Wednesday, December 22, 2010

2011 to Be Year of Family Caregivers

The year 2011 has been dedicated as a special year to recognize family caregivers. Caregivers are a very valuable resource to the communities of Koochiching County. Who are they?
A family caregiver is anyone who provides physical and / or emotional care for an ill or disabled loved one.  At a time when hospitals are releasing patients earlier and the elderly are living longer, more family members and friends are caring for their loved ones at home.  Often, they are finding themselves having to perform new and unfamiliar tasks.
In Minnesota, over 90 percent of needed long-term care is provided by a family member.  There are over 600,000 Minnesota caregivers. The average caregiver is a 46-year old working woman who provides almost 20 hours per week taking care of an elderly parent. Also, a growing number of men are providing care.
In the United States as a whole, one in four households is providing significant care to a family member, friend or neighbor who has a chronic illness, disability, or is elderly and frail.
We want caregivers to be informed about available resources, to recognize when they need help and to know how to ask for and accept assistance from others.
As Program Specialist for Koochiching Aging Options and the Koochiching County Care Consultant, Leslee Loop can provide caregiver consultant services. She can meet with you in your home to address your specific concerns and needs. And she can assist you in formulating a plan that will help you utilize resources in the community.
For more information, call Leslee Loop at 218-283-7030. You might visit http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/

Friday, December 3, 2010

Volunteer Visitors Needed for Senior Companion Program

The Senior Companion Program needs volunteers to visit isolated and lonely Koochiching County seniors. Senior Companions offer their friendship and support by providing a stable and regular presence; listening and offering encouragement to clients; assisting with groceries, personal errands, correspondence, etc. They are a vital resource to those they visit.
Volunteers are men and women age 55 and over who are in good health. They are asked to commit 15-20 hours of service per week. Benefits include a non-taxable hourly stipend, transportation reimbursement, insurance while volunteering, and on-going training and recognition.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Senior Companion, please call Koochiching Aging Options at 218-283-7030.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Welcome to the Koochiching Aging Options Blog

Welcome to our new blog.
Koochiching Aging Options is about exploring options and finding solutions to issues of aging for individuals and the broader Koochiching County community.
We are an independent, nonprofit, charitable organization. We administer numerous programs for older adults. We act as a major referral point, planner, collaborator and educator.
We plan to bring you information of interest through this blog. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit our website where you can explore our programs. Check out the resource list and the calendar of events. If you have comments or questions, you can find our contact information on the website – KoochichingAgingOptions.com.
Thank you for your interest.