|
|
Telecare Providers
Articles and Success Stories
Are You Using R.U.O.K.? – Y Not?
Posted: January 26, 2006, Plano Texas
At first glance, the R.U.O.K. program seems a bit too good to be true. Those unfamiliar with the program may even think there must be some catch to the whole deal. But digging deeper, everyone learns this service is quite literally a ‘lifesaver.’
R.U.O.K. (“Are You Okay?”) is a very unique safety and security service provided by the City of Plano’s Public Safety Communications Department. “It is totally free, and completely under utilized,” says Melissa Tutton. As the department’s E9-1-1 Coordinator she oversees this great program which is available to all Plano residents. It is managed with the use of a computerized system that automatically calls registered users to check on their welfare.
This is not a new service for the City. The RUOK software and equipment was purchased back in 1993 from the Northland Innovation Corp. The purpose was, and still is, to offer senior or disabled citizens a sense of well being by providing a “hello, are you okay” security call. The program is set up to make systematic phone calls as often as twice daily, and can be activated for short or long-term usage.
All Plano citizens, or ‘clients’ as they are referred to, must complete a very simple registration process that includes a face-to-face interview with Ms. Tutton. Once an interest has been expressed and an appointment made for a home visit, residents are asked for some general information which is later fed into the R.U.O.K.’s system profile – questions such as:
- name, address and phone number
- names of persons to contact in case of emergency and next of kin
- specific time(s) to receive the RUOK call
- names of key holders to the client’s home
- are there pets on site, or co-residents
- doctor’s contact information
- list of all medications, and a brief medical history
- list of physical limitations, if any
CARE Phone Systems
IN 2005, Database Systems Corp. introduced an affordable and expandable autodialer that is the heart of our CARE call reassurance program.
This automatic calling system includes our CARE editor and administrator utilities that let you manage your telephone reassurance program efficiently.
These systems are delivered as turnkey solutions. However, our experienced staff can customize your telephone reassurance program and emergency broadcasting applications.
DSC also provides a digital phone system (PACER) when your call volume requires a larger system.
|
|
There are no age restrictions for participation, and activation starts within 48-hours of the interview. It is at this point the automated system calls the client’s home at the agreed upon time and a recorded message announces, “This is your daily RUOK call.” The client simply hangs up if all is well.
If the system calls a home and there is no response, the computer will wait five minutes and try the call again. If still unanswered after the second call, a red flashing computer screen blinks the word ‘ALERT!’ signaling Public Safety Communications personnel to call someone from the contact list to see if they are aware of the client’s whereabouts. The Police are immediately sent to the address in the system in order to evaluate the situation and lend assistance.
Clients are required to notify Public Safety Communications staff if they plan to be away from the residence during a scheduled RUOK call – whether for a short errand or a long vacation.
“The R.U.O.K. service is so appreciated by those who do use it,” Tutton says. “In fact, the system was instrumental in saving the lives of two of our clients just this past year alone. In one incident a diabetic person wasn’t quite up to speed on taking their medicine and the RUOK call got help there in time.”
She added the real shame is that not many Plano citizens are using this beneficial service. The program can handle up to 500 clients, but there are only 30 people currently taking advantage of this service. Not all RUOK users are the same; some sign up for long-term help, but others have undergone surgery and only require the use of this service for a few weeks or months.
Tutton and other Public Safety Educators do a good job of spreading the word about the Plano R.U.O.K. program, but there still seems to be some reluctance to use the service from those who would benefit most. The Department receives some referrals from rehabilitation centers, hospitals, fire and police persons but more promotion is needed.
To learn more about how R.U.O.K. can help you, or someone you know, contact Public Safety Communications at 972-941-7900.
Contributing Author: Phyllis Reese, Public Information Coordinator
"Are You OK?"® and RUOK® are registered names of Northland Innovation Corp. The term RUOK is commonly used on many community websites that offer both automated and volunteer based telephone reassurance programs.
For a comparison with our CARE system, please visit our RUOK vs CARE web page.
Telephone Reassurance Information
Contact DSC to learn more about our telephone call reassurance services and phone systems.
Additional RUOK and Telephone Reassurance Articles
|
|
