This is a computerized telephone reassurance program for at-risk seniors that assists elders or disabled individuals who may be home bound, live alone, or need the assurance of a daily phone call to feel safer and more secure.

A computer housed in the Amherst Police Station makes a daily call to subscribers at the same time each day (the time of call is directed by the subscriber). If the subscriber is "OK," he or she simply hangs up the telephone after hearing the pre-recorded message. If the subscriber does not answer, or if the telephone is busy, two or more attempts are made before the computer puts out an "ALERT REPORT." Either a contact person or an Amherst Police Officer is then sent to the home to do a "well-being" check on the subscriber.

To subscribe to "RUOK?", please contact Robert Joy, president of the Amherst SALT Council at 413-253-7059.

Please Complete these forms to enroll in the "RUOK" Program:
RUOK Info Sheet, RUOK Agreement, RUOK Interview Form

The FILE OF LIFE card enables EMS (Ambulance) personnel to quickly obtain a brief medical history when the patient is unable to offer one.

Imagine the following scenario. When Amherst Fire Department Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) arrive at the home of an Amherst senior citizen, they find the senior unconscious or unable to offer necessary information such as: Does the patient have an existing medical history? Is the senior taking any medications? Does the senior have any allergies? Who is their primary care physician? Who is their local contact person?

This frightening scenario is all too common for senior citizens and the EMT who treats the senior. That’s why the FILE OF LIFE, a mini-medical patient history posted on the outside of one’s refrigerator and/or carried in a wallet or purse, was developed and is being promoted by the Senior Center and TRIAD coordinators.

The card, which is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled FILE OF LIFE, lists: the patient’s name, emergency medical contacts, insurance policy and Social Security Numbers, health problems, medications, allergies, recent surgeries, religion, the primary care physician’s name, and designated Health Care Proxy.

The FILE OF LIFE’S Benefits are:

File of Life Cards are available at the Amherst Senior Center

This is a special light bulb for your outside light that will flash intermittently when the switch controlling the light is pressed twice in succession. It can be used to more readily identify your residence to emergency personnel. (Limited number available.)

To obtain a 9-1-1 Flashing Light, please contact Robert Joy, president of the Amherst SALT Council at 413-253-7059.

This is a program, for the benefit of Amherst emergency personnel and residents themselves, to make a resident’s house number visible from the street. This program has evolved to include many communities in Western Massachusetts.

Amherst Emergency dispatchers, via E-9-1-1, have your address on a display screen when you telephone 9-1-1; however, valuable time is lost if emergency responder crews can’t determine which house on the street is yours. Large, easily visible street numbers that can be viewed from either direction help police, fire, and ambulance responders locate your house. Remember that in an emergency, every second counts, and minutes can save lives and property.

The Amherst SALT Council, together with the Amherst Fire and Police Departments, are installing upon application a two-sided sign that displays 4-inch highly reflective numbers attached to a 5-foot high metal stake, which will be installed near your driveway/walkway, where it will be visible from the street. There is a nominal charge ($5) to help cover expenses and keep the program going. Additional voluntary contributions are greatly appreciated.

To subscribe to have a Number installed, please contact Robert Joy, president of the Amherst SALT Council at 413-253-7059.

This program is designed to assist any Amherst elder who is easily confused and may become disoriented. The SALT Council and the Amherst Police Department can, with the help of the caretaker of a person, register the participant and take his or her picture (head and shoulder photo). This registration and picture are kept confidential and placed on record with the Police Department. For the participant who wanders, information is readily available to facilitate care and return to his or her place of residence.

The Lost Elder program may also be used in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association's "Safe Return" program, which assists in the identification and safe, timely return of those individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia's who wander and become lost.

For registration information, please contact Officer Jamie Reardon, liaison to SALT, via either email or 413-259-3000.