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

This DARTS video series answers common questions and provides helpful examples and tips for older adults and caregivers, Thanks to support from the Minnesota Board on Aging’s dementia grant program, this series also provides information on common challenges that arise when someone has dementia. These helpful 3-5 minute videos answer questions we, as aging experts, frequently hear.

Group Respite: The Breathing Space

DARTS group respite, The Breathing Space, provides supervision and companionship with the addition of social engagement and 4 hours of brain-stimulating activities for care receivers, while caregivers can take a break. The program is designed for individuals with early- to mid- stage memory loss or other conditions that require some supervision.

There are two locations available for group respite:

Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan | Every Friday | 10AM – 2PM

Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul | Every Thursday | 10AM – 2PM

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?

Breathing Space group respite is supported by a Minnesota Department of Human Services Live Well at Home Grant and Allina Health.

Caregiving Support Groups

DARTS knows many caregivers and former caregivers need more support these days. We are here to help you on this journey.

In-Person and Virtual support groups available!

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.

Support Groups occur monthly on the following:

• 2nd Wednesday at 1:00pm at Thompson Park Activity Center in West St. Paul (In-person)

• 4th Wednesday at 1:00pm at Prince of Peace in Burnsville (In-person)

• 4th Wednesday at 6:00pm on Zoom (Online)

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

Kristin Knudsen (651) 529-0671 | kristin.knudsen@darts1.org

DARTS Main Number (651) 455-1560

Healthy Aging Resources

DARTS offers activities, seminars, and direct support in a variety of ways, including:

PEARLS

Aging comes with challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. Learn practical skills to boost your mood and improve your quality of life.
Discover the tools to thrive!
Learn more by clicking the link below.

Home Wellness Exploration

Meet with our Home Repairs Specialist and a Healthy Aging Specialist to explore ways to make your home more accessible and safe. Together, we’ll identify strategies and updates to help you live comfortably in the home you love.

Tech Buddies

Tech Buddies pairs tech-savvy volunteers with older adults who need a helping hand. Receive support with your smart phones, tablets, laptops, televisions, and other technology. Stay connected and in-the-know. Sign up for free support!

PEARLS is funded, in part, under an award with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.
Tech Buddies is funded in part by a grant from Minnesota Department of Human Services.

To learn more, call the DARTS Main Number 651-455-1560

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