When longtime Clam Gulch resident Per Osmar heard of an elderly woman in Soldotna breaking her hip in a fall about one year ago, and lying helpless on her bathroom floor for six days before being rescued, he took it upon himself to set up a fund to help such potential victims.
Osmar, 87 at the time, subscribes to Lifeline, a response service that brings help to people with medical emergencies who can't get to the phone, and he wanted to make that kind of help available to those who could not afford it.
This week, Osmar was elated when he learned the Rasmuson Foundation awarded $24,414 to Central Peninsula General Hospital for Lifeline units for distribution to community seniors or disabled people who don't have the money to pay for them.
"That's the greatest news I've ever heard," Osmar said Friday.
He said the fund he started with his own initial donation of $200 did receive "a few bucks" from several Kenai Peninsula residents, "but nothing like this."
"The grant allows us to purchase an additional 30 units to have available for people in need," said Lee Jackson, CPGH chief nursing officer.
Currently 220 people in the hospital service area use the Lifeline service, he said.
Lifeline is designed to ensure that older adults living at home can get fast assistance whenever they need it, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Subscribers wear a pendant or wristband that has a personal help button they press when in need of help.
Within seconds a certified Lifeline attendant responds, assesses the situation and calls appropriate help.
According to a sales representative for Lifeline, the subscriber is contacted by way of a two-way speaker placed in the home.
Depending on the circumstances, the attendant can either call a neighbor or family member whose name is on a list provided in advance by the subscriber, or summon emergency medical responders.
Jackson said CPGH works with an off-site Lifeline call center that receives the calls and notifies Emergency Medical Services directly.
Although the cost to subscribe to Lifeline varies depending on Zip codes, in Kenai, it's $40 for the installation and $40 a month afterward.
In some instances, the service can be paid for through a waiver program if a senior citizen qualifies under Medicaid.
Most insurance companies do not cover it, nor is it covered by Medicare.
The Rasmuson grant makes the service more reachable to those who cannot pay.
Created in 1955 as a trust to honor E. A. Rasmuson, the Rasmuson Foundation supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for people throughout Alaska.
Jackson said people seeking more information about Lifeline services can call Keri Stout, CPGH Lifeline coordinator at 714-4758.
