Citizen Care

The term Citizen Care was coined by Lt. Nanos to describe a program in which we collect information that mght be needed in an emergency but on occasion to  provide information on community services that could help prevent emergencies.  We want to be there for our citizens to address any concerns of insecurity and vulnerability. 

The range of personal emergencies we address is broad.   Here are some examples:

• We help fill out an Envelope of Life with vital medical information that could assist emergency response teams.  This is put on or in the client’s refrigerator.
• We encourage people to have a trusted keyholder in the neighborhood who could provide access to them in case of an emergency.  Concerned relatives or neighbors sometimes call the sheriff’s department when they can’t get a response.
• The GVR Lapidary Club provides a copper cuff identification bracelet, through Citizen Care, which has the person’s name and a telephone number to call.  This is useful in a couple of circumstances:
• A single person who often walks alone may wonder what would happen if they should fall or have another medical emergency.  Who would be contacted? 
• Copper identification bracelets are also useful for those who might wander or who are unable to  communicate.
• If someone living alone is called every morning by a TeleCare volunteer to see if they are OK and  there is no response, SAV is called to check on the person’s welfare. We would have keyholder and other information on file.
• For those in danger of falling or becoming unable to get to a telephone, we acquaint them with Lifeline type services which provide an emergency signal system.
• For individuals who seem unable to properly care for themselves, we might suggest congregate dining at Casa de Esperanza, give them a list of health care providers and residential facilities in the area, or ask them if  they would like a social worker from Green Valley Assistance Services to help assess their needs.  We also have this information available for family members who are helping  with a transition.

Beyond Citizen Care’s basic purpose of gathering information that might be needed in case of an emergency – name, address, description, contact persons, medical conditions, picture – and mentioning community services available – we

• keep in touch at least every 6 months to see how they are doing, sometimes in person, sometimes by telephone, always respecting their wishes for privacy
• deliver birthday cards to all and valentines and holiday goodie plates to those who we think would enjoy them.

It is a delight to visit with our people, to hear their stories and when we can, offer a little TLC.  I like to think of our job as TLCC – tender loving citizen care!

Respectfully submitted,  Ann Kirch, #4616, Citizen Care