Philips Lifeline’s New GoSafe Mobile Technology Keeps Seniors Connected to Emergency Care On-the-Go

MARKHAM, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced the availability of Philips Lifeline GoSafe, its mobile medical alert service that is part of Philips suite of solutions that connect care across the health continuum. Featuring the power of up to six location technologies, GoSafe gives seniors the assurance to get up and go while being protected by the 24/7, Canada-based emergency call response centre which protects more seniors than any other medical alert service.

“We offer caregivers and those they care for peace of mind knowing that our response associates are there to help should they need it. The new GoSafe offers our customers the freedom to continue doing the things they enjoy both in and outside their home.”

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“When seniors feel less confident, anxious or fearful, they often become less engaged and will withdraw from doing the activities they enjoy. This can increase their risk of falls and social isolation,” explains Dr. Michelle Acorn, Nurse Practitioner and Professor, Ontario, Canada. “The foundation for aging well is tied closely to maximizing function through participating in everyday activities which contribute positively to one’s physical and psychological wellbeing. It is important for seniors to remain active, mobile and socially connected. This entails getting outdoors for walks, running errands, shopping, volunteering, attending family gatherings, or participating in social groups. Participation contributes in very meaningful ways to enable your ability to live a fulfilling and independent lifestyle.”

Currently available at participating Lifeline programs across Canada, GoSafe’s built-in AutoAlert fall detection technology is designed to automatically call for help if it detects a fall, providing protection even if the senior is unable to call on their own. Whether the wearer experiences a fall, a health emergency, or just wants some added reassurance, GoSafe enables help to arrive quickly when and where it is needed. The GoSafe system utilizes an in-home communicator to optimize in-home performance, and the GoSafe pendant can be charged while worn, providing continuous protection for the wearer. GoSafe’s advanced technology is delivered in an intuitive, user-friendly design that was recognized in 2014 with an iF Gold Product Award and Red Dot Product Design Award.

A large majority of seniors are active later in life: 80 per cent of seniors participate frequently (at least monthly) in at least one social activity, 36 per cent perform volunteer work and 13 per cent participate in the work force*. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations for Canadians aged 65 years and older. Approximately 20 to 30 per cent of Canadian seniors experience at least one fall each year, with falls often causing disability, loss of independence or even death*. With over 90 per cent* of seniors living in private homes, GoSafe was designed to help provide peace of mind to seniors at home or on the go.

“At Lifeline we take pride in helping aging Canadians live independently in their homes, longer,” said David Doyle, Director for Philips Lifeline Canada. “We offer caregivers and those they care for peace of mind knowing that our response associates are there to help should they need it. The new GoSafe offers our customers the freedom to continue doing the things they enjoy both in and outside their home.”

Joining Lifeline with AutoAlert and the HomeSafe Wireless Communicator, GoSafe is the latest in Philips Lifeline’s suite of solutions designed to empower seniors to age safely and independently while providing their families with peace of mind. Celebrating more than 40 years of delivering meaningful innovations for supporting senior safety, health and connectedness, the company is the nation’s first medical alert service and has served more than 7 million people since its inception. For more information on Philips Lifeline and GoSafe, please visit www.lifeline.ca and join the conversation on Facebook.

To learn how Philips is making the world healthier through innovation and demonstrating its commitment to connecting care from hospital to home with digital solutions and services that span the health continuum, visit www.philips.ca.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2014 sales of EUR 21.4 billion and employs approximately 108,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

* According to a Government of Canada Action for Seniors report published in Fall 2014