Along with a free lunch and some entertainment, Oktibbeha County senior citizens were given the opportunity to sign up for a potentially life-saving program on Wednesday at the Fifth Annual Senior Day at the Park.
The event, held at McKee Park in Starkville, is hosted each year by the Oktibbeha County Sherriff’s Department and provides the department a chance to explain its “R.U.O.K?” system.
Itce Solis, Triad officer for the OCSD, said the system was put in place five years ago to give the elderly and the homebound comfort in being alone. Triad is a program that aims to reduce victimization of senior citizens.
“Our goal is to not only try to support our senior citizens’ independence, but to give loved ones reassurance,” she said. “Especially for loved ones who live far distances, or have limited contact.”
The automated system works like a telephone check-in service, with those participating receiving a daily phone call to make sure everything is in order. If the individual does not answer after five calls, next of kin is alerted and an officer is dispatched to the residence.
Thanks to grants from the state, the system is totally free and is currently serving 75 Oktibbeha County residents.
Solis said anyone looking for more information or to sign up for the program can contact her at the OCSD. She signed up several new users Wednesday afternoon, but there were also individuals who already use the system.
Johnnie Miller, 81, said she has been participating in “R.U.O.K.” for a number of years, but could not recall exactly how many.
Miller, who lives in Sturgis, said the system is tailored perfectly to her situation because she does not feel she needs any real physical assistance. Miller’s call, which comes every morning at 7:00, is just as much for family as it is for her. She said it helps her start her day, but she thinks her family is probably more thankful for the system.
“I don’t have relatives close, and I don’t live close to anyone really anyway,” Miller said. “I really still feel free, and my sons absolutely love it.”
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