Keeping Fairview Park Seniors Safe at Home

Captain Kevin Kilbane, FPFD, with a lock box

With so many seniors choosing to age in their home, there is usually concern for their safety, especially if they live alone.  To bring peace of mind to seniors and their families, the Fairview Park Senior Life Office suggests a combination of programs.

Residential Lock Box Program

The Residential Lock Box Program allows emergency personnel to enter your home by using a house key that is inside a metal lock box (2” x 4”) affixed to the inside of your door jam.  Also inside the box is an Emergency Information Form which is completed by a staff member of the FP Senior Center.  This form contains your medical information, including the meds you are taking and allergies you may have, as well as hospital of choice and family members to be contacted.  This information will be vital in the event you are unconscious.  

This program allows emergency personnel to enter your home without force, which can be costly to repair, and a quicker response to your emergency.  Applications can be completed in person at the Fairview Park Senior Center.   There is a one-time charge of $25 to cover the purchase of the lock box equipment.  You will then be contacted by the Fairview Park Fire Department to arrange for a firefighter to install the box at your home.  Since the program began in 2009, over 150 lockboxes have been installed!

“Are You O.K.?” Program

The “Are You O.K.?” Program, a telephone reassurance system, consists of a computerized telephone call that is generated at the same time each day, which you specify, to check on your welfare.  You will be asked, “Are you okay?” You simply answer, yes, and hang up.  If you do not answer the phone after two attempts, a police officer will be dispatched to your home to check on your welfare.  There is no charge for this service.  You can apply for this program at the Fairview Park Police Department or the Fairview Park Senior Center.  

If you are homebound or otherwise unable to come into the center personally, our social worker is available to visit your home to assist in application completion.  Any personal information obtained for these programs will be kept completely confidential.

The Fairview Park Senior Center is located at 20769 Lorain Road. If you have any questions on these or any other senior programs, please contact the Fairview Park Senior Life Office at 440-356-4437.