JCS offers a discount for Lifeline RI, a life-saving service

Posted

BY JESSICA MURPHY

PROVIDENCE – “Kissing the ground” was never on Stanley Ulbrych’s agenda. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what happened, only minutes after returning from a seven-day trip to Kentucky.  Tripping over his own feet, Ulbyrch, 85, of Riverside, went down hard in the middle of a street.

Fortunately, he was with his traveling companion, who, along with two strangers, helped Ulbrych to his feet. Unfortunately, the fall left him with a badly sprained hand, a bruised face and damage to his vision, which he hopes is temporary.

“When I fell, it truly scared me … because I live alone and, if I fell once, it could happen again,” Ulbrych said. “It convinced me to become an advocate for Lifeline RI and its emergency alert system.”

Lifeline RI, offered by Jewish Collaborative Services, is a 24-hour emergency response system that provides prompt and professional help to subscribers with the simple press of a button.  Last year, JCS served nearly 2,500 area residents in the program, which is available to individuals throughout Rhode Island and in several southeastern Massachusetts communities.

“Lifeline RI enables individuals like Stanley and many others to live with greater independence, peace of mind and dignity,” says Patricia Harwood, LICSW, JCS’ chief of programs. “JCS is waiving one month’s fee to Lifeline RI for those who sign up for a full year of service. With a large elderly population in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, JCS is committed to expanding access to this convenient, accessible and affordable emergency response service.” 

Since Lifeline RI’s Help buttons weigh less than half an ounce, they can easily be worn as a neck pendant or on the wrist. The waterproof buttons can be worn in the shower, bathtub or swimming pool, and are remotely charged, so they’re always activated.

While life is filled with surprises, using Lifeline RI can minimize the negative outcomes, both short- and long-term, of the bad surprise of a fall, an injury or anything else requiring medical assistance. Take it from Ulbrych, who has eagerly welcomed the independence he now feels, after subscribing to an upgraded Lifeline RI service, called Go Safe, which includes a GPS tracking monitor. 

“It’s reassuring to know that … I can be in Florida, Kentucky or simply down the street from my house, Lifeline will find me,” Ulbrych said. “I told someone who lives alone: ‘Don’t wait for the neighbors or police to find you on the kitchen floor, invest in a medical alert system. It will allow you your freedom, and gives your family, friends and neighbors some assurance that help is there as soon as you need it.’ ”

For more information about Lifeline RI or to enroll, contact JCS at 401-331-1244. Visit JCSRI.org/our-services/lifeline-ri to learn more.

JESSICA MURPHY is Jewish Collaborative Services’ marketing and communications manager.