The 15-Number Limit at Cold Springs: Who Should Be on Your Loved One's Call List

At Cold Springs, the approved call list holds 15 phone numbers - total. That cap includes both personal contacts and legal numbers, so every slot counts. One thing to know: your loved one manages the list from their end. If a number changes, goes out of service, or needs to be swapped for someone else, they're the one who has to handle the update.

Cell phones count the same as landlines. Your loved one can add cellular or wireless numbers, and they're managed just like any other approved contact. No need for a "home phone" to stay connected.

Priority Order

• ✓ Attorney or legal aid number(s) - These are some of the most sensitive and high-impact calls, and they belong on the list even if they aren’t used every day.
• ✓ One primary family contact - Pick the person who can reliably answer, pass messages, and coordinate details in a 20-minute window.
• ✓ Second family backup - If the primary contact misses calls or has spotty service, a backup keeps your loved one from getting “stuck” without a reachable person.
• ✓ A few core support people - Choose the small circle who consistently shows up (a parent, spouse/partner, adult child, or sibling) rather than trying to include everyone.
• ✓ Everyone else, only if space allows - Extended family and friends can be meaningful, but with a 15-number maximum, it’s usually better to protect room for the people your loved one actually needs to reach quickly.

1. Review the list regularly - With only 15 slots, it helps to check in and make sure every number still serves a purpose.
2. Remove numbers that aren’t being used - If someone never answers or the relationship has changed, freeing that slot can make room for a more important contact.
3. Confirm the number before swapping - Because calls must go to numbers on the approved list, a wrong or outdated number can waste a slot.
4. Coordinate with the people outside - Let your key contacts know they may be added or removed so they can watch for calls and keep their number stable.

Since your loved one handles the call list from inside, keep a simple backup list on your end - just the must-have numbers. That way, if a slot gets tied up by an old contact or a number changes, you can quickly tell them which ones to prioritize adding back.

If there's any chance your loved one will need to speak with an attorney or legal aid, reserve at least one slot for that number. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, but properly verified attorney calls get different treatment. Here's the catch: if your loved one needs calls to an attorney blocked from monitoring and recording, they have to request that ahead of time. Don't wait for a deadline - getting the right legal number on the list early saves a lot of stress later.