Horseshoe Bay continues 35-year tradition of telecare program
The Horseshoe Bay Fire Department and a handful of volunteers are committed to checking in on at-risk residents living alone across the city and its surrounding communities through a 35-year-old telecare program. Staff photo by Maci Cottingham
Horseshoe Bay’s free telecare program, run by the city’s fire department with support from community volunteers, continues to provide daily safety check-ins for at-risk residents who live alone across Horseshoe Bay, Oak Ridge, Blue Lake, and Deerhaven.
The telecare program was founded in 1990 by Betty DeLisle, wife of the fire chief at the time, to ensure that residents living alone would have reliable daily contact and timely access to help when needed. The city recently released a reminder that the fire department is continuing the tradition, and checking in on the residents in the area that need it most.
Enrollees participate by checking in with the fire station each morning, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. On weekends, volunteers reach out to participants to check in. If an enrollee cannot be reached and has not previously notified the program of travel or schedule changes, HSBFD personnel will conduct a welfare check at the residence. Those who choose to do so may provide a key which is kept in a secure lockbox to allow emergency access, though it is not a program requirement. All participants sign an agreement acknowledging that the city and its representatives are not responsible for repairs if entry becomes necessary to ensure their safety.
Sign up by calling the fire department at 830-598-6953 or by filling out the telecare program hold harmless agreement and emailing it to sblack@horseshoe-bay-tx.gov or delivering it in person to the fire station at 1 Community Drive in Horseshoe Bay.
Fire Chief Doug Fowler said the program and its volunteers remains a valued part of the department’s community service, which goes beyond fighting fires.
“The telecare program enjoys the full support of the fire department. They are more than happy to come by and check on the welfare of the participants,” Fowler told the DailyTrib. “Many firefighters have become attached to the volunteers and love watching these wonderful ladies put a smile in their voices as they answer the phones every morning.”
Originally operated solely by volunteers, the program is now scheduled and administered by the Fire Department with ongoing assistance from community members. It has proven especially important for older adults who want to maintain independent living but lack nearby family support.
The Telecare program was founded in 1990 by Betty DeLisle, wife of the fire chief at the time, to ensure that residents living alone would have reliable daily contact and timely access to help when needed.