Welcome to the Links Caregiver Support page.
VOLUNTEERISM is defined as the act of contributing free time or labor to conduct community service or support a non profit organization. VOLUNTEERING allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest task can make a real difference in the lives of people. VOLUNTEERS possess the characteristics of: Commitment; Reliable ; Patient; Creative; Willingness to Help; Positive Attitude; Compassionate; Energetic; Flexible; Team Work. If you possess any or all these characteristics we are looking for you! Please contact the Caregiver Support Group at Linkscaregivers1@gmail.com and join us in helping our community.
The goal of the LINKS CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP is to provide non-medical support services to our community caregivers and to independent individuals in need of temporary assistance. Please contact the group at linkscaregivers1@gmail.com for questions or form submission. To complete the form, please double click the “Caregiver Support Request Form” link below, click in a box to type or to add a “check” mark. After completing the form, save a copy to your computer, and attach the completed form to an email at least 48 hours in advance of the requested services. Information provided in this form will not be shared beyond Support Group volunteers who have a need to know.
If you can’t open the Request for Caregiver Support form, you will need to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader and install it on your computer. If you choose not to install Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can print the form, complete it by hand, scan it or take a picture, and attach it to an email to linkscaregivers1@gmail.com.
Request for Caregiver Support Request Form
Helpful Information from the LInks Caregiver support group
If you were to have an emergency and needed to call 911, could the first responders get into your house in time to help? If the answer is no or you don’t know, now is the time to come up with an action plan. One of the things you need to consider is the purchase of a Smart Front Door Lock set. These types of locks are available to purchase for a nominal fee from Amazon, Home Depot or most hardware stores. Below is a picture of the Smart front Door Lock set that the Landry’s purchased from Amazon. After the lock is installed and you have activated it, call the non-emergency number 717-334-8101 and give them your home address and ask them to add the Smart front door code. If you ever need to call 911, they will see your Smart front door code, which will give them immediate access to your home.
In addition, it is recommended that you give the phone number of one of your close neighbors to your emergency contact(s). The emergency contact(s) could include your children, siblings, etc. That way if the emergency contact can’t reach you by phone then they can always call your neighbor and ask them to check to make sure you are o.k.
It’s always good to have an emergency plan.
Neighbors,
The Links Caregivers Support Group has compiled the following information on some local resources that provide various types of assistance. We thought it would be beneficial to have this information consolidated in one email for easy reference. While this certainly is not a complete list of available services, it’s a start. We’ll include a hard copy of this copy of this email in our information file in the Community Center library. If you have any questions, please email our group at linkscaregivers1@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Connie Feldman, on behalf of the Links Caregivers Support Group
1. Transportation resources:
— rabbittransit is a transportation service for Adams County residents that is low-cost or free. The system has multiple routes for riders to travel to work, shopping areas, health appointments, tourist sites, senior centers, and connection points to commuter bus lines outside of the Adams County service zone. Senior residents aged 65 or older, veterans, and disabled individuals may qualify for free or half-fare rides. It is recommended you visit the rabbittransit office at 257 N. 4th St. (rear) in Gettysburg with supporting documents (proof of age, armed services paperwork, Medicare documentation, etc.) to complete an application for services and receive a Free Fare or Half-Fare ID. Some applications may require a physician’s signature. Call 1-800-632-9063 or visit www.rabbittransit.org for additional information. To apply online, go to https://www.rabbittransit.org/
— Compassion Transport Services (CTS) www.ridewithcompassion.com is a privately-owned business registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) as a Paratransit/Non-Emergency Medical Transportation solution that is based in Adams County. Services are for adults with special needs, seniors and veterans who either choose to or can no longer drive, adults who have lost their driving privileges, and adults unable to drive due to injury, disability, economics, or life events. CTS provides personalized, door-to-door service by professional, vetted, and trained drivers. All drivers are trained in CPR and first aid and undergo background checks and random alcohol and drug screening. CTS has PUC certification and carries commercial liability insurance up to $2,000,000. You can schedule transport for any time, 24/7/365, provided you schedule your ride at least 24 hours in advance. There is an upcharge for weekend, evening, and holiday rides. Transportation cost is based on distance and time. Payment is due at time of service; cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. While CTS does not bill Medicare or Medicaid directly, they will assist riders in filing for reimbursement. Call CTS at (717) 688-9498 or email compassiontransport@outlook.
— There’s a shuttle that runs from Jubilee in Emmitsburg to Thurmont and some locations in Frederick. Additional information can be found at www.frederickcountymd.gov.
2. The Adams County Office for Aging www.acofa.org offers an array of services for residents aged 60 or older, such as assessments for services like Meals on Wheels, bathing and dressing, and adult day care; Medicare insurance counseling; caregiver support; monthly dementia support group meetings; tax assistance, completion of property tax or rent rebate applications, and more. Some services are free; some are based on income. The office is located at 318 W. Middle St. in Gettysburg. Contact the office at (717) 334-9296.
3. Local Senior Centers – Individuals aged 60 + can enjoy meals, health screenings, health and consumer education, creative arts, outings, holiday programming, and more. Most services are free or low-cost. For additional information, contact the Office for Aging (717) 334-9396.
Upper Adams – 300 E. York St. Biglerville (717) 677-6370
Gettysburg – 142 N. Stratton St. (Temporarily closed)
Fairfield Area – 106 Steelman St. (717) 357-5170
Littlestown – 10 E. Locust St. (717) 359-7743 http://
McSherrystown – 201 S. 3rd. St. (717) 632-7998
York Springs – 406 Main St. (717) 528-8921
Emmitsburg, MD – 300 S. Seton Ave. (301) 600-6350
4. Meals on Wheels – For information or to complete an application for services, call the Adams County Office for Aging and ask for the intake coordinator.
5. Personal assistance – The following providers have been recommended by Links residents:
JEVS Care at Home www.jevshumanservices.org. For services in Central PA, call (717) 225-2785. Location is 1270 Fairfield Rd., Suite 11, Gettysburg.
Visiting Angels www.visitingangels.com (717) 205-2322 Location is 304 York St., Suite C, Gettysburg.
A Place for Mom www.aplaceformom.com provides information on senior care, alternatives to assisted living, how to hire an in-home caregiver, key factors of medical long-term care, etc.