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Helping Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities Stay Connected

 

The Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service provided by Circle of Care, St. Louis, for older adults and adults with disabilities who are experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Through regularly scheduled telephone conversations, we help participants build meaningful connections, reduce feelings of loneliness, and remain engaged with their community.

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The program is delivered by trained Circle of Care volunteers and/or interns under the supervision of Circle of Care staff. Each participant is paired with a caring volunteer or intern who provides compassionate conversation, encouragement, and ongoing social support.

 

Service Area

The Telephone Reassurance Program is available to individuals residing in:

• St. Louis City

• St. Louis County

• St. Charles County

 

Who Is Eligible?

This program is designed for individuals who:

• Are age 63 or older or are adults living with a disability.

• Live independently in the community.

• Experience social isolation, loneliness, or have limited social support.

• Would benefit from regular, friendly telephone conversations and wellness check-ins.

 

What the Program Includes

Participants receive:

• One scheduled telephone call each week.

• Calls lasting up to 60 minutes.

• Services provided in 10-week increments.

• A consistent volunteer and/or intern whenever possible to encourage relationship building.

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During each call, volunteers and interns may provide:

• Friendly conversation and companionship.

• Emotional support and encouragement.

• Wellness and social check-ins.

• Information about community resources.

• Referrals to Circle of Care programs and other community services, when appropriate.

 

Behavioral Health Screening

The Telephone Reassurance Program is intended to address social isolation and loneliness. It is not a counseling, psychotherapy, or crisis intervention program.

 

As part of the intake process, Circle of Care staff administer the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and, when appropriate, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to help identify participants who may benefit from additional behavioral health services.

When screening results indicate a need for further evaluation or treatment, Circle of Care will provide referrals to appropriate healthcare providers or behavioral health professionals.

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Referral and Enrollment Process

Step 1 – Complete the Central Intake Form

All participants must complete the Circle of Care, St. Louis Central Intake Form before they can be enrolled in the Telephone Reassurance Program.

Complete the intake form online:

Central Intake

If you need assistance completing the form, please call 314-873-3501.

 

Step 2 – Referral Confirmation

Within 72 hours of receiving your referral, a Circle of Care staff member will contact you to confirm that your referral has been received, explain the intake process, and answer any questions you may have.

 

Step 3 – Intake and Assessment

The intake and eligibility determination process may take up to two (2) weeks from the date the referral is received.

During this process, Circle of Care staff will:

• Review the completed Central Intake Form.

• Determine eligibility for the Telephone Reassurance Program.

• Complete the PHQ-2 and, when appropriate, the PHQ-9 screening.

• Identify any additional needs or referrals for community services.

• Match the participant with a trained volunteer and/or intern.

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Step 4 – Services Begin

Once enrollment is complete, participants will begin receiving weekly telephone reassurance calls for an initial 10-week service period.

At the conclusion of the 10 weeks, Circle of Care staff will review the participant's progress and determine whether continued participation or referral to additional community resources is appropriate.

 

Important Information

The Telephone Reassurance Program is intended to provide companionship, reduce social isolation, and connect participants with available community resources. It is not a substitute for medical care, behavioral health treatment, psychotherapy, or emergency services.

If a participant experiences a medical emergency or behavioral health crisis, they should call 911 or seek immediate assistance from the appropriate emergency or healthcare provider.

 

Questions?

For additional information about the Telephone Reassurance Program, please contact:

Circle of Care, St. Louis
Phone: 314-873-3501