NYNIAGAR-FOLKS-L Archives

From:
Subject: Daily Calls
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2004 19:27:46 EDT

Vee, I am happy that you made contact with the local R.U.O.K. program. I
hope also that all those on the list that read your adventure finding it will
also have learned about such a program.

My mother lived 500 miles, as the crow flies, from me (8+hours driving). My
sister and brother lived about the same distance, but it different directions.
Since we all were working, just picking up the phone to make a long distance
call is not liked by many employers. I had heard on radio about a program
like your R.U.O.K.

It has been 15 + years since I was on the search. On one of my trips to my
mother's city, I make a lot of inquiries, without her knowing about it.
Finally found the one for her area at the Township (NY Town) Office. This was
considered a service to the seniors of the township. They were wonderful. Told
me about the program. One of the clerks duties is to make the calls between 10
AM and 2 PM. If no answer at the senior's house, I was called. It happened
only once, when she decided to get on the bus and go to the store that day,
without calling in. I had called a rather distant relative that lived about 30
miles away and they drove over. Found her walking up the walk with the things
she had purchased.

I was there when the lady would call her, several times. After my mother got
use to a stranger calling her, I believe she really enjoyed it. She kind of
got to know the person. I guess some days were short and others longer
discussions. Before I signed her up (she really had to sign up herself) I explained
the program to her. It was really a program to relieve my and my other
siblings concern. She understood why we could not call her during the week (we
did on the weekends). Sometime around Valentine Day, when I came in, I always
got a large box of chocolates and delivered it to the department that was
making the calls. They seem to enjoy the candy.

If there is any senior out there reading this, look into this type of
program. They call then different names, but they are the same. Find out what is
available in your area. If you have a senior center, start there. They might
have the phone number you need to call.

Good Luck with this great service Vee.

Susanne

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