Caregiver Support

Caring for an elderly family member can be a rewarding experience. It can also become physically and emotionally exhausting. Caregivers need to know that by taking care of themselves, they will be able to provide better and longer care for their loved one at home. VINE staff facilitates regular caregiver support groups, offers caregiver coaching, provides other caregiver resources, and is willing to advise adult children who are involved in the care of their aging parents. In addition, VINE’s Adult Respite Center provides a safe and social place for caregivers to bring their loved ones so they can have much-needed time for themselves.

Caregiver Coaching

Our professional staff is trained to provide caregiver coaching to family members and friends. The goals of coaching are to improve knowledge, technique, and support systems so caregivers can do the best possible job in providing care. Coaches are available to make referrals to community agencies, offer guidance in personal and family decisions, assist with health care directives, and provide emotional support when a loved one is admitted to a health care facility or passes on.

Learn More

Caregiver Support Group

Caregiving can be difficult and isolating. Gain insights and encouragement from others facing similar challenges. Registration is required.
• March 2, (first Tuesday of the month in-person)
• 2:30 – 4 pm
• St. Teresa Catholic Church, Mapleton
Group size is limited so call Joyce at (507) 386-5583 to register.

• Wednesdays, March 10 & 24, virtually
• 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Call Mary at (507) 386-5577 to register.

Film Library

VINE has a large collection of educational films available to assist families with their caregiving responsibilities. Call Mary Wichtendahl at (507) 387-1666 to arrange a convenient time to come to the VACC to view a film.

LGBTQ+ Caregivers

A priority for VINE Staff is to continue understanding and responding to the needs of our LGBTQ+ elders and their advocates. Support is provided as needed.

LGBTQ+ CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP:

Please call Joyce at (507) 386-5583 if you are interested in being part of a Virtual Support Group.

Feel welcome to access the following resources for more information:

Statistics Reguarding Older LGBT Americans

Identifiying and Referring LGBT Caregivers

Why the LEI is Needed

National Resource Center on LGBT Aging

OutFront Minnesota

Area Resources

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

• Six consecutive Thursdays, beginning April 15
• 1 – 2:30 pm
• VINE Adult Community Center
Powerful Tools for Caregivers … better self-care.

Weekly topics include challenges of caregiving, identifying signs and sources of caregiver stress, dealing with anger, guilt and depression, benefits of good communication, power of optimism, and making an action plan. Joyce Kolbet and Mary Wichtendahl will conduct the series. Join us and learn how to thrive as a caregiver.

For more information or to register, call Mary Wichtendahl at (507) 386-5577. Class size is limited, so register soon. Cost is $35 for the Caregiver Helpbook; donations for the classes are encouraged.