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The Are You Ok?
Telephone reassurance program is a free service for senior citizens or
disabled individuals who are living independently in Gallia County. The
program features a computerized telephone system that will make daily calls
to subscribers at the same time each day, seven days a week, 365 days a
year, with subscribers choosing the time of their calls. If the subscriber
is okay, he/she simply hangs up the telephone after hearing the pre-recorded
message. If the subscriber does not answer or if the telephone line is busy,
two more attempts are made before the computer puts out an "alert"
report. At this point, we will contact either a neighbor who has PREVIOUSLY
AGREED to assist in the case of an emergency or the police and request that
someone go to the subscriber's home to check out a possible emergency.
Elderly
homebound-those seniors living alone or disabled-can feel a sense of
security and caring just knowing a daily call will be made to confirm all is
well.
The
target group for are you ok? is at-risk older adults. However, with the
computer program's capability to call up to 150 people per hour, the program
focus would expand to serve disabled seniors living alone, seniors care
giving at-risk seniors, homebound individuals of any age.
In
addition to individuals receiving direct benefit from daily contact, service
agencies, families, and friends would also view this as an additional
support system to clients and loved ones! This automated calling system
would be a positive addition to our police, fire, and other emergency
dispatch centers.
A daily
computerized system will make calls to those needing daily checks. An
emergency ALERT will be received by the dispatcher if the homebound person
does not answer the daily call. The dispatcher will then alert appropriate
law enforcement officer that there is a possible emergency an officer can
take the participant's house key (which must be kept at a law enforcement
office) and make a visit to the home.
Referrals for potential recipients may be made to Senior services by other
agencies, physicians, hospitals, family, friends, service providers, or
individuals. Once application is completed, they will start receiving their
daily telephone call. |
