Grand Marais—Cook County In-Home Support Program personnel are passionate about enhancing quality of life for elders and disabled individuals living in Cook County. Trained service providers are matched with county residents age 18 or older who have disabilities, or anyone age 65 and older who otherwise might find it difficult to accomplish tasks in their homes. Services include homemaking tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation and errands.
Service provider Amanda Olson stated, “My life has been both touched and enriched by the people I serve.” Feedback from service recipients have also been extremely gratifying; one recipient commented that her provider “has been a lifesaver.”
Providers work as independent contractors of Public Health and Human Services, and flexible work times are determined between service providers and the people they assist. A new provider may start with one or two service recipients, but as requests increase, service recipients may be added to a service provider’s schedule until they have their ideal amount of work.
The program continues to receive new referrals, while the number of providers remains steady. This creates a gap in coverage, making the need for new service providers even more urgent at this time.
A potential service provider must pass a background check and have a driver’s license and vehicle insurance. Providers receive competitive wages and some mileage reimbursement.
For more information or to apply to become a service provider of the Cook County In-Home Support Program, contact Anita Jeziah at (218) 387-3615, or email: anita.jeziah@co.cook.mn.us.