Arizona Launches Program to Check on Older Adults Living Alone

The R.U. OK program provides daily automated calls to ensure the safety of elderly residents.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:55am

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Maricopa County, Arizona has launched a program called R.U. OK that provides daily automated calls to check on older adults living alone. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of this vulnerable population, as studies have shown that living alone can increase the risk and severity of falls among the elderly. Participants in the program simply push a button to indicate they are okay, and if they do not respond, deputies are dispatched to their homes.

Why it matters

Falls are a major health concern for older adults, with around 3 million emergency room visits each year due to fall-related injuries. The R.U. OK program aims to proactively address this issue by providing a daily check-in system for elderly residents living independently, giving them and their families peace of mind.

The details

The R.U. OK program, run by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, involves automated calls placed to participants' homes up to three times per day. Residents simply push a button to indicate they are okay, and if they do not respond, deputies are sent to their homes to ensure their safety. The program is voluntary and free for older adults living alone in the county.

  • The R.U. OK program was launched in Maricopa County, Arizona in 2026.

The players

Debbie Lane

An 84-year-old Arizona resident who has participated in the R.U. OK program since moving to the state in 1977.

Don Erlitz

The Sun City Posse Chaplain, who oversees the R.U. OK program and ensures residents receive the daily automated calls.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for implementing and managing the R.U. OK program to check on older adults living alone in the county.

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What they’re saying

“It rings. I know the number. The voice says the number. I push it and they said, 'This is R.U. OK and push one if you are OK, push three if you need assistance,' which I like.”

— Debbie Lane (1011now.com)

“The geriatric populations are our number one fall patients. So, what I like to do is actually use real-life patients and they came out and volunteered with us.”

— Jaclyn Kloecker, Training Officer (1011now.com)

What’s next

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office plans to continue expanding the R.U. OK program to reach more older adults living alone in the county, with the goal of providing a daily safety check-in for this vulnerable population.

The takeaway

The R.U. OK program in Maricopa County, Arizona demonstrates how proactive, technology-enabled initiatives can help address the unique challenges faced by older adults living independently, ensuring their safety and providing peace of mind for both participants and their families.