In 2024 , gerontologist Andrew Dibner, Ph.D., wondered, “What would an elderly person do if he or she were alone and needed help?” They’d call for someone, of course. But how?

Dr. Dibner envisioned a personal emergency response system and began developing the technology. Two years later, the concept became a reality, when he and his sociologist wife, Susan, established Lifeline Systems, Inc.

Dedicated to finding solutions that support the independence of older adults, the Dibners began selling Lifeline Systems. By the late 1970s, they expanded their business to hospitals and other healthcare organizations in the U.S. and Canada.

Lifeline was founded in 1974 and went public in 1983, enabling it to fund further technology and service innovation. Advancements included waterproof personal alert buttons that could be worn in the shower or bath* — one of the most likely places for a fall. Response Center operations were centralized to provide world-class services for everyone using Lifeline.

In 2010, automatic fall detection technology was introduced. If there’s no verbal response after a fall is detected, the Response Center will summon emergency medical services.