This new pilot has been offered to GoGo’s Florida and Illinois customers in an effort to increase access to booking appointments for those most in need of assistance and at risk for COVID-19.
TALHASSEE, Fl- March 16, 2021—With COVID-19 vaccines within reach, hope is on the horizon. But with competing information and technological barriers, many people who qualify for the vaccine are struggling to navigate the process and find available appointments. In response to this challenge, GoGoGrandparent—a leader in coordinating mobility and meals and more for people to thrive as they age— is now offering free phone vaccine booking support to older customers in Illinois and Florida, with plans to extend that help to more customers soon.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have adapted to the changing needs of the people we serve, and vaccine support is no different,” said Justin Boogaard, GoGoGrandparent CEO and co-founder. “We’ve seen that many people who qualify are having difficulty booking appointments, and we asked ourselves how we could help.”
GoGogGrandparent has found a way to assist their customers by leveraging their expertise in coordinating rides, meals, groceries and more for older adults and people with disabilities. With just a simple phone call, GoGoGrandparent is identifying vaccine booking availabilities, matching them to interested customers, and sending out appointment reminders, free of charge. At the time of publishing, GoGoGrandparent had received requests from nearly 80 customers and successfully booked about 20 vaccination appointments. In order to be booked for the vaccine at this time, customers will need to meet their state eligibility and residency requirements.
One person GoGoGrandparent helped get a vaccine is Pat Jarvis in Florida. She wrote, “As I type this through my tears, I can’t thank you and your team enough. Thank you. A big virtual hug to you all. Love, Pat.”
As reported by The New York Times, 22 million older Americans lack wired broadband access in their homes, and yet current vaccine booking processes require computers, internet, and social media. All of GoGoGrandparent’s services--from rideshare, meals, grocery delivery and more--have been aimed at bridging the digital divide for customers who don't use smartphones or prefer to speak with a live operator. GoGoGrandparent is also in conversations with municipalities about helping with their vaccine roll-out efforts and serving residents in need.
Boogaard said, “We are deeply committed to helping older people resume their active lives safely again. We look forward to our customers being able to reconnect with their friends, visit family members, and go on adventures soon. And it starts by making sure they have access to vaccination appointments.”
Read more here: www.gogograndparent.com/gogo-vaccine-booking
About GoGo
GoGo Grandparent helps older adults live independently in their home for as long as possible. By working directly with on-demand services, GoGo Grandparent manages the mobility, meals, groceries and more of their clients. GoGo’s “GoGoGuardian” system helps protect clients living with cognitive, visual, physical or dexterous impairments to ensure a safe, reliable and affordable independence. Built in 2015 as demanded by the CEO’s grandmother, GoGo Grandparent is now relied upon by hundreds of thousands of older adults throughout the United States & Canada. For more information, visit www.gogograndparent.com.
