Seniors living alone face terrible fears of becoming very ill, or having a serious accident when there may be no one to offer assistance or to know what has happened. Many fear being left alone for days before help arrives. These fears may influence them to limit their activities or cause the individual to be prematurely admitted into an adult care facility or nursing home. The telephone reassurance program gives them confidence to resume daily activities and know that they will receive help if a problem occurs. Seniors receiving the calls can remain independent and avoid being unnecessarily institutionalized.

Seniors receiving the service are telephoned each day at a specified time. A computer using the software program, CARE, makes the calls and tells the seniors it's their daily reassurance call. They are then prompted to press "1" saying they are okay or another option if they are not. LOA staff monitors all calls. If calls are continuously not answered, staff then tries to call the person or their emergency numbers are called. If a successful call cannot be completed, staff or the appropriate authorities visit the home. If the individual has had an accident or has become very ill, and cannot answer the phone, help will arrive as soon as possible. Subscribers can choose to be called every week day or just certain days and can pick what time of the day they wish to be called.

Although the program is targeted to homebound seniors, the program is available to anyone in Roanoke's local calling area who is 60 and older, and would benefit from a daily well-being check. There are no income qualifications.

• Seniors living alone

• Seniors alone during the day

• Seniors (couples included) who have no one to check on them daily

• Seniors at increased risk of falling