20,000 Round Trip Transportation to Medical Appointments

ElderCARE is celebrating 20,000 round trip rides to medical appointments!

Since 1998 ElderCARE of Northern Lake County has provided free transportation to medical appointments for elders over 65 years old.

In 2014, 137 ElderCARE volunteers served almost 200 older adults, this included 1,068 round trip transportation requests and 5,091 volunteer hours. These 5,091 volunteer hours represent a value estimated of over $117,000 (Independent Sector value indicator of $23.07 per volunteer hour.)

"Volunteers are the backbone of our services", stated Jill Grubbs, a 16 year veteran staffer with ElderCARE. ElderCARE is always seeking new volunteers, the next volunteer training is scheduled for October 17, 2015, 1-3 p.m. All those interested should contact ElderCARE at 847-406-4683 or info@eldercarelakecounty.org.

99% of all those who receive the services of ElderCARE say that getting the transportation to medical appointments has allowed them to remain independent. Patricia Johnson from Grayslake says, "I do not drive, so ElderCARE has saved my life. Thank you for caring!" The average cost of a nursing home bed for a year is $80,000. Older adults want to stay as independent as possible and ElderCARE is there for them.

So, as ElderCARE celebrates its 20,000th round trip ride we're also looking forward to our annual fundraiser, "Rides for Elders" Classic Car Show, September 19, 2015 at the corner of West Street Avenue and Grand in Waukegan from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They'll be silent auctions, raffle prizes, music, food and lots of beautiful cars to appreciate.