Cypress HomeCare Solutions is home to Health Futures – Taking Stock in You Radio show, powered by Money Radio 1510AM and 105.3FM. Each week, the show provides listeners with expert advice on how to live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
On Friday, June 2, 2023, we had the pleasure of having Ann Wheat and George Miller of Duet on the show to talk about issues of vital importance which face senior populations in Arizona.
Duet’s Vision and Mission: Aging with Compassion, Dignity, and Hope
Duet Partners in Health and Aging, founded in 1981, envisions a community where every person ages with compassion, dignity, and hope. They are passionately committed to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable older adults through free-of-charge services. Their mission is to help older adults remain engaged, happy, and active, even in the face of the challenges that come with aging.
Three core service areas:
1. Supporting Homebound Adults
Duet provides support for approximately 400 homebound adults, fondly referred to as “neighbors.” These individuals are typically elderly women, aged around 85, living alone with multiple chronic health conditions, and managing on a fixed income of $1200 to $1500 a month. Duet’s dedicated and background-checked volunteers are the backbone of this service. They assist with transportation, grocery shopping, and provide friendly visits, ensuring that these homebound neighbors can continue to live comfortably in their own homes with dignity and memories intact.
2. Assisting Kinship Families
Duet recognizes the growing number of grandparents who selflessly step into the role of parents, raising their grandchildren when the biological parents are unable to do so. This group, known as “grand families,” comprises about 60,000 individuals in Arizona alone. Duet offers comprehensive support, including legal assistance, respite care, workshops, and family activities to help these grand families navigate the challenges they face with love and care.
3. Empowering Family Caregivers
Family caregivers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system. Duet acknowledges the immense sacrifices and challenges faced by these individuals caring for loved ones with conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. By providing 19 support groups each month, specialized for different caregiving situations, Duet offers an invaluable lifeline of understanding, empathy, and shared experiences to these dedicated caregivers.
The Power of Volunteers: Making a Difference
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Duet. With over 400 volunteers selflessly giving their time and compassion, the organization has been able to touch countless lives. These dedicated individuals undergo background checks and participate in orientations to ensure that they are equipped to make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.
But volunteering is not just about providing support; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Duet volunteers form strong bonds with the homebound adults they assist, becoming true friends and companions. One heartwarming example is the 38-year partnership between the longest-serving adult and her volunteer, who has been by her side for 35 of those years.
Changing Lives, Even During Challenging Times
When the pandemic hit, Duet proved its resilience by adapting to the changing landscape. They quickly shifted their services to virtual formats, providing essential support to vulnerable individuals while safeguarding their well-being. Despite the difficulties, they never faltered in their commitment to building compassionate communities and supporting caregivers.
Join the Movement: Become a Duet Volunteer
Duet invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to join their movement. No special qualifications are required, only empathy and a desire to make a difference. By volunteering just a few hours a week, you can profoundly impact the lives of older adults and their caregivers, helping combat loneliness and isolation.
If you feel the call to give back, reach out to Duet at duetaz.org or call 602-274-5022. Your involvement can be the catalyst for positive change in someone’s life.
Conclusion
Duet Partners in Health and Aging stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and care for vulnerable older adults in Arizona. Their unwavering dedication to building a community that ages with dignity and compassion is an inspiration to us all. Through their support of homebound adults, kinship families, and family caregivers, they are creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all. If you’re looking to make a meaningful difference, consider joining Duet’s family of volunteers and contributing to the well-being of those who need it most.
