Seniors in Plano can now take part in biweekly phone conversations with city library staff.

The Bi-weekly Senior Care Calls program was created after city staff in the communications department teamed up with library staff to work on lists of services available to seniors. Having phone conversations was another way to connect and care for Plano's older population, Bloechle said.

“The library has a lot of experience of communicating and chatting with people, especially including the senior community, that it's a natural fit for us,” said Brent Bloechle, library manager at Maribelle M. Davis Library.

A number of seniors would volunteer at the library before public buildings closed, Bloechle said. Those volunteers are now missing that social outlet, he said, and others are likely feeling the same way.

“The goal is to provide that social contact that maybe is missing,” Bloechle said. “We've had some people that have said, ‘Well, I was a volunteer here,' or, 'I was working here, and now I'm at home.'”


Calls can last anywhere from five to 20 minutes, depending on how long a senior might want to talk. Staff are equipped with a list of questions for the less talkative and with guidelines for topics to avoid, like medical health and finances.

A little more than 70 seniors have signed up as of April 16, about a week and a half after beginning the program, according to Bloechle.

“We see growth and we see that the people that we have contacted appreciate the call and for the most part, everybody has asked us to call them back,” Bloechle said.

To get on the call list, seniors or their family members can fill out a online form with some basic questions. About 15 staff members, including Bloechle, have been working remotely and making the calls.


“It's a two-way experience, too,” Bloechle said. "It's a great experience for the staff calling because they had the opportunity to have a nice conversation with somebody and to improve their day. ... It’s a positive on both sides of the phone call.”

Staff members are also able to connect seniors to community resources if needed. Those that are in need of immediate help can call the city’s call center at 972-941-5922 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.