Caregiver Support

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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. Our services are open to the public. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Donations are greatly appreciated.

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.

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Caregiver Support Groups

Caregiving can be difficult and isolating. Gain insights and encouragement from others facing similar challenges.
All of VINE’s services, including these caregiver support groups and individual coaching sessions are open to people of any ethnicity, race, gender or sexual orientation.
Registration is required. Space is limited.

MAPLETON:
• 1st Tuesday of the Month
• 3 – 4 pm
• St. Teresa Catholic Church, Mapleton

Call (507) 386-5583 to register.
Registration is required.

LE SUEUR:
• 1st Wednesday of the Month
• 3 – 4 pm
• Zion United Church of Christ, Le Sueur

Call (507) 386-5583 to register.
Registration is required.

MANKATO:
• 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month
• 1:30 – 3 pm
• VINE Adult Community Center

• 3rd Wednesdays of the month
• 5:15 – 6:15 pm
• VINE Adult Community Center

• 3rd Thursdays of the month
• 3 – 4 pm
• VINE Adult Community Center

Call (507) 387-1666 to register.

Chat with Friends

People with memory loss and care partners are invited to join VINE staff in a comfortable setting to connect, socialize and build new support networks with peers. VINE’s Chat with Friends, formally Memory Cafe, is held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at VINE. Reminisce while you enjoy a treat.
Free and open to the public. Call Glenda at (507) 386-5571 to register.

Get Your Ducks in a Row

Have you been meaning to start gathering significant personal information, but not sure where to start? Getting all this information in one place can be a blessing to your loved ones after you die.
VINE can help! For $15, you can purchase a guidebook that will take you step-by-step through the information you should gather and it will provide your loved ones a single place to find everything. Give yourself and your family a sense of security and peace of mind.
To purchase a guidebook, call VINE at (507) 387-1666 and one will be set aside for you to pick up.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational series designed to offer caregivers the tools needed for 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. Join us and learn how to thrive as a caregiver.

The next Powerful Tools for Caregivers session will be held on Thursdays, May 2 – June 6 from 1-2:30 pm at the VINE Adult Community Center. The cost is $30. Class size is limited. Register before April 25 by calling Joyce at (507) 386-5583.