Lifeline launches 'Helping Hands for Seniors' program
Mar. 5—Lifeline, Inc. has announced the launch of its "Helping Hands for Seniors" program, in partnership with the Lake County Volunteer Network and the Lake Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation.
Helping Hands will match eligible Lake County senior citizens, ages 60 and up, who reside independently with vetted volunteers who will assist them with daily activities deemed essential for their health and safety.
According to officials, services include minor repairs and handyperson tasks that do not rise to the level of a contractor; outside maintenance, including weekly trash removal, mailbox runs and yard maintenance; setting up grocery deliveries and mobile food bank pickups; assistance with basic phone, internet and computer/tablet issues; and basic in-home organization, including laundry and pet care assistance.
Additional services may be considered based on volunteer availability.
"For so many years, we have gotten calls at our 211 hotline from seniors who are in need of this type of assistance in order to maintain their self-sufficiency in their own homes and there's never been anywhere to provide referrals to," said Lifeline Executive Director Carrie Dotson.
"When we saw that the Cleveland Foundation's Lake Geauga Fund was interested in funding initiatives to help seniors maintain their independence, it seemed like a perfect match for this program," she added. "We're excited to partner with the Lake County Volunteer Network and to really make an impact on Lake County's senior population."
Senior citizens in need of assistance can contact Lifeline program coordinator Andrea Johnson at 440-354-2148, ext. 207, or email andreaj@lclifeline.org to see if they qualify and apply for assistance.
Program participants are also required to meet financial and residency criteria.
"Connecting senior volunteers to assist with tasks to keep seniors who need assistance to remain independent is an area the Lake County Volunteer Network is excited to venture into," said Volunteer Services Coordinator Cristen Kane. "Volunteers will be matched with tasks they are willing to do and the distance they are willing to travel."
Moreover, participants will be emailed when new tasks are posted and can choose tasks according to availability.
For more information, contact Cristen Kane at 440-350-5360.
