"R U OK" Program Saved Life of 104 Year old Woman

A life has been saved thanks to a free phone call program in DeWitt County. It's called the "R U OK" program and those who sign up get a free, pre-scheduled phone call from an automated system, designed to check on the elderly and those in need everyday. 

If the person in need doesn't answer the call, a family member or care-taker will immediately be notified, followed by emergency responders. 

DeWitt County Sheriff, Jered Shofner, believes more seniors and people in need should take advantage of the free program.

"Any senior in need or person who otherwise has a disability that needs to be checked on everyday, whether it be someone with a physical disability that lives alone or somebody that just wants that reassurance phone call to make sure everything's okay [can sign up,]" explains Shofner. "We've got about 25 subscribers in DeWitt County right now and we're looking for some more subscribers." 

104-year-old Ramola Elmore lives alone and her care-taker, Tasha Satterfeal, only checks on her once a week. Ramola Elmore signed up for the "R U OK" program several years ago. She's glad she did, as the phone call ultimately saved her life.

"I get this call at 8:00 in the morning that I'm alive and kickin' and okay," says Elmore.  

"The program basically provides insurance phone calls everyday to make sure people are okay at home," explains Shofner. "If they don't answer the phone, 911 operators are alerted. We contact caregivers first, then we send first responders to check on them."

When Elmore didn't answer her phone, the system did just that: called her caregiver and alerted emergency responders.

"My feet just took off," recalls Elmore. "They never did that before. They just took off and I couldn't stand up."

Her caregiver was the first one to find Elmore laying on the floor.

"My heart kind of sank," explains Satterfeal. "I didn't know how long she had been there. She was just in a mess."

"God forbid, if it wasn't for the 'R U OK' system, she probably wouldn't have survived," proclaims Shofner. 

Elmore fell last Monday night and was found and taken to the hospital Tuesday morning.

"I have a big scab on my chin," says Elmore.

"Ramona's story is a story about survival and also a story about what happens when volunteers and law enforcement work to keep people safe," says Sheriff Shofner.

The program is designed to keep people safe, and save lives, just like Ramola Elmore's. 

"R U OK" has been around for three years. It is provided by the DeWitt County TRIAD program, a partnership between the Sheriff's Office, volunteers, and senior citizen advocates.

To sign up for the "R U OK" program, contact the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office at 101 W Washington St, Clinton, IL 61727 or call (217) 935-3196.

Those in need, including disabled individuals living alone, along with senior citizens are eligible for the phone-call system.