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Koochiching Aging Options Services
For more information on these services call Koochiching Aging Options: 218-283-7030 or 1-800-950-4630
or email: KoochichingAgingOptions@gmail.com
Groceries to You!
Koochiching Aging Options started the Groceries to You! program in 2013. Those living in the International Falls area who are 60+ years old and have difficulty getting out of the home to shop can register for this service. Participants call in their orders on Tuesday mornings, and volunteers shop for and deliver the groceries the following day. Participants send payment for the groceries directly to the store. A contribution for the service is requested of those able to make a donation. We ask that participants pre-register for this service by calling Koochiching Aging Options.
Koochiching County Caregiver Consultant/Dementia Support Specialist
The Koochiching Caregiver Consultant Program assists anyone who is helping an older county resident meet the challenges of daily life. Call us if you are in a care-giving role and wish to have some help in assessing your own needs, learning about options and making plans, coordinating services and finding needed support. This program is made possible in part with a federal Older Americans Act grant from the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. The Dementia Support Specialist provides information to those concerned about cognitive issues, assists those living with a dementia such as Alzheimer's disease and provides support to those providing informal care. The Minnesota Board on Aging provides funds for this support service as well as for the Memory Café.
Koochiching Good Visit Program
The Koochiching Good Visit Program links volunteers with more socially isolated individuals for friendly visitation, check-ins and shared activities. From weekly phone calls to shared errands and activities outside the home, Good Visit volunteers can make a huge difference in the lives of those who welcome the special contact provided by this program. Call our Program Specialist at 218-283-7057 to volunteer or request a visitor.
Koochiching Memory Café
The Koochiching Memory Café provides a social gathering place for those living with memory loss and their care partners. The café is held from one to three p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month in the Fireside Room of Faith United Church located at 1001 Fifth Street in International Falls. The café is intended for those individuals with early to moderate Alzheimer’s or other dementia and their care partners as well as those who may have worries about memory problems. The Memory Café encourages acceptance, support and friendship in a safe and engaging environment. Expert information and education is offered. The Memory Café is made possible in part with funding from a Minnesota Board on Aging grant program to help community organizations raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and to serve caregivers of people who have the disease.
Dementia Friends
Staff at Koochiching Aging Options have been trained as Dementia Friends Champions and are able to provide a one-hour session on the nature of dementia, communication strategies and making a commitment to making ours a "dementia friendly" community. The sessions are designed for young people as well as adults. We ask that at least four individuals commit to attending. Contact us for more information and to set up a session for your friends, your faith or community group, or your business.
Referral Services
One of our most important functions is to serve as a point of referral to other service providers and information sources. We keep a library of resource materials at our office.
Senior Companion
Senior Companions are committed volunteers aged 55+ who support elderly individuals who have difficulty with daily living tasks. Besides providing a regular visit, they help elderly neighbors live independently, doing for them what a friend would do for a friend. Essential activities with which volunteers help include transportation to medical appointments and help with household errands. To find out more call Koochiching Aging Options or Lutheran Social Service at 218-259-8000. The Senior Corps program is part of the Minnesota Senior Corps. Funding is provided by the Corporation for National & Community Service, the Minnesota Board on Aging, the United Way, Koochiching Aging Options and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.
Senior Wheels
The Senior Wheels program of Koochiching Aging Options helps Koochiching County residents aged 55+ to travel to medical appointments outside their community. Trips must be completed in one day. Volunteer drivers pick up participants at their residence, bring them to the site of the appointment and make the return trip. Drivers are reimbursed at the IRS mileage rate. To register as a client for a ride, call Koochiching Aging Options. This program is funded in part by Boise, the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, the Otto Bremer Foundation, the Northland Foundation, NorthStar Electric Co-operative, the Marshall N. Knudson Family Community Fund, and participants. Contributions by participants using the service are strongly recommended.
Tai Ji Quan
Tai Ji Quan is a fall prevention exercise program for older adults and those with physical limitations - to reduce the risk of falling. The 12-week program offers an evidence-based enhancement of traditional Tai Ji Quan into therapeutic training for balance and mobility. Training is for anyone of any ability and includeds chair-assisted to standing exercises. Home-based exercises are taught for out-of-class practice. Led by trained local volunteers, the classes meet twice weekly for an hour. Class size is limited. A cost-share contribution is requested but all are welcome. This class is presented in cooperation with the Juniper network at www.yourjuniper.org . Contact us or Juniper for more information.