24-Hour Emergency Assistance Services
When and How to Access Crisis Support
What is 24-Hour Emergency Assistance?
24-hour emergency assistance is a critical safety net that provides immediate support and intervention when urgent situations arise. This service ensures that individuals receiving home healthcare services and their families have access to professional help around the clock, every day of the year.
Our emergency assistance services are designed to bridge the gap between regular business hours and the unpredictable nature of health and safety emergencies. Whether it's a medical crisis, behavioral emergency, or safety concern, trained professionals are available to provide guidance, coordinate care, and dispatch appropriate resources.
Key Point: Emergency assistance complements, but does not replace, 911 services. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first.
When to Call for Emergency Assistance
Knowing when to call for emergency assistance can make the difference between a manageable situation and a crisis. Here are the main categories of situations that warrant an emergency call:
Medical Emergencies
Sudden illness, injury, or health crisis requiring immediate attention
- Chest pain or heart attack symptoms
- Severe allergic reactions
- Diabetic emergencies
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
Behavioral Crises
Mental health emergencies or behavioral situations requiring intervention
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Psychotic episodes
Safety Concerns
Immediate safety risks in the home or community environment
- Falls with potential injury
- Wandering or getting lost
- Home safety hazards
- Medication errors or overdose
What to Expect When You Call
When you call our emergency assistance line, you'll speak with a trained professional who will assess the situation and coordinate the appropriate response. Here's what typically happens:
Initial Assessment
Our staff will ask questions to understand the nature and severity of the emergency.
Immediate Guidance
You'll receive step-by-step instructions on immediate actions to take while help is on the way.
Resource Coordination
We'll coordinate with appropriate services, whether that's emergency medical services, mental health crisis teams, or our own staff.
Follow-up Support
After the immediate crisis is addressed, we'll help with follow-up care and prevention planning.
Response Times and Procedures
Response times vary depending on the type of emergency and available resources:
- Life-threatening emergencies: Immediate 911 coordination
- Urgent situations: 30-60 minutes for on-site response
- Non-urgent concerns: Same-day or next-business-day follow-up
Costs and Insurance Coverage
Emergency assistance services may be covered under various programs:
- Minnesota waiver programs (CADI, DD, BI, CAC)
- Private insurance plans
- Self-pay options available
Preparing for Emergencies
Being prepared can make emergency situations less stressful and more manageable:
Emergency Information to Keep Accessible:
- Emergency contact numbers
- Current medication list
- Medical history and allergies
- Insurance information
- Emergency care preferences
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24-hour emergency assistance available on weekends and holidays?
Yes, our emergency assistance services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Emergency situations don't follow business hours, so neither do we.
How quickly can someone respond to an emergency call?
Response times vary based on the nature of the emergency and your location. For life-threatening situations, we coordinate with 911 services immediately. For other emergencies, we typically have someone available within 30-60 minutes.
What information should I have ready when calling?
Have the person's name, address, phone number, medical information, current medications, and a clear description of the emergency situation. Keep this information easily accessible.
Does insurance cover emergency assistance services?
Coverage varies by insurance plan and the type of emergency. Many services are covered under Minnesota waiver programs. We can help you understand your coverage and work with your insurance provider.
Can family members call for emergency assistance?
Yes, family members, caregivers, or other authorized individuals can call on behalf of the person receiving services. Make sure you're listed as an emergency contact.
Need Emergency Assistance Services?
Don't wait for an emergency to happen. Learn more about our 24-hour assistance services and how they can provide peace of mind for you and your family.