Member Services - Sharecare of Leelanau

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.

Care Coordination

Assists seniors and their families by understanding the individual’s needs and developing a plan for how ShareCare’s volunteers or community resources can help. With the senior’s approval, the Care Coordinator can consult with the nurse at Leelanau County Senior Services or the senior’s health care provider.

Phone Reassurance Program

Volunteers check-in weekly with seniors who want a volunteer to call them. Seniors who live alone or are considered fragile may be recommended to the program. If requested, calls can occur on a modified schedule.

Basic Respite

We understand that caregivers need to stay healthy to take care of their loved one. Volunteers with special training can provide up to two hours at a time for basic respite. Basic respite does not include toileting, bathing, dispensing medication or changing clothes. (Not available until 2023)

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

Volunteers help with light tasks from changing light bulbs to fixing a squeaky door. For larger tasks, the office can assist in finding qualified contractors from our list of recommended contract service providers. Volunteers will drop off meals for a few days while they recuperate. If longer term meals are required, ShareCare will work to connect the senior with Meals on Wheels or a private meal service. For short-term pet care in the event of hospitalization or must be out of town for an emergency, volunteers can provide pet care. If necessary, the pet can be transported to a longer-term…

Friendly Visits

Living alone can be socially isolating for a senior, particularly in a rural community where limited transportation options are available. Volunteers check-in regularly with seniors who have chronic conditions or are over eighty and live alone. Friendly visitors often live in the same community and do a home visit, typically an hour once a week.

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 all its durable medical equipment at Leelanau County Senior Services. If a senior needs a piece of equipment, we can arrange for it to be picked up and delivered. We can also work with NPalliative or your health provider to order new equipment.

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. There is also a support group that meets in-person the second Tuesday of the month.

Technology

Help with computer issues or training on technology.