ShareCare offers a variety of services to support senior citizens in Leelanau County. These are provided by staff and volunteers to ShareCare members. If you are interested in receiving services you must enroll as a member and complete the intake questionnaire on the Become A Member link below. The intake form can also be sent to you if you email info@sharecareleelanu.org.
Transportation
Drivers use their own vehicles to provide rides to any senior who does not have available transportation. Rides to medical appointments and other health- related services have priority. Rides to non-medical appointments that promote health and wellness can be arranged when a driver is available. The maximum number of rides is five per month. Rides are provided in Leelanau County and to Traverse City, Long Lake Township, East Bay Township, Garfield Township and Paul Oliver Hospital in Frankfort.
Wellness Liaison
ShareCare is not a medical provider or a replacement for a member’s general practitioner or other health care provider. However, because so many of the issues facing seniors have something to do with health, ShareCare has a Senior Wellness Liaison. This qualified staff member assists seniors and their families by understanding the individual’s needs and developing a plan for how ShareCare can help. With approval, the Senior Wellness Liaison may consult with the staff at Leelanau County Senior Services or the person’s health care provider.
Phone Reassurance Program
Volunteers check-in weekly with seniors who want a volunteer to call them. If requested, calls can occur on a modified schedule.
Basic Respite
We understand that caregivers must stay healthy to take care of their loved one. Volunteers with special training can provide up to four hours of basic respite. Basic respite does not include toileting, bathing, dispensing medication or changing clothes.
Yard Clean-Up (Fall and Spring)
One day in the spring and again in the fall, volunteers sign up to help seniors with small odd jobs, such as moving patio furniture, potting plants and flower boxes, light gardening chores, and other small jobs.
Miscellaneous Services
In the event of hospitalization or being out of town for an emergency, volunteers can provide pet transportation, meals, and mail pick-up. Volunteers help with light tasks from changing light bulbs to fixing a squeaky door.
Friendly Visits
Living alone can be socially isolating for a senior, particularly in a rural community where limited transportation options are available. Friendly Visit volunteers check-in for an hour long weekly visit in the senior’s home.
Errands
ShareCare can assist with occasional grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and other types of requests that help seniors with their daily living needs. These requests should be made through the office. Often a driver can stop on the way home from a ride to fill the request.
Durable Medical Equipment
ShareCare keeps its durable medical equipment at Leelanau County Senior Services. If a senior needs a piece of equipment, we can arrange for a volunteer to deliver it.
Coaching for Family Caregivers of People with Dementia
Family Caregivers are matched with a trained volunteer coach, who makes monthly check-in calls, and assists with identifying resources to help the caregiver manage their role.
Technology
Help with computer issues or training on technology.
Social Events, Wellness Activities, and Educational Workshops
ShareCare will offer informational workshops, wellness activities, and social events. In addition, ShareCare has several fundraisers per year, which provide additional volunteer and social opportunities. Other ways to become involved are serving on a committee, attending the annual meeting, and other informal group activities.