Helpline

St. Joseph HELPLINE

HELPLINE, a personal emergency response service for your home, has been protecting Brazos Valley residents for more than 27 years. HELPLINE partners with Philips Lifeline, the leader in medical alert services.

How HELPLINE Works

Electricity powers a small piece of equipment called the communicator, which is installed in one of your land-line modular telephone jacks. You wear a waterproof button, either on a neck cord or a wristband. When you need any kind of help in or around your home, simply press your button, and the communicator will call the Lifeline response center. The communicator installs in your home anywhere there is access to a land-line modular telephone jack and an electrical outlet. The telephone model can be programmed with up to six daily, weekly, or one-time reminder messages.

Usually within one minute, a Lifeline monitor will speak to you over the communicator and send the help you request. If the monitor does not hear your voice, she will will dial your phone number. If you do not answer, the monitor will immediately begin calling personal responders. If they are unavailable, the monitor will promptly dispatch local emergency personnel to assist you. Rest assured, whether your voice is heard or not, the response center will send help to your home.

Cost of HELPLINE

The one-time, non-refundable installation fee is $50. A St. Joseph HELPLINE representative will come to your home, install the system, test the range of your help button, and guide you through your first call to the Lifeline response center. The monthly monitoring fee is $40, and active Gold Medallion Club members receive a $5-per-month discount. Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for HELPLINE. You are not required to sign a long-term contract.

How to Initiate Service

Call the St. Joseph HELPLINE office at 979.774.4357 to sign up. A HELPLINE representative will take all of the necessary information over the phone and schedule your installation. Be prepared to supply name, mailing address and phone numbers for two or three relatives or neighbors to serve as personal responders. You may list family members or friends who live out of the area to be notified if you are taken to the hospital. You will also provide information on your primary physician, drug allergies, and a brief description of your medical condition.

Is it Time for HELPLINE?
Take this short test to see if you have a need for a medical alert system.

1. Are you alone for several hours during the day and/or night? 2 points
2. In the past year, have you fallen, been anxious about falling, or otherwise been at risk for falling in your home? 3 points
3. Have you been hospitalized or been in the emergency room in the past year? 2 points
4. Do you have at least one of these chronic ailments: heart disease, stroke, COPD, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis? 2 points
5. Do you use a cane, walker, wheelchair, or other assistive device to help with balance or walking? 3 points
6. Are you required to take several daily medications? 3 points
7. Do you require assistance with at least one of the following activities: bathing, toileting, dressing, meal preparation? 3 points
8. Would an in-home emergency response service provide peace of mind foryou and/or your loved one? 1 point
9. Is it important to you to continue to live independently? 1 point

Level of Need:
15-20 points = Urgent Need
8-14 points = Elevated Need
4-7 points =  Moderate Need
0-3 points = Limited Need