Norwood Hospital Launches ‘Lifeline’ Emergency Response System for Elderly and Handicapped Residents-October 21, 1983

Bringing Security and Independence to Residents Living Alone

To prevent the terrifying scenario of a frail or elderly person falling at home and lying stranded for hours without help, Norwood Hospital announced the launch of an innovative emergency response system called “Lifeline.” Designed specifically to support elderly and handicapped individuals living alone, the program provides a vital safety net to ensure rapid medical assistance during emergencies.

The system relies on compact, user-friendly technology manufactured by Lifeline Systems Inc. of Waltham:

• The Equipment: A specialized electronic unit attached to the user’s home telephone paired with a lightweight remote call button worn comfortably around the neck.
• How It Works: At the first sign of distress, the user presses the pendant button. The base unit automatically dials Norwood Hospital and signals medical personnel that immediate help is required.
• The Response Network: Hospital staff immediately contact one of three pre-arranged neighbors who have agreed to participate in the network. These neighbors check on the resident and summon an ambulance if necessary. If the neighbors cannot be reached, the hospital dispatches an ambulance directly.

Community Support and Funding

The service requires a modest financial commitment from users, consisting of a one-time $15 installation fee and a $15-a-month subscription charge.

Lifeline Coordinator Linda Clark reported that the hospital initially secured 13 units—each valued at $500—thanks to a generous $14,280 donation from the Norwood Hospital Auxiliary to launch the program. Out of the initial inventory, 11 units were already assigned to local residents, with two held in reserve for maintenance replacements.

“I’ve found there’s going to be an incredible demand for this,” Clark said, emphasizing that the technology enables vulnerable individuals to maintain their independence rather than moving into nursing homes. “It’s not a foolproof system, but it tries to prevent that tragic situation of someone lying on the floor for three days without help.”

Service Area and Contact Information

The Lifeline service covers residents across 22 towns within the Norwood Hospital and Southwood Community Hospital service regions, including Norwood, Walpole, Dedham, Westwood, Canton, Foxboro, Sharon, and Stoughton.

Community groups interested in donating additional units or residents wishing to enroll in the program could contact Linda Clark at the hospital by calling 769-4000, Ext. 2406.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger