GAA CARES

Welcome to the Gilpin Ambulance Authority Community Assistance and Resource Education Services  (GAA C.A.R.E.S) page!

In an effort to provide the community with resource navigation and assistance the Gilpin Ambulance Authority developed the C.A.R.E.S program in a effort to help supplement the efforts that are currently provided by Gilpin County Human Services and Gilpin County Senior Services. GAA is often the first group to identify members of the community who are in need of more in depth services than just transport to a hospital. We often encounter community members who simply did not know who else to call, now we can help them navigate those issues!

GAA C.A.R.E.S offers the services listed below. Once we are notified of a community member requesting our assitance we will reach out to set up a time to visit and determine what we can do to help.

· Life Alert

GAA is the recipient of a continual grant that allows for the issuing and installation of Life Alert emergency notification systems, free of charge to the community members. We offer two variations of the system. One for those who have a traditional landline and one for those who do not. However, without a traditional landline, the secondary option works off cellular technology. If the resident does not have access to cell service, we may not be able to accommodate their request. 

· Home safety evaluations

Any community member who has mobility issues can have a home safety evaluation from GAA to help reduce fall/trip hazards or any other dangerous home conditions.

In conjunction with Timberline Fire Protection District (TFPD), we may visit the member as a team and have smoke detectors evaluated and battery changes as needed.

§ Timberline Fire Protection District has offered to assist GAA with these calls for service based on their availability.

· File of Life form completion

GAA participates in the File of Life program and is willing to distribute File of Life Folders to members of the community with medical history that may require calls to 911. Any medical information that can be prepared in advance, is most beneficial to emergency responders when the member activates 911.

· Health care coordination

 If the member has an established primary care physician, we will assist in making contact and help with scheduling of any appointments that are needed. If the member needs transportation, we will work with the proper department to make those arrangements. 

Through charitable donations and in partnership with Gilpin County Senior Services, GAA C.A.R.E.S has the ability to donate needed medical equipment items to community members who are in need. Example of items currently available:

§ Walkers

§ Bath Chairs

§ Canes

§ Crutches

· Resource navigation

Will help the member determine what resources they require, then we will direct them to the proper department and help them make initial contact and help with any follow up communication that is needed.

Often, the community member simply does not know what County Department is able to help them, we can help them navigate this process. 

· Mugs for Rugs

Is a program designed to encourage out elderly members to exchange unnecessary throw rugs for a coffee mug. In return, we will give them a free coffee mug. At that time GAA will take the returned rugs to Charlie’s Place in Clear Creek County for the sheltered animals. 

· Senior Safety

Home safety inspections are vital to help identify trip/fall hazards within in the home that can be mitigated with little to no major resource involvement. Falls are significant life changers for elderly community members. Many experience injuries that often lead to end of life, falls that can so often be prevented by a simple home safety inspection.

· Fall Prevention Education

Not only identify fall/trip hazards but help with fall prevention education. Arvada Fire Department has created a program and partnered with NYMBL an organization who has developed a program to help elderly patients with their balance to help mitigate unnecessary falls as well. Programs such as these are available and  the GAA C.A.R.E.S program can help put you in touch!

Click the button below to be taken to the GAA C.A.R.E.S Forms Site where you can submit requests for a GAA C.A.R.E.S Representative to contact you regarding patient referrals, community health questions, or other needs.