New Public Safety Program Helps Protect Seniors
First-responders in one South Carolina county are looking out for the well-being of seniors in their community. Through the R.U.O.K. Program, which stands for “Are You OK?”, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office and Colleton County Fire-Rescue are making house calls, checking up on elderly residents who live alone.
According to WCSC News in Charleston, the program can help prevent a simple fall or medical episode from turning into a life-threatening situation.
Every morning, seniors receive a call from dispatch. If they do not answer or respond appropriately to the recorded message, then a deputy is sent to the home to check on them. If there is a medical situation, Fire-Rescue will be called. This early intervention is important because some residents live 20-30 miles from the closest hospital.
Seniors’ financial well-being is also important. The Seniors Trust is committed to helping older Americans through the passage of the Social Security Expansion Act. It will give retirees an immediate benefits increase of about $200 a month, a fair annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), increased minimum benefits, and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.
