People Who Care: Bridging the Gaps to Make Healthcare Happen  

Many of us are all too familiar with the frustration of trying to juggle an overwhelming number of tasks in systems over which we have little control.  It is hard and excruciating work!  For those in our community who do not drive, are elderly, have physical limitation, are not familiar with new technology, or are new to being a patient, these tasks may seem nearly impossible!

Simply attending a doctor’s appointment, for example, often involves many complicated steps that likely require sufficient mobility and vision, the ability to drive, good memory and organizational skills, and comprehension of insurance coverage.

There’s where People Who Care come in.

The individuals we serve—to whom we refer as our neighbors—are often too overwhelmed to orchestrate doctor’s appointments on their own, or without assistance. Without completing all the necessary steps, access to health care may be limited.

People Who Care volunteers do so much more than simply give our neighbors transportation to the doctor’s office. Before the ride, People Who Care office volunteers call the neighbor to confirm the appointment and provide a reminder. Then, the night before the appointment, the volunteer driver calls to set the pick-up time. The volunteer then provides attentive door-through-door transport by assisting the neighbor into and out of their home, the volunteer’s vehicle, and their doctor’s office.  They ensure the neighbor is as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the journey. Following the appointments, volunteers often assist with confirmation of follow-up appointments and lend a supportive ear when needed.  A spontaneous stop for coffee or ice cream is not out of the norm!

It is these behind-the-scenes services, the lubrication in the system that bridges the gaps for our neighbors between social services available, personal financial limitations, or the ability to comprehend what is being said to them. When help from family or friends is limited, this support from our volunteers makes the difference.

To all the family members, friends, and volunteers in our community who faithfully pay attention to these “tiny” details that make health care happen: You are the unsung heroes that hold it all together. Thank you!

Join our heroes and volunteer today. Call 928.445.2480 or visit peoplewhocareaz.com.