West Central Minnesota offers a range of support groups and health resources aimed at enhancing the well-being of older adults. These initiatives focus on socialization, education, and health management, providing vital assistance to seniors and their families.
Respite Care and Support Programs
Lutheran Social Service provides adult respite care for individuals aged 60 and older every Wednesday from 10:00 to 14:00 at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 310 Medayto Drive in Spicer. This program allows family caregivers to take a much-needed break while trained volunteers facilitate safe and engaging activities for participants, including exercise and music. Interested families must register by calling 866-787-9802.
Another essential program is the Aging Wisely initiative, which meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Willmar Community Center. This program aims to support the educational, social, and nutritional needs of older adults, featuring a different speaker each month. For inquiries, individuals can reach out to the Willmar Community Center at 320-262-5288.
Health Resources and Community Support
The American Red Cross facilitates blood drives throughout the region, where appointments can be scheduled at 1-800-RED-CROSS or online at www.redcrossblood.org.
For those affected by breast cancer, a peer support group meets on the first Monday of each month from 18:00 to 19:30 at the CentraCare — Willmar Cancer Center. This free group welcomes anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, regardless of their treatment stage. Questions can be directed to Lisa at 320-231-4483.
To address social isolation, the statewide Coffee Talk phone line offers a supportive chat service for older adults. Available weekdays from 08:00 to 12:00, this toll-free service, reachable at 877-238-2282, connects seniors with volunteers who understand their unique challenges. Privacy is prioritized, as only first names are requested during calls.
Other support groups include the Compassionate Friends chapter in West Central Minnesota, which meets at 19:00 on the third Tuesday of each month at the Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum in Willmar. This group offers comfort to families grieving the loss of a child at any age. For more information, interested individuals can contact Lois at 320-444-4334.
Specialized Care and Educational Opportunities
For caregivers of individuals living with dementia, a support and education group convenes at the Montevideo Veterans Home on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 10:30. Participants can join in person or virtually. For details, call Gretchen Reeves at 320-435-1291.
The Disability Hub MN serves as a free statewide resource network, assisting individuals in navigating community resources and government programs. Their knowledgeable team can be reached at 1-866-333-2466 during business hours.
Additionally, seniors can benefit from the 55+ Driver courses offered by the Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center. Completing this four-hour course can result in up to a 10 percent discount on auto insurance, with refresher courses required every three years. More information is available at www.mnsafetycenter.org.
Various other programs, including the Rev. Dean Johnson’s grief support group at Bethesda Chapel, Lutheran Social Service Meals on Wheels, and the Voices of Joy Memory Choir, provide critical support and engagement for older adults in the community.
These resources highlight the commitment of West Central Minnesota to support and empower its senior population, ensuring they have access to the care and companionship they need.