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.
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.
Social Events, Wellness Activities, and Educational Workshops
ShareCare offers informational workshops, wellness activities, and social events. In addition, ShareCare organizes fundraisers, which provide additional volunteer and social opportunities. Other ways to become involved are serving on a committee, and other informal group activities.
MEMORY CAFE
Sharecare’s Memory Cafe is a welcoming social gathering for people living with memory loss and their family members, friends, neighbors, and caregivers. Our hope is to offer an inviting social setting where people living with dementia and their care partners can connect with other community members and enjoy time together.