Homepage
-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information
Mass Health offers "Medicare
Buy-In" coverage
A new program asks elders "Are you okay?"
Elder Services promotes three; adds nutritionist and casemanager
Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy
New hearing aid technology worth hearing about
A new program asks elders "Are you okay?"
By Jean Beauchemin
The two communities of Adams and Pittsfield currently offer to their elders a very unique
and special program called "Are You Okay?"
It is a sophisticated computerized telephone system that is maintained and stationed at
each police station. The system calls each enrolled elder every day of the year at the
same time of day. There is not a charge for this service.
When the subscriber picks up the phone he or she will hear a voice saying, "Good
morning, are you okay?" If the subscriber fails to answer the phone after several
tries, or if there is a busy signal several times in a row, the computer immediately
notifies the police dispatcher who will then take appropriate steps to check on the
person. Each community response is different: in Pittsfield, the police department refers
those elders' calls to the Ralph Froio Senior Center, which in turn tries the emergency
contact. If there is no contact available, Center staff will respond. In Adams, the police
department personnel will respond and check on the elder.
The system is now in use in over 195 cities and towns throughout the United States and
Canada. It has saved a number of lives and reduced worry and anguish for countless
citizens and their family and friends.
In Pittsfield, during holidays, vacations, stays in the hospital or any other time the
subscriber plans to be away, a simple call to the senior center will put the calls on hold
for as long as needed. In Adams, a call to the police station will put calls on hold for
as long as needed.
It is very important to understand that Are You Okay is not intended to take the place of
Lifeline, Lifephone, or any other service which a person is now using. In fact, the police
urge people to use Lifeline or similar services in addition to Are You Okay?
The Are You Okay calls will be made in the morning between 7 and 10 a.m. Each subscriber
will be asked to choose an hour during which he or she prefers to be called. The calls
will always be made in the same order, so people will quickly learn exactly when to expect
them.
Those who are interested in this program should contact their local Council on Aging to
sign up. Applicants will be asked to fill out a short form with medical and other
information which the police may need in an emergency. This information will be totally
confidential and only used if an emergency arises.
To reach the Pittsfield Council on Aging at the Ralph Froio Senior Center, call 499-9346
Monday through Friday, between 8 and 4 p.m. They will take your name and the Outreach
Worker will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
To contact the Adams Council on Aging call 743-8333 Monday through Friday, between 8 and 4
p.m. They will take your name and the Executive Director will be in touch with you as soon
as possible.