Foundation and auxiliary partner to help seniors

FALLBROOK — The Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation is partnering with the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary in providing the loan of emergency response systems to seniors living alone.

The Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation has established a loan program where 15 Health Watch buttons and monitors will be installed and monitored free of charge to qualifying seniors. The Auxiliary will partner with the Foundation by installing and maintaining the monitors at no charge.

For several years, the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary has installed and maintained Health Watch monitors for seniors. However, some frail elders living alone cannot afford the installation and monthly monitoring fees.

Health Watch monitors provide the vital safety net that many people need to continue living at home safety and independently. This system differs from the 911 service in that a small waterproof button is worn around the neck and is utilized to summon help. Frequently, live-alone seniors fall and lay unaided for hours, yet help is available in minutes for those with Health Watch emergency response buttons.

For more information regarding the Health Watch Monitor Loan Program, contact Renae Rasmussen, Director of Resources at the Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation, by phone at (760) 723-7570 or e-mail [email protected].