Telephone Assurance

Senior Telephone Assurance - Tips for Family Caretakers by Senior-Meals.org

Senior Telephone Assurance - Tips for Family Caretakers by Senior-Meals.org
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What is Telephone Assurance for Seniors?

Even the best home caregiver or family caregiver will need to step away from his or her elderly charge. When caregivers must step away from their senior or elderly charges, it is comforting to know the charges are not isolated. Telephone Assurance provides peace of mind, as well as socialization to clients, patients, family, and friends. There are two different types of phone assurance. 

The Telephone Assurance Program

Often called TAP or Tele-Assurance, this is a senior phone assurance program available in some areas of some states. Free of charge, TAP performs check-in and friendly telephone calls to seniors in their area who need someone to ensure their well-being. These calls are provided to both "touch base" with the seniors, as well as provide them with socialization via friendly telephone conversations on a regular basis.
TAP does not provide life assurance or medical assistance. The phone lines are not manned by nurses, home health aides or doctors, but are instead manned by volunteers. Seniors may refer themselves to this program or they may be referred by family members, home caregivers, home health aides, social workers or any other service provider. 

TAP hires volunteers who are interviewed, screened and then trained to place phone calls. These volunteers call their client list at an agreed time each day or night. Volunteers are trained to let the phone ring at least 15 times. If they don't receive an answer, they must call back in 15 minutes and let the phone ring another 15 times. If there is no answer after the second call, the volunteers must then call a designated emergency contact. If the volunteer cannot reach the emergency contact, he or she must then call 911. 

In the event of an appointment or vacation, it is important the senior, caregiver or family member contact the TAP provider and let them know the senior will be away from the phone. TAP works well as a senior telephone assurance program for those seniors who:
  • Can hear the phone ring
  • Are mobile enough to answer the phone
  • Are capable of carrying on a conversation
To find out if there is a TAP program near you or to sign up for TAP, contact your local senior center or Department of Family Resources. 
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What is Telephone Assurance for Seniors?
Assurance Wireless

The Assurance Wireless program is a federal program designed to provide senior and elderly telephone assurance. Supported by the federal Universal Service Fund, the Assurance Wireless program was created to ensure seniors, elderly persons and those who qualify as disabled or low-income have access to phone service. 

Those who qualify receive a prepaid cell phone which is loaded with 250-300 minutes each month. There is no cost for the minutes, the phone, and users receive no cell phone bill. In order to qualify for the Assurance Wireless program users must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Be receiving Medicaid
  • Be receiving Food Stamps or be eligible for the SNAP program
  • Be receiving SSI or Supplemental Security Income
  • Be receiving funds from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP
  • Be receiving Emergency Aid to the Elderly or EAE
  • Be receiving TAFDC or Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
Others who qualify include: 
  • Families who receive aid from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and who live on tribal grounds
  • Seniors or the elderly who receive general assistance and Meals on Wheels
  • Those who qualify for the Head Start Program under low-income terms
  • Those who receive free lunches under the National School Lunch program
While anyone meeting the above requirements can qualify, elderly phone assurance was created so the elderly could always reach a nurse, doctor or caregiver. Seniors and the elderly must qualify as low-income to receive senior phone assurance and elderly phone assurance.
Who Provides Assurance Wireless?

Your Assurance Wireless carrier will depend on what portion of the country you live and the designated wireless carrier for the area. Wireless carriers who provide Assurance Wireless include:
  • AT&T
  • Verizon Wireless
  • Virgin Mobile
  • TracPhone
If the minutes are exhausted before the month end, the senior or caregiver is responsible for adding additional minutes at a cost. The cost depends on number of minutes purchased. Minutes can be added either by purchasing a prepaid phone card at a local store or retailer or by adding minutes online from the carrier's website. Even without minutes, 911 can be reached. 

Both TAP and Assurance Wireless offer elderly telephone assurance and senior telephone assurance at no cost. Knowing your elderly friend, patient, client or loved one always has a way to reach out for help and aid is a relief. 

For information on the Assurance Wireless program, contact your local telephone company or local wireless provider. 
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