VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Thank you so much for your heart to help seniors! We are so appreciative of all of our volunteers - both the folks that have been volunteering with us for years and the folks that are brand new to our mission. Volunteering with ElderCARE provides a flexible and meaningful way to improve the lives of our senior community members. Volunteers set their own schedules, and we provide training and additional insurance to volunteer drivers.
The first step in our volunteer onboarding process is to fill out a Volunteer Application in either English or Spanish.
You can either complete the fillable application below or print the complete application and email it back to info@eldercarelakecounty.org or mail it to us at ElderCARE Lake County, 410 Grand Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085. The application does need to be filled out in its entirety, including two, non-family member references. Volunteer drivers also must submit confirmation of insurance (scroll to bottom of page).
Once we receive the application, we will review and contact you promptly to discuss next steps. We can’t wait to start working with you!
So many opportunities to volunteer…
Medical Transportation
Assistance
ElderCARE Lake County provides free medical transportation to seniors age 60+ across all of Lake County. We can provide up to two round-trip rides per month, provided the rides are not in the same week.
ElderCARE volunteers escort care receivers to their vehicles (as needed), take the care receiver to their appointment, wait while they see their physician, and bring them home. ElderCARE also assists with drop-off and pick-up from lengthy appointments, such as dialysis.
Through community partnerships, we are also able to provide wheelchair transportation through contracted vendors. Volunteers do not transport care receivers requiring a wheelchair.
Grocery Shopping
Assistance
ElderCARE Lake County provides grocery shopping assistance, as well.
Upon being locally matched with a care receiver, an ElderCARE volunteer will contact the care receiver to find out where they would like to shop, obtain a grocery list, and confirm the care receiver’s method of payment. The volunteer shops on the older adults’ behalf. Volunteers do not take care receivers shopping.
Through a partnership with a local food pantry, we are also able to make monthly food pantry deliveries to older adults. We welcome volunteers for packing monthly food pantry orders, as well as delivering them to care receivers.
Friendly Visits &
Reassurance Calls
Living alone can be challenging, especially when it’s tough to get out and interact with others. To combat isolation & loneliness, ElderCARE volunteers provide friendly in-person visits & reassurance phone calls. This service promotes social and emotional health through community connection. Our volunteers and care receivers alike report developing lasting friendships, formed over a cup of tea and a game of cards.
Upon being matched, the volunteer and care receiver will set a schedule that works for both of you. A typical visiting commitment is one hour, twice a month. Volunteers typically make weekly calls. Volunteers may do visits or calls or both - it’s up to you!
Technology Assistance &
Referrals
Navigating today’s digital world can be overwhelming, especially when technology is always changing. ElderCARE’s technology assistance service pairs volunteers & interns with care receivers who may receive support with things like using smartphones, sending emails, video chatting with loved ones, telehealth appointments, or accessing online services. Upon being matched, you and your care receiver set a schedule that works for both of you, making learning comfortable and relaxed, moving at the care receiver’s pace.