How to use 'a lot of'

In English, 'a lot of' can be used with countable or uncountable nouns.

a) When 'a lot of' is used in front of countable nouns, it takes a plural verb.
An example is:
A lot of people prefer tea to coffee.

b) When 'a lot of' is used with uncountable nouns, it takes a singular verb. The following sentence is such an example:
A lot of patience to care for the elderly.