ANDOVER, Mass., April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) introduces the HomeSafe Wireless System, a new solution that expands access to Lifeline – Philips' leading medical alert service  – to those who do not have a home phone line. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than a quarter of U.S. households have eliminated landlines, while cell phone usage has increased dramatically. To address this shift, the new HomeSafe system leverages a wireless communicator that connects users to Philips' 24-hour emergency response center, eliminating the need for a landline and providing seniors and their families with the peace of mind of knowing they have access to help when needed.  The HomeSafe Wireless system encompasses the standard Lifeline service as well as the Lifeline service with AutoAlert, which is designed to automatically place a call for help if a fall is detected and the user is unable to push their button.

With 13 million seniors estimated to suffer a fall this year, and 6.5 million not likely to be able to get up on their own, the HomeSafe wireless system with the AutoAlert option is a critical choice for those who are concerned about getting help quickly after a fall. With AutoAlert, users can have an added layer of protection knowing that a call for help can be automatically placed if a fall is detected and they are unable to push their help button. The new wireless communicator will enable those who are looking for proven fall detection yet don't have a landline in their homes to have that added peace of mind knowing that help is accessible.

"We are committed to helping seniors maintain independent, healthy lifestyles by offering round-the-clock access to help so they need to remain in their homes," said Carlos Muchiutti, Senior Director, Global Product Management for Philips Lifeline. "We are excited to now offer a solution that does not require a landline, providing even more seniors and their families the comfort of knowing that help will be there if they need it."

The HomeSafe wireless system is designed for easy installation by seniors and their families, with built-in guidance on where best to place the wireless communicator so it fits within the current design of the home. It is equipped with a battery back-up that can provide up to 24 hours of support in case of a power outage, ensuring that users always have access to the Lifeline medical alert service while at home.

Celebrating 40^{years of delivering meaningful innovations and serving over 7 million people since its inception, the HomeSafe Wireless System builds upon Philips Lifeline's continuous mission of enabling seniors to remain independent in their own homes.}

For more information on Philips Lifeline and the HomeSafe Wireless System please visit www.lifelinesys.com and join the conversation on Facebook.

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 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 115,000 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.

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SOURCE Royal Philips