ShareCare of Leelanau helps seniors safely age in place

When Dr. Thomas Simmer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s chief medical officer,* learned last year that ShareCare of Leelanau had applied for a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, he wrote a letter in support of its efforts.

ShareCare is a nonprofit organization that provides services to seniors in Leelanau County to help them lead independent lives. The group’s mission aligns with many aspects of Blue Cross’ care management program and efforts to support the health of seniors.

“Ensuring access to the many resources needed to safely age in place is extremely important for the maintenance of independence, wellness and optimal quality of life in a person’s retirement years,” said Dr. S. George Kipa, deputy chief medical officer at Blue Cross.

ShareCare received a grant of nearly $50,000 from the fund for a project that began in October 2020. The grant money is being used to conduct a cost-benefit analysis that’s expected help the organization grow, attract additional support and become sustainable over time.

“We want to demonstrate that our services, which are mostly provided by volunteers, actually save the health industry money,” said Julie Tarr, executive director of ShareCare. “By helping seniors age safely in place, we can help reduce the need for costly health care, such as trips to the emergency department.”

Services provided by ShareCare include:

Rides to medical appointments
Grocery delivery
Weekly phone calls to check in on seniors
Home visits
Pet care if a senior becomes hospitalized

Seniors are charged an enrollment fee of $75 a year, which can be waived for those who aren’t able to pay. By comparison, the cost of receiving these services from a caregiver in the private market can be as high as $25 an hour.

With 40% of Leelanau County residents age 60 and older, many of them need such services and are living on fixed incomes. “In a rural area like Leelanau County, it’s easy for seniors — many of whom no longer drive — to become isolated,” said Tarr. “Social isolation can become a real problem, and it’s one we’re trying to address.”

*Dr. Simmer, who is retiring at the end of this year, is transitioning his responsibilities to Dr. James Grant, who was named in June to succeed him.

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