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Lotsa Helping Hands is an online calendar that allows families and friends to coordinate their care for a loved one. Most of us have experienced the crisis that ensues when a friend or family member suddenly needs care and supervision. And, to say the least, it can be difficult to coordinate caregiving responsibilities.

But technology may have come to the rescue in the form of an interactive and intuitive Web site that creates a “Web community” that defines volunteer activities using supplied templates and even invites new members to join in the effort. Volunteers can easily view and sign up for any number of available tasks, review their current commitments, and be assured they’ll not forget assignments—the Web site automatically sends out email reminders of upcoming obligations.

Community members also have access to private message boards, photo galleries, a means of sharing relevant Web links and documents and even a “Well Wishes” wall. In other words, everyone is kept “in the loop” and knows what’s happening and when.

The role of the “Coordinator” is central to getting Lotsa Helping Hands on track. They’re the first person to take the initiative of creating a free-of-charge community. This “lead person” then adds to the initial members and helps define volunteer activities. Anyone can be a coordinator but, usually, it’s a close friend or family member who’s aware of exactly what’s needed by the loved one who’s ill or incapacitated. In short, the coordinator is doing what would normally take a great deal of phone tag and email and converging it into one, highly efficient site that’s easy to access.

Perhaps you’re wondering how this service can be free. The answer is simple.  Sponsors make it possible—but they also understand that annoyances such as pop-up or animated advertisements won’t be used. Nor will Lotsa Helping Hands ever provide membership information, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers or email addresses.

For more information, e-mail info@lotsahelpinghands.com or visit the Web site at www.lotsahelpinghands.com. Chances are, if you’re a caregiver, your life just got a whole lot easier.