Why a regular call matters
Loneliness and social isolation are linked to poorer health in older adults, and they are easy to miss from a distance. A parent who says "I'm fine" on a weekly call may go days without talking to anyone. A call at the same time every day gives them something to expect and someone who notices when they sound different.
Free and low-cost options to try first
- Family and friends on a schedule. Siblings and grandchildren can each take a day. A shared calendar keeps it from falling through.
- Friendly visitor and caller programs run by local agencies on aging, faith groups and volunteer organizations. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can point you to programs near your parent.
- Senior centers, which often run phone groups and activities for people who can't get out.
When a volunteer call isn't enough
Volunteer programs are valuable, but schedules can be irregular, and most are not built to act when someone doesn't answer. If you need both companionship and a dependable safety check, look for a call that comes at the same time every day, follows up when it is missed, and tells you how it went.
What our daily call adds
An RN-supervised Care Caller calls your parent at a set time, every day, and has a short, friendly conversation of about five minutes: how they slept, whether they ate, how they are feeling, what is coming up this week. You get a short written note after every call. If something seems off, we tell you the same day. If they don't answer, we follow your escalation plan. See how it works.
Making the first calls go well
- Introduce the idea as company, not monitoring. Many parents accept "someone to talk to" more easily than "someone to check on you."
- Tell us their interests, routines and the names of people they talk about.
- Pick a call time that fits their day, often after breakfast or before dinner.
Common questions
My parent says they don't want to be checked on. What then?
Frame the call as company and a favor to you. Many parents who resist "monitoring" enjoy the conversation once it starts. The first week is free, so they can try it.
Can the same person call every day?
We aim for consistency so your parent gets to know their caller, though schedules can vary.
Is this a substitute for in-person visits?
No. A phone call helps between visits, but it does not replace in-person care or company.
Please note: Premium Care Wellness Checks is a non-medical telephone reassurance service. It is not medical care and not a substitute for 911, a physician, or a medical alert device. In an emergency, call 911.