CareNet began providing support for the elderly and disabled in 1998 as a result of a collaborative effort between leaders of local congregations and social service agencies in Indiana County.

Over the years, CareNet volunteer caregivers have developed lasting friendships with care receivers and provided the following services:

Friendly visits: An hour each week whenever you have the time means so much to care receivers that never have visitors;

Shopping assistance: It is nearly impossible to go grocery shopping when you need a walker or wheelchair to get from one place to the other; by offering to pick up groceries every other week, you solve a very real dilemma for many of our care receivers.

Transportation: Even though we have public transportation, our care receivers need help getting in and out of a vehicle. There's many places a family or volunteer caregiver can go in place of the care receiver but the Dr's office or for hospital tests isn't one of them.

Respite: Family caregivers have a 36 hour a day job when they take care of one or both parents. By staying with the care receiver for 2 to 3 hours each week, you are not only giving the family caregiver a needed break, you are providing social contact for your care receiver.

The Matching Process

Once you give us a call, our Director will make an appointment to meet with the care receiver at his or her home. We want to know everything we can about the need and answer any questions you may have.

After the assessment, CareNet will be able to determine if a volunteer is available for weekly visits. Sometimes we are able to make referrals to other agencies for services needed.