MARYLAND — Marylanders ages 65 and over can now receive daily wellness checks by phone during the new coronavirus pandemic.

The Senior Call Check is a first-in-the-nation statewide program that promises to routinely call older residents to see if they're alright, according to a news release from the Maryland Department of Aging. Every day, a telephone call will be placed to a participate at a designated time between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. State officials say the call will take place as close as possible to the one-hour time block pre-selected by the participant.

If three calls go unanswered in one day, additional calls will be made to notify the participant's point of contact. It could be an adult child, neighbor, or a loved one. For updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.



The contact person will be encouraged to check on the senior citizen. If officials cannot get ahold of the participant or his or her point of contact, law enforcement may conduct a welfare check. The program is free for participants ages 65 and older. They can register online and learn more about the program here.

Senior Call Check phone lines are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During office hours, seniors can call 1-866-50-CHECK (1-866-502-0560) toll-free and register.