September 30, 2010
Duet urgently needs volunteers to help homebound seniors. Volunteers for this Valley
non-profit provide critical assistance with things such as rides to doctor
appointments, grocery shopping, home repairs, friendly visits, computer
training and more.
Planned cuts to Phoenix's Dial-a-Ride and Reserve-a-Ride may eliminate
thousands of rides for seniors who cannot drive. Many of these individuals are
already turning to Duet for help with transportation, even though the cuts are
not yet in effect. Other issues are making this situation even more difficult.
Volunteers often take summer vacations, which leaves many homebound seniors
without assistance. Also, more people are "aging in place," thus the
demand for Duet's free services continues to rise.
To become a Duet volunteer, simply attend one orientation. The
organization will try to match you with a senior who needs help and lives
nearby. Volunteers are trained and insured. They must provide proof of
insurance, a driver's license and daytime phone numbers for two local
references. The Duet office will take care of fingerprinting prospective
volunteers.
To register for an orientation, call (602) 274-5022 or e-mail volunteer@duetaz.org.
To see who needs help in your area, visit www.duetaz.org and view our
interactive service map. This map shows in "real time" our list of
homebound adults waiting for caring volunteers - just like you. Services for
homebound adults are available in Phoenix, Fountain Hills, Glendale, Litchfield
Park, Paradise Valley, Peoria and Scottsdale. www.duetaz.org. If Duet
does not provide services in your area, the organization can provide
information about other Valley agencies that may be able to help.
It costs Duet about $400 to provide regular services to a homebound
adult for an entire year. That same amount only pays for about three days of
nursing home care. Helping seniors live independently in their own homes is
cost-effective. Donations can be made through the Duet website at www.duetaz.org.
© 2010
