VERDE VALLEY CAREGIVERS COALITION

The mission of the Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition is to provide accessible transportation and programs, through volunteer services, to support adults in need of assistance to maintain their independence and quality of life at home. Programs include coordinating free volunteer-led transit for high-needs elderly to access healthcare appointments and shopping assistance to secure food and home goods. The COVID-19 pandemic and stay-safe-at-home environment has shifted programs to also include safety protocols while in transit, food and goods home delivery, phone calls to neighbors to check-in on well-being, and more recently help with connecting to services through smart phones, tablets, and computers.

To help area older adults age in place and maintain independence for as long as possible, Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition (VVCC) organizes strategies for service with the help of volunteers at the governing and service level. Programs and operations are planned at the Board of Governors level and executed through a small staff of call center coordinators, social workers, volunteer coordinators, and operations management employees. Hundreds of volunteers are engaged, trained, coordinated and supported to provide transportation. Programs are evaluated for effectiveness and modification through pre and post experience surveys. This also helps to identify trends and anticipate needs for the future.

Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition (VVCC) actively recruits, trains, and coordinates volunteers to provide transportation to elderly locally in the Verde Valley area. Volunteers average 300 per year. Transportation is coordinated through the Assisted Rides software and coordinated through the VVCC Call Center. VVCC coordinates approximately 1000 requests per week, and has grown to provide over 32,000 trips per year. VVCC employs social workers to assess elderly neighbor well-being and social service needs. VVCC contracts with trained ADA drivers to provide accessible transport when needed. Two accessible vans provide service locally and to Phoenix, Prescott, and Flagstaff. VVCC collaborates with area social service, senior service, and healthcare organizations to provide wholistic services and care for local elderly. To maintain free service for area elderly VVCC fundraises through requests for contributions, events, and grants.

Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition (VVCC) has become a valued resource for area older adults to turn to when in need of transportation help. VVCC coordinates approximately 1000 requests per week, and has grown to provide over 32,000 trips per year. In addition two accessibility vans are providing free transportation for mobility challenged neighbors to access routine and special healthcare.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, VVCC has included safety protocols for transit and increased well-being calls. VVCC is also providing information and transport to vaccination sites.
Through calls from VVCC social workers, isolated elderly are noting increased loneliness, anxiety, and depression. As prolonged isolation for older adults exacerbates health conditions, increased calls and virtual communication is necessary to stay healthy.
During COVID-19, technology and the internet have made staying in-touch possible, however, VVCC has discovered a growing digital divide with older adults that have and use technology. A 2020 survey of 329 VVCC members noted that while 70% have a smartphone or tablet, nearly 50% of those do not use it, and 30% only have a flip-phone or landline. As health issues that accompany isolation are taking a toll, VVCC is investigating technology solutions to improve the lives of members.
VVCC would like to increase connectivity through technology coaching including internet, smartphone and tablet applications, and computer training. Goals include increasing proficiency with devices to enable Telehealth appointments. As needed, VVCC will help members to sign-up for and receive transport to get COVID vaccines. With regular transport, proficiency with the Assisted Rides app. will ensure trip coordination. Increasing resources for technology coaching will enable our neighbors to interact with their world and reduce the detrimental effects of isolation.