• 651-455-1560

  • 1645 Marthaler Lane, West St. Paul, MN 55118

“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.

Respite Volunteers

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.

Check out our newest videos! 

In-Home Aging Guidance

Starting August 2019, the In-Home Aging Guidance Grant is to help older adults (60+), who make up 14% of Dakota County residents, be connected to the resources to stay active in the community regardless of economic or physical barriers (US Census Reporter).

Older adults can reach out to DARTS (651-455-1560) and a Service Coordinator will offer a free in-home consultation. Family members or friends and neighbors can also contact DARTS about their aging friends, and options can be provided for support.  

“With more residents desiring to stay in their homes and
communities, this will be an important initiative to reach out to people and
help them stay where they most want to live,” said Dakota County Commissioner
Kathleen A. Gaylord.

Caregiving Support Groups

What happens when caring for a loved one gets too difficult on your own? What happens when your life shifts, and you no longer have the same responsibilities that once filled your free time? These questions are faced by many spouses, adult children and close friends experiencing the caregiving process.

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

Click the link below to find a caregiver support group near you.

Changes for 2021

Due to current health concerns regarding COVID-19, all caregiver support group meetings will be held remotely.

Click here for more information.

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

Cheryl Peterson 651-234-2249 | cheryl.peterson@darts1.org

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

DARTS Main Number 651-455-1560

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