Frequently Asked Questions
Questions received at llaflin@fchn.org may be posted below.
Medical, Dental and Eye Care Assistance
FAQs > Medical, Dental and Eye Care Assistance > Question
Q: My mother has lost her license because she can’t pass her driver’s test. She needs help getting around her house now, too. Is there anyone I can talk to about her losing her eye sight? She wants to stay in her own home, but I am worried about her safety.
A. A very good state-wide resource is The Iris Network (formerly the Maine Center For The Blind and Visually Impaired). They can be contacted at: 189 Park Ave., Portland, ME 04102, (207) 774-6273; 1-800-715-0097 (toll free) or e-mailed at Info@theiris.org. Their website is: http://www.mcbvi.org/default.htm.The Iris Network has helped thousands of people meet the challenge of vision loss. Adjusting is a learning process that takes time and patience. The Iris Network designs a range of services and programs to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. While the range of services is broad, there are five primary programs on which the Iris Network focuses.
Rehabilitation Center - offers a comprehensive training program and temporary residence to assist clients in managing day-to-day needs, acquire communication skills, explore career options and learn to travel safely and independently.
Community Rehabilitation Services - a free service, The IRIS Network reaches clients in their homes, helping them adapt to vision loss, acquire blindness skills and access resources in order to work and live independently.
Maine AIRS - broadcasts newspaper information not typically available in audio form, such as community calendars, store ads and obituaries. This is a vital link for individuals who are print disabled.
Residence Program - provides temporary and long-term housing for individuals who are visually impaired and multi-disabled, and seek a supportive environment.
Computer Access - provides one-on-one training on computers and adaptive equipment in workplaces, schools and homes across the state.
Lifeline is a medical alert program which can be installed by NorthStar. The equipment (which takes about 1/2 hour to install), provides a waterproof "Personal Help Button" on either a wristband or as a pendant. If there is an emergency or other need, the subscriber simply presses the button. The Lifeline Home Unit dials Lifeline and the Lifeline representative immediately responds through a speaker on the unit. After assessing the situation, Lifeline then contacts either a local friend or relative or immediately summons a NorthStar ambulance, local law enforcement, or fire department.
Included in the basic price (at no additional charge) are features such as: Remote call answering - use the built-in speaker phone to answer incoming phone calls with just a press of the Personal Help Button; Battery backup of up to 30 hours assures continuation of service during a power failure; Adjustable volume controls; TelAssure - reminds subscribers to connect with the Lifeline Call Center once a month to assure uninterrupted service; Voice prompts for troubleshooting; Adjustable neck cords with quick release clasps.
Fees: Installation for the normal system is a one-time fee of $30.00. NorthStar’s current monthly charge is $39.50 for the Home Unit Communicator, Personal Help Button and 24/7 response. Just a little more than a dollar a day. This monthly charge can also be paid annually ($474.00) or by credit card. NorthStar will waive the installation charge if the fee is paid annually. Installation charges may be waived under other circumstances as well. Other features such as a separate telephone unit, additional subscribers in the home, or an inactivity alarm are available for an additional charge. Unfortunately, Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies do not cover this program but a subscription makes an excellent gift from a loved one. Service for broken equipment or battery replacement is provided at no charge by NorthStar.
