Many churches are finding that the most effective ministries to the elderly are the ones planned and implemented by the elderly themselves.

The Telecare Club is a group of elderly persons from the Hanover Christian Church in Richmond, Virginia. Periodically, they send out a letter explaining Telecare to elderly persons in the community.

The letter features a big picture of a telephone and the caption: "Live Alone? Who Cares?"

It explains that every day of the year representatives from the church man the telephone each morning from nine to twelve noon. The church has three lines for this purpose.

Those who belong to the Telecare Club report in every day by phone, and usually chat a few minutes. If someone has not been checked off the master list by noon, one of the phone volunteers calls to check on the situation.

When people inquire about Telecare, volunteers send a membership information form to each person. Besides requesting name, address, and phone number, the forms also ask for the names ...