AITKIN COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES INFORMATION
A service is available for our seniors in McGregor—Aitkin County Adult Day Services. They are open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and transportation is available. The professional staff and volunteers provide a variety of services for frail, older adults in one setting to help maintain their level of independence and to give respite to the care giving families. The services include activities such as music, crafts, exercise, and discussion groups. They provide snacks, a hot noon meal, health and medication monitoring, and assistance with personal care, including showers. For more information, call the director at 218-768-4031.
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There are several other programs and agencies in Aitkin County whose goal is to provide support services so that older adults are able to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Some are free, some have fees based on a sliding scale, according to income, and some may be covered by insurance:
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Access North, 927-3748, can help arrange for home modifications, such as wheel chair ramps, to make home care possible.
Cheryl Stauter, from the Senior Citizens Office, 927-3811, can provide information on a wide variety of state and local
services available and help with Medicare Part D.
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Rides for Health, 927-4077, can arrange for transportation for doctor appointments or medical treatments.
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Aitkin County Health and Human Services has nurses and social workers who can arrange for other in-home personal care or housekeeping services. They can also work with a person to help them understand their insurance and medicare options and information. If you have an older family member, friend, or neighbor that seems to be struggling to carry on alone, or who is having any of the problems mentioned above, one of the county public health nurses can help you evaluate the situation and suggest options for help. Our own Lynne Kellerman is one of these nurses, and she would be happy to talk over the situation with you.
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Another program of Health and Human Services is the Senior Assisted Independent Living Program, led by Tricia Martin. She can help arrange for help with grocery shopping or getting prepared meals brought to the home. She has a Senior Companion Program with people who will come in and visit with a senior who may be feeling alone or isolated. She also has a Respite Care Program with people who can come in and stay with a patient, provide help and companionship, and maybe a light lunch, so the family caregiver can get out for a few hours.
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Numbers to call:
Aitkin County Adult Day Services (McGregor) 218-768-4031
Access North—218-927-3748
Senior Citizens—218-927-3811
Rides for Health—218-927-4077
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