1. How did Lifeline get started?  

In 1974, noted gerontologist Dr. Andrew Dibner founded Lifeline, the original personal response service. His vision was to enhance the quality of life and independence of people at risk (primarily seniors and peple with physical challenges) by providing a service that will allow them to remain in their own homes. Working closely with healthcare providers, social service organizations and referral networks, Lifeline has become the largest and most respected supplier of personal response services, serving all of the U.S. and Canada through a network of over 2,500 hospitals, seniors organizations and senior living apartments and assisted living facilities. Victoria Lifeline joined the Lifeline network in 1988 as the Victoria General Hospital began looking for a way to extend the caring of the hospital into the community. We now operate in over 75 rural comunities in Manitoba as well as in Winnipeg and have provided service to over 20,000 Manitobans in that time.    

2. Why is Lifeline now called Philips Lifeline?  

In 2006, Lifeline Systems, Inc. was acquired by Royal Philips Electronics to be the cornerstone of their new Consumer Health and Wellness Division. Along with lightbulbs and razors, Philips is also known world-wide for its medical equipment.  In turning to home wellness products, they saw Lifeline as a leader they wanted on their side. The merger of Philips and Lifeline brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision - to enhance the quality of life for consumers by enabling people to live healthy, independent lives through innovative products and services. For Lifeline, this relationship represents the next phase in the growth of the company; with Philips, we'll be able to broaden our offerings, increase awareness of our brand, and help us to reach more people.  

Victoria Lifeline is the name for the local program that uses Philips Lifeline's award-winning products and state-of-the-art monitoring services. We are a not-for-profit program of the Victoria General Hospital Foundation and so have used the Victoria name in our title.  

3.  Wouldn’t I be giving up my independence when I subscribe to Lifeline?
Lifeline actually helps you preserve your independence. With Lifeline, you know that help is available at the touch of a button, giving you the confidence you need to live in your own home. You have complete control. You can tell us who you would like to assist you.

4.  How much does the Lifeline system cost?
The system is very affordable. You are only required to pay a low, one-time installation charge and a low monthly fee, which is fixed no matter how often you use the service. You do not have to make a long-term commitment.  

5.  I have all the help I need already. I get checked on everyday.
Accidents can occur unexpectedly at any time. You could fall and not receive help for over 24 hours.

6.  If I want to subscribe, what do I do next?
Call Victoria Lifeline at 956-6777 or toll free at 1-888-722-5222. A knowledgeable phone representative will discuss your needs, provide you with more information, and arrange for service installation. In a few days, a Lifeline home service representative will visit you to explain the service and demonstrate the equipment. The home representative will also answer all your questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the service.

7. How much equipment is required for the system?
Only two pieces of special equipment are required; a personal help button and the communicator. Standard telephone and electrical service must be in working condition for your Lifeline service to work.

Please note that new alternative telephone services provided via the internet (e.g. broadband or VoIP) are not always reliable and present a risk for failed transmission of your Lifeline signals. We recommend that you do not hook up your equipment to this kind of service.

8.  How hard is Lifeline to use?
Victoria Lifeline is even easier to use than a telephone. If you need help, just press your personal help button. The communicator will dial the Response Centre, and a trained Lifeline monitor will respond to your call.

9.  Who are the monitors that answer when I call?
The monitors are highly-trained professionals who are always there to give you the help you need, when you need it.

Important things to consider BEFORE choosing an alarm service