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Articles and Success Stories
The following article appeared on the website of the Area Agency on Aging, serving the 5th Planning District of Virginia. This article relates to the telephone reassurance program implemented within this Virginia area.
The Area Agency on Aging (Virginia) uses the CARE (Call Reassurance) phone system from Database Systems Corp. to provide its senior citizens with a phone reassurance service. Citizens can be called daily free of charge to ensure their well-being.
CARE was acquired from Database Systems Corp. as a replacement for its older Are You OK?® system.
Are You O.K.?
"CARE is a FREE computerized telephone reassurance program to eligible seniors. This program provides a way to check on the well being of senior citizens who might require assistance, or who might face medical emergencies alone at their home.
Seniors living alone face terrible fears of becoming very ill, or having a serious accident when there may be no one to offer assistance or to know what has happened. Many fear being left alone for days before help arrives.
These fears may influence them to limit their activities or cause the individual to be prematurely admitted into an adult care facility or nursing home.
The telephone reassurance program gives them confidence to resume daily activities and know that they will receive help if a problem occurs. Seniors receiving the calls can remain independent and avoid being unnecessarily institutionalized.
How does the program work?
Seniors receiving the service are telephoned each day at a specified time. A computer using the software program, CARE, makes the calls and tells the seniors it?s their daily reassurance call. They are then prompted to press "1" saying they are okay or another option if they are not.
LOA staff monitors all calls. If calls are continuously not answered, staff then tries to call the person or their emergency numbers are called. If a successful call cannot be completed, staff or the appropriate authorities visit the home.
If the individual has had an accident or has become very ill, and cannot answer the phone, help will arrive as soon as possible. Subscribers can choose to be called every week day or just certain days and can pick what time of the day they wish to be called.
Who is eligible for the program?
Although the program is targeted to homebound seniors, the program is available to anyone in Roanoke?s local calling area who is 60 and older, and would benefit from a daily well-being check. There are no income qualifications.
Who should sign up for CARE?
- Seniors living alone
- Seniors alone during the day
- Seniors (couples included) who have no one to check on them daily
- Seniors at increased risk of falling
If you, or someone you know would benefit from CARE call (540) 345-0451 to enroll.
CARE is funded by a Grant from the Foundation for the Roanoke Valley."
CARE Telephone Reassurance Information
Contact DSC to learn more about our telephone call reassurance services and phone systems.
Telephone Reassurance Articles
"Are You OK?"® and RUOK® are registered names of Bruce L Johnson (Individual). For a comparison with our CARE system, please visit our CARE vs RUOK web page.
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