www.partnersincare.org

Service-exchange or time-banking is the foundation for our network of support for seniors.

Help someone read their mail and in exchange have a ride to a medical appointment when you need it.

Pick up groceries for a neighbor and in exchange have your computer repaired.

Use your skills to repair someone's leaky faucet and in exchange have your errands run by a friendly helper.

The objective is to build community by engaging people to help each other with the myriad tasks involved in everyday living. Neighbors volunteer their time and talent to help seniors live with dignity and independence. Everyone has something to contribute and exchange and is valued for it.

Our members are "informal caregivers" who provide non-medical services to neighbors needing extra help. Volunteer services are matched to individual needs and may include transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, handyman help, yard work, or friendly visits. Volunteers are encouraged to utilize their individual talents, interests, and creativity as Partners in Care.

As the first service exchange program based in Maryland, Partners in Care is designed to help all Maryland residents and is simply one community member helping another. The vision is to network Partners In Care sites so that neighbors and families can help each other long distance. We are headquartered in Severna Park with a satellite office in Frederick.

What is Service Exchange? The service exchange concept is based upon the premise that everyone has something to contribute. By sharing skills among a large network of people, community is created and the tasks of daily living are accomplished. When a volunteer member performs a task, he earns credit hours that may be banked for use at a later date, donated to another person or to the general bank.

For instance, a seventy- year old woman drives another person to the doctor periodically. She earns hours in her bank. When her arthritis prohibits her from installing her storm windows, she calls for someone to come and help her. Two volunteers go out to put up the windows. One volunteer who performs the task donates his hours to an elderly neighbor, so that she will have "time in the bank" to call in if she needs groceries. His partner donates his hours to the general pool. Very frail seniors living in their own homes are grateful to have someone donating on their behalf, but also may give back by making telephone calls or by making a contribution. Having credits in the "bank" makes it easier to ask for help when it is needed. It is also a way to show how good deeds make stronger bonds in the community.

What types of services does Partners In Care provide? Partners In Care members provide help with daily non-medical tasks as friendly neighbors. Depending on the availability of volunteer help we may offer respite care, assistance with insurance forms, phone visits, letter writing, and limited yard work in addition to transportation and handyman repairs. Additional for-fee services include care management, arranging contractor services for larger repair issues, and home-sharing.

How do I request services? If you need help, call 410-544-4800, 301-682-5588 or 800-227-5500. We will set up a time to come out to meet you, conduct a brief interview and fill out an application. Once you become a member of the program, give us a call when you need help with something.

Reciprocity Volunteer match-makers work in the office every day linking people to each other. Those who need services on a certain day are matched to someone who wants to provide service on that day. Everyone contributes if possible. Today you may be on one side of the equation and on the other side tomorrow. Working together to identify and utilize assets in the community, we can use everyone’s time, talents, and skills to get the necessary jobs done.