RUOK? – Are You Okay? – Program

A Caring Community

When you find yourself alone or in questionable health, a daily telephone call to confirm your well-being can be reassuring. Although you may have friends and relatives occasionally checking on you, the Rowan County “ARE YOU OK?” program will be a consistent and reliable contact — seven days per week.

The equipment and material expenses of the program were donated by the generosity of a private citizen who saw the need for daily safety checks. Therefore, there is no charge for you to receive this service.

Who is eligible?

This is a free service for any resident of Rowan County who requests a daily telephone safety check. This could include, but is not limited to older adults, handicapped or home- bound persons of any age, social or economic condition.

How do I request the service?

Simply telephone the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center at 704-216-7704 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The staff will answer your questions and arrange a home visit to obtain basic confidential information that is needed to begin the service.

Who provides this service?

Rufty-Holmes Senior Center promotes the service and administers to subscribers. The Rowan County Emergency Services Department handles all of the technical operations of the dialing service, and directs a response to any perceived emergency. City and County law enforcement agencies make the home visits when needed.

Here’s How It Works

Answer the phone

“Good morning!” the recorded message announces. “ARE YOU OK?” Your response should be your most cheerful “HELLO—I am fine today” which will be heard by the 9-1-1 dispatchers of the Rowan Emergency Communications Center.

If I do not answer the phone?

If your telephone line is busy, or if there is no answer, the system will call back two more times. If there is still no answer; or the line stays busy, an alert notice will flash on a computer screen to signal a possible emergency. Dispatchers will then call your emergency contacts to determine if they know why the subscriber is not answering the telephone. When there is no explanation, law enforcement officers are sent to the home to check on the subscriber.

What if my door is locked?

You will be required to give your house- hold key to the police department or sheriff’s office before the telephone checking service begins. This will enable the officers to enter your home in the event of an emergency. If you need transportation to deliver your key, call the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center.

If I have an emergency?

When you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1. However, if you are unable to call for help, you can be assured that the “ARE YOU OK?” program will check on you each morning. If you do not answer the phone, law enforcement officers will be dispatched to check on you.

When can I be called?

You may select a calling time from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM Then, seven days a week you will routinely receive your call at approximately the same time each morning.

Stopping the service

If you ever need to temporarily stop the daily safety check, or change the information provided to us, telephone Rufty- Holmes Senior Center at 704-216-7704 to give notice. If you have to reach us on an evening, weekend or holiday, you may call 9-1-1 directly. The 9-1-1 business number is 704-216-8500.

Operation Fan – Heat Relief
Fans Are Here! – Limited Supply!

Rufty-Holmes Senior Center sponsors Operation Fan – Heat Relief. We receive generous funding from the Duke Energy Foundation, enabling us to purchase box fans for senior adults who may have health risks associated with the intense heat of summer.

Hot weather is not only uncomfortable, it can aggravate some health conditions. As we age, our bodies lose some ability to adapt to extreme heat. Some medications can increase heat sensitivity. Hot, humid summer weather may worsen many pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma and COPD.

The Rufty-Holmes Summer Fan Program begins in June. If you qualify for a free box fan for summer heat relief, contact us at: 704-216-7704, or call the Senior Help Line at 704-216-7700.

Eligibility Requirements

The recipient must be at least 60 years of age, or disabled.

The recipient must be a resident of Rowan County.

The program is intended for clients who have financial need, and who do not have air conditioning.  PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO SENIOR ADULTS.

Eligible senior adults may call to reserve a fan and pick it up at the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. The information needed is the name, address, phone number, age, and date of birth for the person receiving the fan.