Every morning between 8 and 8:10 a.m. Bessie’s phone rings in China Grove. The voice
on the other end is a recording of a soothing male voice that says “Good morning. Are
you OK?”Bessie, 65,
smiles and answers: “I’m OK.” Sometimes she just listens until the
recording is over, then hangs up.
Bessie is among 67 Rowan County
residents who feel a little bit safer with a phone call a day from the “Are You
Okay?” program, sponsored by Rowan County Senior Services, Rowan County
Telecommunications and various law enforcement agencies.
“It’s a wonderful
program and a really nice service,” says Bessie, who applied for the service after
her health declined. “Makes me feel good to know I have someone checking on me.”
The program is designed for
seniors who are unable to leave their homes for long periods or anyone who is disabled,
handicapped and homebound. An automated, computerized system calls each participant once
each day between 6 and 10 a.m. The computer dials the number and waits on a verbal
response. When the person answers, the system plays a prerecorded message.
If no one answers, the system will
redial the number two more times. After a third unsuccessful attempt, an alert flashes on
a computer in the emergency communications center, indicating someone may need help.
If an emergency operator
can’t get the person on the phone, he calls an “emergency contact,” usually
a friend or relative. If that person doesn’t know where the resident is, 911
operators will dispatch a law enforcement officer to that address.
A similar program began in 1988,
when a Rowan woman became concerned after an elderly resident’s home was burglarized.
Later, a Salisbury couple contributed $10,000 to purchase the necessary equipment to start
the “Are You Okay?” program, the first in the state.
Local officials say one of the
benefits of “Are You Okay?” is that law enforcement is involved.
“It has been very
successful,” says Frank Thomason, telecommunications director. “We’ve had
two or three medical-related saves in the years the program has been operational.
“It also provides that extra
assurance for family members to know their loved ones are being checked on daily. It has
really provided an additional feature for our elderly population and allows them the
ability to become more self-sufficient.”
Norman, Bessie’s husband,
thinks the service is a great idea. Since he works rotating shifts, it gives him peace of
mind when his wife is home alone.
“It does make a lot of
difference, knowing someone cares. Ithink that it’s time someone started to think
about our seniors,” Norman says. “Since I’m still trying to work, I
can’t be here and there too. It makes a difference to know someone is checking on
her.”
Bessie says the program can even
serve as a wake-up call.
“Especially if I have an
early appointment,” she says.
Margaret, of Salisbury, can vouch
for the service. Around 8:10 a.m., she too gets a phone call and hears the same male
voice.
One morning, Margaret had an early
appointment and left home before she received her phone call. When she returned, she found
a law enforcement officer waiting in her driveway.
“So I know it works, and I
also know they come out if they don’t hear from you. I forgot to call them,”
Margaret remembers. “Ifelt so badly about it that I apologized to them over and
over.”
That’s why participants are
required to give copies of their house keys to their local police agency or the
Sheriff’s Department — allowing officers to enter homes to find out if a person
is incapacitated and needs help.
“I feel good about it.
Because if I’m sick and can’t get out of the bed or wait on myself, there is
someone to call me or come out,” Margaret says. She keeps the phone at her bedside.
“I’m glad to have them.”
So far, neither Bessie nor
Margaret has needed emergency help, but they’re glad it’s there.
“I hope that people
understand the service is out there,” Bessie says. “All people have to do is to
ask for it. If they’re eligible, it’s a wonderful program.”
For those who are interested in
the service, call Senior Services between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The
receptionist will answer any questions and arrange a home visit to obtain basic
confidential information needed to begin the service.
n
To sign up or for more
information, call Senior Services at 636-2344. |
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