During colder weather, Lake County authorities said seniors are more likely to be alone, but one program gives deputies the opportunity to check in on them.
- Senior Watch Program conducts daily check-ups on seniors
- Sgt. Jones said cold weather brings challenges for seniors
- Currently 167 people in the program
Seniors who are living alone or have medical problems and may not have anyone to check up on them daily can sign up for the Senior Watch Program.
"They can call in to sheriff’s office every day, let them know how they feel if everything is okay,” said Sgt. Fred Jones with the Lake County Sheriff's Office. “If we don't hear from them, then we call them or we call a neighbor to see if they've heard from them, and if we aren't able to make contact, that's when we send a deputy."
Jones said cold weather brings some challenges for seniors.
"They're more likely to be alone in this cold weather maybe they can't get out of this cold, they don't want to get out in this cold, and so it's an opportunity for us to check on them and make sure they are okay," said Jones.
Eighty-nine-year-old Helene Wright is one of the 167 people in the program.
Wright has a heater in each room of her house and said her kids and grandkids know she'll stay at home until it gets warmer.
"They know I'm not going out there. I get pneumonia — most older people don't get over pneumonia," said Wright.
If you'd like to join the Senior Watch Program, call the Lake County Sheriff's Office at 352-343-2101.