical treatment increases the risk of complications.
The ConnectCARE service means help is never out of reach. A portable alarm button, worn on the wrist or as a pendant, connects the client with the hospital's trained monitoring staff through a two-way speaker unit installed on the client's existing telephone line. Even if the client is unable to communicate, all relevant personal information is immediately available to the staff who then dispatches either a designated contact person or Emergency Services to provide assistance.
"We provide a service that allows our clients to continue to live independently in the community," says Margaret, "and independent living means increased quality of life."
ConnectCARE is the only hospital owned and operated emergency personal response service in the region. Since its inception, the program has provided life saving support for thousands of individuals living in the Halton area.
For more information, please call ConnectCARE at 905-338-4357.
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