By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Senior citizens across the county are getting a daily phone call from the Wood County Sheriff’s Office asking “Are you OK?”
The sheriff’s office recently started the “Are You OK” program as a way to serve older residents of the county.
“We want to make sure we serve all populations of the county,” Chief Deputy Eric Reynolds said. “We thought this would be a great way to help those who have paid taxes all their lives, but maybe never needed our services.”
The sheriff’s office has long offered home checks for seniors vacationing in Florida or other warm destinations. But this service makes sure seniors are safe in their own homes.
“We’re always trying to think of other ways we can improve things we do for the community,” said Deputy Brianne Cooper.
With funding help and referrals from the Wood County Committee on Aging, the program has been in operation about a month now.
Senior citizens who want to be enrolled pick the time of day they wish to be called, and whether they prefer daily or weekly calls. The computer generated software system then automatically calls the person at that time, and plays a prompted message asking the senior to press a number to verify they are OK.
If there is no response, the program calls back again in 15 minutes, and will repeat that one more time if the call goes unanswered again.
If the third call gets no response, then the sheriff’s office will reach out to family members or neighbors listed by the senior citizens as close contacts. If no family or friends are available, a sheriff’s deputy will be sent out.
The service is free to seniors or to people with disabilities who want calls checking in on them.
“If I had a loved one, and I was in another state, I would want that person signed up,” Reynolds said. “I would want to make sure they didn’t fall” or have another type of emergency.
When signing up for the “Are You OK” program, Cooper likes to meet with the senior citizens. That way she can thoroughly describe the program and get some personal details about the seniors.
Seniors can decide if they want a 5 a.m. wake up call, or a check late in the evening. They can share with Cooper who else has keys to their home, the name of their primary care physician or clergy, a list of health issues, allergies, mobility issues and pets.
“I love calling and checking on them,” Cooper said. “The beauty of it is we’re making connections.”
Anyone interested in receiving “Are You OK” calls may contact Cooper at 419-354-9005 or bcooper@co.wood.oh.us.
