Wanted: Recyclable cellular phones; a simple approach to enhancing resident independence. (Not-for-Profit Report).

Here at the Isabella Geriatric Center, a not-for-profit nonsectarian skilled nursing facility located in northern Manhattan, we continuously promote the concept of independence to enable those whom we serve to return to their homes or remain there to age in place. Until recently, though, we found that one aspect to successful independent living was still missing--security. To support elderly individuals' independence in their homes, we established the S.O.S. (Save Our Seniors) Phone Program in January 2001. to provide free cellular phones to registered participants of our adult day healthcare program, residents in independent living apartments and those being discharged from the nursing facility to home. The program proved so successful that later that year it was recognized by the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association as the Innovative Program of the Year.

Having limited finances to allocate to the S.O.S. Phone Program, we knew that it needed to be spearheaded and maintained through equipment donations. Realizing that many older model cellular phones, although still operational, were routinely discarded, our goal was to tap into several in-house and community resources to acquire this equipment. Fliers were placed throughout the facility requesting the donation of previously owned cellular phones. E-mails and an article published in the in-house staff newsletter also broadcasted the request. Announcements were made during department head meetings, morning briefings and Resident Family Council meetings. Staff were encouraged to solicit phones from family, friends, business associates and neighbors.

One family member was so impressed by the program that she independently decided to solicit phones from local merchants and appealed to electronics stores to donate outdated models, as new ones arrive.

All donated cell phones are to be accompanied by a battery and recharger, and security codes are to be disarmed. When donations are received, they are inspected for usability and broken phones discarded. Though they are no longer connected with a calling plan, the 150 cellular phones donated thus far can still access 911, at no charge, as required by Federal Communications Commission regulation. Since all phones are donated, the cost of the ongoing program is nil.

Once a referral has been received by the Therapeutic Recreation department, which oversees the program, the senior is assessed to determine whether he or she is able to comprehend and retain the information needed to correctly operate the cellular phone. In addition, fine-motor dexterity must be assessed, especially since the newer phones have become smaller and, at times, more challenging for a senior to operate. Following the assessment, qualified seniors are instructed to clip the cellular phones to clothing or put them in pockets or any other readily accessible location, even while at home. Since most falls/accidents happen in the bathroom, it is also recommended that the phone be taken into the bathroom and kept near the floor, when the user is there. In that way, if an emergency arises and someone is unable to reach a standard telephone, help can be summoned.

For those with visual impairments, the phones are adapted by applying "highlighting" paint on key buttons. Those with hearing impairments that can speak are given a script to read after making contact with a 911 operator. The script clearly states that the caller is deaf and should not be asked any questions. It also includes the person's name, address and nearest cross-street, apartment number (if applicable), and the nature of the emergency.

To ensure that every phone is an efficient, at-the-ready device, each recipient is fully instructed on the phone's proper usage and recharging needs. As a reminder to participants that the cellular phone needs to be recharged on a monthly basis, they are instructed to recharge the cell phone overnight at the same time they pay a monthly bill, such as rent or the electric or telephone bill. All adaptations to the phone are reviewed. Recipients are asked to demonstrate their knowledge of the phones prior to taking ownership.

One might think that these seniors, who grew up with phones that needed cranking and then graduated to rotary and push-button innovations, might feel anxious and overwhelmed by these newfangled phones. On the contrary, they were receptive to the idea and eager to learn. They had many questions and asked to have written instructions available to them for reference. If they needed a refresher tutorial, they were not afraid to ask.

Since the inception of the S.O.S. Phone Program, 62 phones, equipped with batteries/chargers/carrying cases, have been distributed. Once reassured that there are no upfront, hidden, or per-call charges, no senior has refused the free phone offer. Those seniors living in the community who have benefited from this program have mentioned that their added sense of security affords them increased independence, both inside and outside the home. One woman stated that she now feels more secure when she needs to ride the bus. Another has said that she is less frightened to be alone in her home after her companion leaves for the day.

All that is required by any facility interested in acquiring used cellular phones is a team approach and a supportive administration. Continuous and creative approaches to soliciting the equipment will harvest a bountiful supply. So look in your junk drawer and dig out the cellular phone you tucked away when you upgraded your calling plan and/or purchased a new cell phone. Offer the old one to a qualified senior in your facility and instruct him or her on how to use it and why this is important. This random act of kindness just might save a life.

Janet Listokin, CTRS, is assistant director of recreation at the Isabella Geriatric Center, New York, New York. For further information, phone [phone] or visit www.isabella.org. To comment on this article, please send e-mail to [e-mail].