Caregiver Services

“I wish I had known about ______ when my loved one got older.”

Being a caregiver as a spouse, child, or friend of an aging adult can take a toll on everyone – your life is simply not the same. Because this can happen to anyone, access to information is key to navigating aging in a positive way.

Caregiver Counseling and Coaching

DARTS provides caregiver counseling and coaching to people caring for an aging loved one. This service allows for informal education and support based on your specific needs.

Through the guidance of a social worker, get expert direction on resources from planning options and decision-making to having challenging family conversations.

Family Meetings

It takes a village to provide support across generations. Family meetings bring family and friend support together and facilitates discussions about planning for the future of a loved one and the various care options available.

Individual Respite

Everyone needs a break from their responsibilities once in a while. DARTS strives to make that break happen for family caregivers by offering in-home respite volunteers for up to four hours a week. Compassionate, well-trained volunteers provide supervision and companionship to the person who is frail or ill, so that the caregiver can take a break, knowing their family member is safe.

Let’s Talk About Aging

In this new video series by DARTS, Information and Resource Consultant Sandy Ostby will answer common questions with the help of our social services team and provide helpful examples and tips for older adults and caregivers. Thanks to support from the Minnesota Board on Aging’s dementia grant program, this series will also provide information on common challenges that arise when someone has dementia. These helpful 3-5 minute videos answer some of the most common questions we hear as aging experts.

Group Respite:
The Breathing Space

Recharge and Take a Break: New Group Respite!

DARTS group respite, The Breathing Space, provides supervision and companionship with the addition of social engagement and 4 hours of brain-stimulating activities. The program will be led by a DARTS staff member with support from a team of volunteers. The program is designed for individuals with early- to mid- stage memory loss or other conditions that require some supervision. During a session of The Breathing Space, participants, volunteers, and staff enjoy activities that stimulate the brain and promote community. Examples include music, games, exercise, discussion groups, art activities, guest speakers, and more.

There are two locations available for group respite:

Eagan: Begins Friday, September 9, 2022
Easter Lutheran Church (4545 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan)
Bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month
9:00AM – 1:00PM

West St. Paul: Begins Thursday, October 6, 2022
Augustana Lutheran Church (1400 S Robert St, West St Paul)
Bi-weekly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month
9:00AM – 1:00PM

Participation in The Breathing Space program is free! Pre-Registration Required to participate. Call DARTS at the number below to register.

Call DARTS to register: (651) 455-1560

Interested in Volunteering? Learn More Here!

The Breathing Space group respite is supported by Allina Health.

Hastings Memory Café

Memory can be a daily challenge for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s and their care partners. That’s why DARTS created Memory Café, a safe place for those with memory challenges and their loved ones to connect with others in similar situations over coffee and treats.

“When you have memory loss or are caring for someone with memory loss, outings can be very challenging. Our Memory Café will provide a comfortable space to connect with others in the community.” ~ Tabatha Barrett, Director of Social Services at DARTS

DARTS Memory Café meets at the Hastings Senior Center (310 River Street, Hastings, MN 55033) the second Thursday of each month from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Caregiving Support Groups

DARTS knows many caregivers and former caregivers need more support these days. We are here to help you on this journey. Call DARTS to learn more and to find a caregiver support group near you.

In-Person and Virtual options!

Some caregiver group meetings will be held virtually via Zoom.

To receive a Zoom or phone meeting invitation to a virtual meeting, please call or send an email to Vicki Patterson (information below) by noon of the scheduled date. You may also call with questions or caregiver support at any time.

Vicki Patterson (651) 234-2255 | victoria.patterson@darts1.org

Robin Forsythe (651) 234-2249 | robin.forsythe@darts1.org

DARTS Main Number (651) 455-1560

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