Paving the way for Portland, Maine,
neighbors to age in place

Independent Seniors Network makes a difference because we start with what seniors believe they need – on their own terms. We are able to provide a wide range of community-based volunteer services that are requested by seniors or family/friends. We believe that seniors who wish to keep their independence should be able to stay in their own homes.

Acceptable Member Services:

• Transportation includes round trip and one-way rides to the following destinations:
  • Medical appointments such as office visits, therapy sessions, dentists, etc. Not including rides to or from an appointment involving anesthesia such as colonoscopies or cardiac catheterizations.  
  • Daytime Portland Area social/cultural events and senior activities
  • Grocery shopping 
  • Hairdresser or barber appointments
  • Running errands
• Respite of up to 3 hours for a caregiver (companionship, not medical care)
• Phone check-ins and friendly visits
• Information about other senior resources in the community
• Computer/technolopgy assistance
• Assistance with shopping for groceries, gifts, prescriptions, household items (either accompanied or unaccompanied)
• Light household chores such as:
  • Changing light bulbs or batteries
  • Hanging pictures
  • Taking trash to the curb and retrieving receptacles
  • Returning Clynk bottles
  • Indoor hohliday decorations
  • Organizing
  • Light gardening
  • Simple handyperson jobs ( no lifting over 25 pounds or ladders)

Services we cannot provide:

• Medical assistance of any kind
• Urgent or on-call transportation
• Hands-on care
• Wheelchairs
• Snow removal
• Activities that require extension ladders or heavy lifting over 25 pounds

Services must be requested 7-10 business days prior to the date of service.  Please keep in mind that our office hours are 9:00-1:00 Monday through Friday.  This will allow us time to identify and schedule a volunteer for you. 

In the event that you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment for any reason, and we have already scheduled your service, we will do our best to make adjustments.  However, we cannot guarantee that our volunteers will have the flexibility in their schedules to keep your appointment.  We cannot guarantee a service for last minute changes.

Our volunteers who provide the services are fully vetted and undergo background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of our members.

Membership is open to Portland Maine Area residents who are age 60 and older.  Please see our membership eligibility requirements on the Frequently Asked Questions page.  The annual membership dues for individuals are $300 and for households are $375, with some scholarships available for lower-income residents. The fee covers a portion of our operating expenses.

Once a member, you may request specific services by calling our office and leaving a message with full details of the service you are requesting, including the date, time, and the service needed.  A volunteer coordinator will identify a volunteer who can perform the service and let the member know who it will be. Requests should be made 7-10 business days prior to the date, in order for the coordinator to confirm a volunteer.

If you are the child of a senior who might need services, or a concerned friend or neighbor, please let us know and we will reach out to them.

Apply to become a member today!

“It’s wonderful to be part of an Aging in Place Village.  I hope seniors will be able to take full advantage of all that is offered to them. Staying in your own home is the primary goal.” 

~Leah, age 94

Independent Seniors Network
(207) 370-1896
[email protected]