Senior Wellness Checks

The City of Cookeville started the Senior Citizen Call Check Request program Thursday as a daily service for seniors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cookeville Police Captain Bobby Anderson said checking on the elder community is a necessity during times like these.

“The pandemic has obviously been harder on our senior citizens, and because of that, we want to make sure our senior citizens in our community are taken care of and checked on,” Anderson said.

The Cookeville Police Department will conduct daily calls between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for residents 65 years or older who registered for the Cookeville Cares program. All who register must select an alternative emergency contact.

“The participant can designate a specific time when they want us to call,” Anderson said. “After three attempts if we can not reach someone, we will reach out to the designated back up.”

Anderson said if the alternate contact does not answer, a welfare check by city police may be conducted.

City Councilman Dr. Charles Womack was the initial push for the Cookeville Cares program. Anderson said the program is designed to keep all citizens informed about the virus.

The main website includes information about executive orders, local testing sites and local business information. Confirmed cases of coronavirus will be provided by the State of Tennessee’s website.

Seniors can register by calling 931-526-2162 or visit CookevilleCares.com.

-Benjamin Armstrong