Reports show Americans age 55 and older will double between now and the year 2030.  This phenomenon will affect each and every county in our state.  As our senior population increases in record numbers, so do issues related to addressing the needs of isolated, lonely, at risk and financially challenged seniors.  The challenge to address these needs falls on all of us. 

Approximately ten years ago Wilson County Sheriff Terry Ashe recognized the need to be proactive in regard to addressing these needs for seniors in Wilson County.  He recognized that repeatedly through the years law enforcement personnel would be asked to make welfare checks on these seniors.  Unfortunately sometimes these visits would reveal seniors who were lacking adequate food, water, heat, were seriously ill or injured and some even deceased.  He felt a more pro-active approach was needed to identify who these seniors were and a plan put into place to better check on them on a regular basis and address their needs.  In talking to patrol officers, County Commissioners, political figures, Directors of Senior Citizens Centers, AARP, WEMA and medical professionals he found collective concern for these citizens, and the feeling that valuable resources in the community were being tied up in making these calls. 

He initiated the Senior Citizens Awareness Network Program (SCAN) as a volunteer group operating under the umbrella of the Wilson County Sheriff's Office.  He immediately received support for this venture from local health care facilities and members of the private sector.  This venture would organize a group of trained uniformed volunteers who would go out on a regular basis in a specially marked county patrol car and make routine visits.  The volunteers would be trained in such areas as department/program policy and procedures, basic first aid and CPR, home security, radio procedure and education regarding local and community social services and programs.  If upon entering a home volunteers find an emergency situation, normal 911 procedures would be followed.
                                                                                                  
                                                                          (photo courtesy of Larry McCormack/The Tennessean)
The names of these seniors could be submitted to the Sheriff's Office from family members, churches or other local community services or programs.  A recipient file would be created that would contain information such as address, phone contact information, pertinent medical information, emergency contact information along with information about current services received in the home.  These individuals would be educated about the services provided thru the SCAN program and given contact information for reaching the Sheriff's Office.  They would then be placed on a regular visit schedule.  Recipients would be contacted the day prior to a scheduled visit to confirm the next day's visit.  If upon the actual visit volunteers encounter a problem such as no answer at the door or unanswered phone calls then the emergency contact person would be phoned to verify well being.  If after exhausting all avenues to confirm wellness, the Sheriff's office SCAN coordinator would be contacted to decide on forced entry by law enforcement

 

 

 

 

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The program volunteers do a safety and security check making note of the presence or absence of smoke detectors and or carbon monoxide detectors, adequate locks and outside lighting.  They discuss crime prevention and have available printed pamphlet on crimes that specifically target seniors.  Volunteers address the need for heaters or air conditioners, food, water or other basic necessities.  The program networks when appropriate with local businesses, social services and community agencies when a need arises that the program cannot meet.

While all the above services are of true value consistently, the single most important aspect is the actual visit.  Volunteer's taking the time to sit and visit on a regular basis is the foundation of the program.  This single aspect keeps the senior connected to their community.   Interaction with individuals outside the family nucleus proves to bring to their lives an understanding that their community is interested in their well being. 

Another successful aspect of the current program is the Victim Outreach Program.  This program brings to our attention seniors in our county that have become the victim of a crime.  When the investigation is completed by the department the information regarding the individual is forwarded to the SCAN coordinator and along with the director it is reviewed for possible inclusion into the program.  The senior is contacted by a personal visit and educated as to the programs purpose and given the opportunity to join.  It has been a very successful addition to the program and helps to reestablish a sense of safety and security after the trauma of the original crime. 
 
Currently the Wilson County Sheriff's Office SCAN program continues to thrive and be a very successful program in Wilson County.  It is funded by private donations.  The volunteer uniforms are provided thru the Sheriff's Office along with gas and the specially marked patrol cruisers. 

The program currently services 95 seniors all across Wilson County, while most receive regular visits by a team of SCAN officers, some are on a "call only" list per their request. 

 Contact them by calling 615-444-1412, extension 499.