Caregiver Educational Programs and Support Groups
DARTS offers community education, programs, and speakers on aging and caregiving issues and strategies. One-hour sessions include:
Critical Issues in Aging
Housing Decisions -- Housing decisions take on new dimensions as people age. Learn the pros, cons, and finances of staying at home, independent senior housing, home services, assisted living, and nursing homes.
Financial and Legal Issues -- Power of attorney, specialized insurance, financial needs, and other tough issues are best explored sooner than later.
Dementia and Memory Loss -- Many elders remain alert, yet most fear the loss of memory and reason above all else. Their families do, too. Learn about memory loss symptoms and complexities.
Community Resources -- Needs change continually as we age. Whether you are near or far from your elder, community resources can make life better. Explore service availability, costs, and benefits.
Strategies for Caregiving
Family Caregiving Strategies -- Learn about resources and strategies that can help maintain everyone's dignity and connectedness.
Critical Conversations -- Good communication strategies help families build cooperation, develop work plans, and make decisions.
Family Dynamics: Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate? Everyone has personal belongings—such as wedding photographs, a fishing rod, or a yellow pie plate—that contain meaning for them. Plans for passing on such items can be challenging, and may lead to family conflict. Learn practical information about inheriting personal property and identify key factors in planning the transfer of family property.
All community sessions are presented by DARTS professionals and include a question-and-answer period. They are supported by funding from the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (through the federal Older Americans Act) and the Greater Twin Cities United Way.
For Twin Cities businesses, DARTS offers on-site education for working caregivers. To learn more, call 651.455.1560 or email us.
Caregiver Support Groups. Meeting other caregivers who truly understand what you are going through can be an invaluable source of support. DARTS brings you and other caregivers together to discuss concerns with knowledgeable professionals and to learn from others who are walking down the same road. DARTS service coordinators lead the groups.
- Apple Valley support group, fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. (light dinner served), Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley
- Eagan support group, second Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Commons on Marice, Eagan
- Lakeville support group, third Wednesday of each month, 1:00-2:30 p.m., Highview Hills, Lakeville
Call 651.455.1560 or email for more details.
