Services for Seniors
Creating a Caring Age-friendly Community
Verde Valley Caregivers provides services to adults living in the Verde Valley who are older or with disabilities and need assistance to maintain their independence and quality of life at home. VVCC services are provided to eligible clients or "neighbors" without charge: older adults who are experiencing limitations due to chronic health conditions, an inability to drive, inability to shop for groceries and read labels, and/or adults who face physical risks within their homes. VVCC services combine the efforts of trained professionals as well as caring volunteers from the community.
Care Coordination
Becoming a neighbor (VVCC client) begins with a Care Coordinator providing an in-home visit. During this visit the care coordinator verifies eligibility for VVCC services and completes a comprehensive screening for health-related social needs. A care plan is developed for each client and care coordinators work to address each issue with the client. Each of the Care Coordinators is a certified Community Health Worker. Care coordinators arrange solutions for clients by utilizing all the services provided by VVCC, our social care and transportation partners, and health services partners throughout the Verde Valley.
Transportation
By far the need that brings people to VVCC is the need for reliable, accessible transportation. Transportation is provided to neighbors who need rides to medical and other appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy for medication pickup, hairdresser, bank, and post office. See VVCC Passenger Handbook.
Guardian Angel Program
VVCC loans personal emergency alert units to adults who live alone and/or are at risk for falling. The medical alert units keep adults connected to family, friends, neighbors, or emergency responders in case of an emergency. The systems are installed by trained volunteers and receive checkups every six months. Learn more about Guardian Angel Program.
Tech and Virtual Care Assistance
This service assists clients with using their smartphone, computer or other internet connected devices. For example, clients often do not know how to set up and use their smartphone’s voicemail. A Care Coordinator or tech volunteer will come to the client’s home to assist and train them. Virtual medical appointments can be a time saver as well as more comfortable for clients. To facilitate this service a Care Coordinator goes to the home with a laptop and set it up so the client can successfully attend the virtual appointment.
Home Safety and Maintenance
Volunteer handypersons are available to make minor repairs, such as light bulb or HVAC filter replacement, repairing faucets, replacing smoke detector batteries. If Care Coordinators notice safety and maintenance concerns such as a need for a railing or wheelchair ramp, VVCC may work with contractors or Habitat for Humanity to solve and repair such issues.
Personal Care Needs
VVCC has completed background checks for six personal care providers who may be called upon to complete a specific personal care service to remedy an immediate and critical need. VVCC does not provide long-term personal care, but Care Coordinators work with each client to develop more long-term solutions in obtaining the personal care that they need.
Social Engagement
Opportunities for interaction with others are limited for people who are home-bound and cannot drive. VVCC volunteers provide friendly phoning, visits and email buddies. Clients may also sign up to be included in Social Outings. These special events may include museum tours, art or craft experiences, lectures or films and always lunch at a nearby restaurant or café. Volunteers provide transportation and assistance throughout the event. Chamber Music Sedona often provides free tickets for clients and volunteers to attend concerts.
Additional Services Provided by Volunteers
Business help: Sorting mail & bill paying.
Respite assistance: Providing two or more hours of relief to family caregivers.
Patient scribe: Helping to prepare for and take notes during medical appointments.
Pet Assistance: Dog walking, transportation to vet appointments, assistance for pet food and veterinary help. Learn more about Pet Assistance.
The Call Center and Dispatch Service
Services are initiated and coordinated by Call Center staff. These specialists schedule all transportation requests and help to arrange for any of the other services VVCC provides, referring special requests to the client’s care coordinator.
Verde Valley Caregivers is serving more than 2,400 older adults throughout the Verde Valley. Services are provided by dedicated volunteers and professionals who wish to help their neighbors in need.
Enroll Here
To inquire about eligibility and for more information, please call: (928) 204-1238.
Guardian angel program
Feel Safer at Home
The Guardian Angel Program provides free personal emergency alert units in nearly 700 households, keeping at-risk adults connected when they need assistance and are unable to reach their telephone.
The Guardian Angel devices improve health outcomes by allowing rapid response to emergencies, allowing seniors to feel more secure and connected in their own homes.
The pendant-style devices hold four phone numbers (family members, neighbors, local emergency response, and VVCC when needed) which can be called by one-touch buttons or voice command and works wirelessly with the existing phone system.
Who qualifies?
- Persons who live alone with a diagnosed medical condition that could prevent access to a telephone.
- Couples who are both medically compromised.
- An eligible individual living with a family member or caregiver.
- Persons in temporary need of a Guardian Angel while recovering from surgery or short term illness.
Installation & Maintenance
- The Guardian Angel units are installed by VVCC volunteers who have been specifically trained as GA Technicians.
- Whenever a problem is reported, they either correct the problem or replace the unit.
- They also arrange checkups on your unit every six months.
GAP Saves A Neighbor's Life
"I received a call from Karen Sweeting who wanted us to know that the GAP saved her life. She’s in Phoenix now in an assisted living facility. She fell on her face in her bathtub and was knocked out. The GAP called the Fire Department. She was unconscious for four days and had a long recovery until finally ending up in Phoenix. She wanted us to know how grateful she is to be alive and is doing much better now."
Lynn Edwards, Call Center Specialist
"Thank you so much for my Guardian Angel. I feel so much safer living alone now."