Welcome to the Links Caregivers Support Group page! Our goal is to provide non-medical support services to our community caregivers as well as to independent individuals who are in need of temporary assistance. Please note that we ONLY provide assistance to Links residents.
New members are always welcome in our group.
Some examples of ways our group members may provide assistance are:
- Transportation for medical appointments
- Prescription or grocery pick-up
- Preparation of occasional meals.
Please contact the group by emailing us at linkscaregivers1@gmail.com for requests or questions. You can also call Margarita Valente, Linda Redmond, or any member of the group if you are in urgent need of assistance. You can find their contact information in the Links neighborhood directory. Your request will be forwarded to entire group. Please note that your information will NOT be shared beyond group members who have a need to know about your situation.
We also continue to pass along useful information that we discover regarding support services for our Links community. We have compiled the following information on some local resources that provide various types of assistance. A hard copy of this information as well as many additional resources can be found in our Links Neighbors for Neighbors file in our Community Center library. Following is some helpful information:
– Smart Front Door Lock: If you were to have an emergency and needed to call 911, could first responders get into your house in time to help? If the answer is “no” or you simply don’t know, now is the time to come up with an action plan. One of the items to consider is the installation of a Smart Front Door Lock set. These types of locks are readily available for purchase online (Amazon) or from hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.). After the lock set has been installed and you have activated it, simply call the non-emergency number (717) 334-9101, give them your home address, and ask them to add your Smart front door lock code. Should you ever need to call 911, they will already have your Smart front door code, thus giving them immediate access to your home.
– Neighbor Emergency Contact: 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 your emergency contact cannot reach you by phone, they can always call your neighbor and ask them to check to make sure you’re ok. It’s always good to have an emergency plan!
– 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 that 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 to receive a Free Fare or Half Fare ID. Some applications may require a physician’s signature. Call 1-800-632-9063 or visit rabbittransit.org for additional information. To apply online, go to https://www.rabbittransit.org/services/shared-ride-paratransit/apply-for-paratransit/
– 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 as well as 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.com
– Frederick County Shuttle: 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
– The Adams County Office for Aging www.acofa.org offers an array of services for residents aged 60+, such as assessments for services like Meals on Wheels, bathing and dressing, adult daycare, Medicare insurance counseling, caregiver support, monthly dementia support group meetings, tax assistance, completion of property tax or rent rebate applications, and more. The office is located at 318 W. Middle St. in Gettysburg. Contact the office at (717) 334-9296.
– 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) 334-9296.
– Upper Adams -300 E. York St., Biglerville (717) 677-6370.
– Gettysburg – 142 N. Stratton St. (temporarily closed).
– Fairfield – 106 Steelman St., (717) 357-5170.
– Littlestown – 10 E. Locust St., (717) 359-7743
– McSherrystown – 201 S. 3rd St., (717) 632-7998
– York Springs – 406 Main St. (717) 991-1882
– Emmitsburg, MD – 300 S. Seton Ave. (301) 600-6350
– 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.
– 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.