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Articles and Success Stories
The following article appeared in the Lake County library, Sheriff's department publications. This article relates to the RUOK program implemented within Lake County, Illinois.
R.U.O.K. (Are you O.K.?) Is It Really That Great?
Sheriff Gary Del Re, Lake County Illinois
Leonie Desrochers, 86, thinks so! She fell and broke her hip one October night. It was late, dark and she was alone. But, when she did not answer her routine telephone call, Sheriff’s Deputies arrived, found her on the floor, and immediately called rescue to get her to the hospital.The R.U.O.K. program also helped save the life of Farrell Green, who passed out in the hallway of his home.
Consequently, he missed his daily call from the Sheriff’s Office. The operator was then alerted that Farrell had not answered his phone, so she sent someone to check on him. Luckily, help arrived! His pacemaker had malfunctioned and he would not have survived the night.
The target group for R.U.O.K. is older, at-risk adults. However, with the computer program’s capability to call up to 120 people per hour, R.U.O.K. was expanded to serve disabled seniors living alone, care-giving seniors, at-risk seniors, and homebound individuals of any age. Those seniors who are disabled or forced to live alone can feel a sense of security and caring, knowing that daily calls will be made to confirm that, “all is well.”
CARE Phone Systems
IN 2005, Database Systems Corp. introduced an affordable and expandable autodialer that is integral to our CARE telephone 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.
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This is how the R.U.O.K. program works: A computerized system makes calls to subscribers of the program on a daily basis. Sheriff’s personnel receive an emergency ALERT if the homebound person does not answer the daily call. The dispatcher then notifies appropriate law enforcement officers of a possible emergency. An officer will then make contact with the key holder or next of kin so that a visit can be made to the subscriber’s home, if necessary, or obtain an explanation as to why the subscriber did not answer the call.
Service agencies, families, and friends view the R.U.O.K. program as an additional support system for their clients and loved ones. This automated calling system is a positive addition to area police, fire, and emergency dispatch centers, as well. R.U.O.K. is not a new program. It is used across the nation in hundreds of communities--quite successfully.
If you would like more information about this valuable cost-free program, I urge you to call the Sheriff’s Community Services Division at 847-377-4211.
R.U.O.K. is not intended to replace other emergency services. When necessary, call “911” the 24-hour emergency service number.
"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.
CARE Telephone Reassurance Information
Contact DSC to learn more about our telephone call reassurance services and phone systems.
Additional RUOK and Telephone Reassurance Articles
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CARE Information
RUOK
Elder Care
Telecare
Telephone Reassurance
Telecare Services
Telephone Reassurance Programs
Senior Services
Telecare Phone Systems
Call Latchkey Kids
Call Verification Service
Call Elderly
Elderly Home Care
Buddy System
Reassurance Calling Program
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