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Our home county, from Greilickville to Northport

In-home senior care in Leelanau County

Leelanau County is where Independent Caregiver Services began. Joan and the original team worked with Sharecare of Leelanau for years before founding ICS in 2022, and many of our longest client relationships are on the peninsula.

Life out here is beautiful and remote in equal measure. When the nearest family member is an hour away and the nearest store is twenty minutes, a trusted caregiver who actually shows up isn't a luxury. It's what makes staying home possible.

From Empire and Glen Arbor near the Sleeping Bear dunes to Northport at the peninsula's tip, we keep care close to home so families across Leelanau aren't choosing between quality help and the place their parents love.

County seat
Leland
Nearest hospital
Munson Medical Center, Traverse City
Senior transit
BATA (Leelanau County routes)
Landscape
The Leelanau Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes lakeshore

Communities we serve in Leelanau County

  • Suttons Bay
  • Northport
  • Glen Arbor
  • Cedar
  • Empire
  • Leland
  • Lake Leelanau
  • Maple City

Between towns or unsure about your address? Ask us, we often say yes.

Why local matters in Leelanau County

  • Peninsula distances are deceptive: Northport to Traverse City is nearly an hour. Our caregivers are based locally, so visits are dependable rather than dependent on a long commute.
  • We know the county's resources, from Leelanau County Senior Services to accessible spots along the bay, and we help clients stay connected to the community they love.
  • Lake-effect snow closes peninsula roads first. Care schedules are planned around it, and our clients are never left wondering whether anyone is coming.
  • We coordinate easily with Leelanau County Senior Services and the peninsula's small-town networks, so care at home fits alongside the community support already around your loved one.

Words from Leelanau Co. families

5.0 Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars on Google

  • Gretchen Moorlag

    5 out of 5 stars

    Joan Bauer Kohler and her team took care of my parents both physically and mentally for almost 3 years. Joan was always reaching out and making those human connections to make my parents thrive. Joan and her team made conscious choices to bring laughter and joy to not just my parents, but to the whole family. When my parents were feeling sad, lonely, or overwhelmed, Joan was right there to ease their pain and frustrations with laughter and companionship. Making deep connections with people seems to be one of Joan's best attributes. To this day, three years after my parents' deaths, she wears a necklace with a bead enclosed with flowers from their memorial services. Because of her dedication and love shown to my parents, I consider her a member of our family.

    Posted on Google

  • Nina

    5 out of 5 stars

    I have been the lucky recipient of this caregiving business for 3.5 years. First when my husband died, and for me, a bit later. They have been so helpful and have not only become my caregivers, but they are my friends. I feel very comfortable with their thoughtful care and certainly recommend them for anyone needing home care services.

    Posted on Google

Helpful resources in Leelanau County

Local programs many of our Leelanau Co. families use alongside in-home care.

  • Leelanau County Senior Services County department in Suttons Bay offering programs, meals, and in-home support for peninsula seniors.
  • BATA (Bay Area Transportation Authority) On-demand rides across Leelanau to appointments, errands, and Traverse City.
  • Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan Region 10 agency in Traverse City for benefits counseling and caregiver support.
Asked by Leelanau Co. families

Leelanau County home care questions

Which Leelanau County towns do you serve?

All of them. Suttons Bay, Northport, Glen Arbor, Cedar, Empire, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Maple City, and the surrounding townships. Leelanau is our home county and our deepest coverage area.

What is your history in Leelanau County?

Joan and the founding caregivers worked for years as independent contractors with Sharecare of Leelanau. When 2022 policy changes required referrals to go to established businesses, they formed Independent Caregiver Services so the families they served would not lose their caregivers.

Can you help a parent who lives alone in a remote part of the peninsula?

Yes. Regular caregiver visits are especially valuable for seniors living alone in rural Leelanau, combining practical help such as meals, medications, and errands with companionship and a consistent safety check-in for the family.

Do you offer end-of-life care in Leelanau County?

Yes. We provide compassionate comfort care and coordinate with hospice providers so your loved one can remain at home on the peninsula, surrounded by family and familiar views.

Nearby: Traverse City · Grand Traverse Co. · Antrim Co. · Benzie Co.

No pressure, just a conversation

Ready to talk about care in Leelanau Co.?

Tell us what's going on and we'll help you figure out the right level of support, no pressure and no obligation.