Alternative
Senior Care, Inc (320)
352-3350 $16.50 /hr
Donna
Meissner, (320) 834-4889 or Cell : (320) 219-0119
"Home
Helpers" - Joel & Carla Forsberg,
(320) 239-2486 - Light chores and fix-up projects, transport to doctor,
barbershop, etc. Based in Glenwood, but will cover Douglas County
as far as Alexandria.
Smooth
Move -
Becky Strand,
(320) 304-0400 - Move management and settling-in service. 5601 Co Rd
21 SW, Alexandria, MN 56308.
MN Workforce
Center, (320)
762-7800 - listing of people willing to work for pay
COMPANIONSHIP/PEER
SUPPORT
See also Telephone Reassurance
Alternative Senior Care, 866-352-3350.
Provide personalized non-medical services available 7 days/week from
a few hours to 24 hours & live-in care including: caring companionship
& safety supervision, rise & shine or bedtime assistance, medication
reminders, monitoring of safety while bathing. $17.50/hr.
Elder
Network, 320-763-9084 - A peer volunteer counseling service
for elders by elders. A free in-home supportive service for individuals
needing emotional support due to life changes, loneliness, grieving
and other losses.
Senior
Companion Program, 320-762-2973 Helps homebound elderly
remain independent by assisting clients with errands, transportation,
and provide respite to primary caregivers.
Senior Clubs in Douglas
County, 320-762-3047
Ten communities have senior clubs for fellowship and fun with others.
CRIME
SomePlace Safe, 320-762-1995,
24 hour telephone hotline as well as assistance to seniors who have
been victims of crime.
Douglas
County Sheriff's Office, 320-762-8151
For emergencies, dial 911.
DISABILITY
Alexandria Area Disability
Awareness Council, 320-763-6678, Alexandria City Hall, Meets
once a month with direct access to city council and mayor. Meetings
open to public.
Rehabilitation
Services, 320-762-7809.
303 22nd Ave W, Suite 107, Alexandria MN 56308.
Counseling and services
to assist disabled adults in returning to or obtaining employment.
MN
State Council on Disability, 1-800-945-8913 or locally
call Brian Wagner 320-762-0580 A referral source for all disabilities.
Advises the legislature on issues involving disabilities.
Disability
Linkage Line - 1-866-333-2466.
Information and referral service for people of all ages with disabilities.
BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Computer
Access for the Visually Impaired, Community Education, 320-762-2149
District 206 Community Ed. Computer program scans written material and
greatly enlarges the size of type on the screen. Another program
converts writing and computer commands to voice, which allows blind
users to read, write, and make Internet connections. A third program
translated written material to Braille and prints on a Braille printer.
MN
State Services for the Blind, Margee Pfannenstein,
1-800-652-9000 Rehabilitations services and communication
services available to anyone of any age in Minnesota who has a vision
loss that creates a barrier to their vocational or personal independence.
Radio talking books, Tape and Braille transcriptions, Dial-in newspaper,
Braille instruction, Low vision services, Independent living skills,
Career exploration, Job placement and more.
National Library Service
for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 1-800-722-0550
Books, magazines, newspapers are in large print, braille, and disc/cassette
recorded. This is part of the Library of Congress.
Runestone Chapter, National Federation of the Blind, 320-759-5678
- They are a resource for information, advocacy and special adaptive
programs for blind people of all ages and their families. Meeting the
3rd Saturday, Congregational Church, Alexandria, 1:30 p.m.
VIPs (Visually Impaired
Persons), Bev Nelson, 320-763-3828 Meets
3rd Tuesday per month at the Alexandria Senior Center.
DEAF/HARD
OF HEARING
Deaf
and Hard of Hearing Services, 1-800-456-7589. TTY 1-866-488-3829.
218-739-7589 or 218-739-7591 TTY. Provides free assistance. Services
include: Information, Referral, Training, Resource Library, Interpreter
Referral, and Equipment Distribution Program. TTYs, phone amplifiers
and other special telephone equipment at no charge to those who qualify.
Website: www.dhhsd.org.
Starkey Hearing Foundation,
1-800-769-2799. 4248 Park Glen Road, Minneapolis,
MN 55416
Provides free hearing aids to individuals who cannot afford them. Offers
scholarships and educational materials.
Telephone
Equipment Distribution (TED) Program, 1-800-657-3663
or 1-800-657-3513 TTY
Provides telephone equipment to people who are deaf, hard of hearing,
blind or have a speech or mobility impairment and need adaptive equipment
in order to use the phone. The equipment is loaned out at no cost as
a long term loan. Available equipment includes TTY's, Captel phones,
VCO phones, light flashing ring signalers, amplified telephones, load
ringers, hands free speaker phones and more.
EMPLOYMENT
Experience Works - Senior Workforce Solutions,
1-800-450-5627 - A national, non-profit organization that assists
mature workers in finding employment and obtaining no-cost or low-cost
skills training. Job counselors will help interested persons identify
their interests, abilities and skills, and then match them up with available
training or jobs in their community. A representative will arrange an
interview at a convenient location to discuss the applicant's training
and job needs.
Minnesota
Workforce Center, 320-762-7800
- Counselors on hand to assist in your job search.
Energy Assistance
Contact West Central
Minnesota Communities Action at 218-685-4486 or 1-800-492-4805. Assists
income eligible renters and homeowners meet their home energy needs.
Eligible households receive financial help to pay energy costs. Assistance
is paid directly to the primary energy vendors.
EQUIPMENT/HOME
SUPPLIES
For those seeking to buy or rent hospital beds, oxygen, walkers, crutches,
wheelchairs, ostomy products, grab bars, elevated toilet seats, walker
replacement tips, lift chairs, etc.
Douglas County Home Health, 320-762-6036
Trumm Home Medical Specialties,
320-763-2575
West Central Minnesota Community Action,
1-800-492-4805
Rice
Home Medical, 1-800-642-5443. Glenwood - Delivers to Douglas
County Residents.
American Legion Post
87, Earl Gease, 320-763-6928
Loans out medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches,
etc. to veterans or their dependents free of charge.
Assistive Technology
Network of West Central MN, 218-736-4982
Provides consultations, fittings, repairs, modifications or adaptations
for wheelchairs, walkers, braces, prosthetics, and communication devices.
Assessments are provided free of charge.
Parish
Health Loan Closet - 320-762-2196 - A ministry of
First Lutheran Church, this service is free to anyone in the community
for as long as needed. Items for loan are walkers, canes, crutches,
bath chairs, reachers, wheelchairs, and assistance devices for bath
and dressing.
HEALTH
SERVICES
Home
Health Services
In-home care for persons needing assistance for medical problems and
daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, or medication
administration/reminders. Staff who provide care may include nurses,
therapists, homemakers, and/or home health aides.
Medicare
certified home care agencies that provide services in Douglas County:
ELEAH, 218-685-4461
(ask for Home Care)
Knute Nelson Home Care, 759-1270
Minnewaska Home Care, 320-239-7259
Prairie River Home Care, inc.,
320-255-1882
Recover Health, Inc, 320-846-0002
Sauk Centre Home Care, 320-352-2221
Stevens Community Medical Center Home Care
320-589-7629
Personal
Care Assistants - Call Douglas County
Public Health for a list of PCA Providers 320-763-6018
Foot Care Services
Pampered Feet Foot Care
- Caryn Rosengren, RN 320-834-2672
Basic foot care including: nail trimming, foot soaks, buffing corns
and calluses.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Douglas County HRA, 320-762-3849 Info & Referral,
periodic grant available for home improvement.
West Central Community Action Program, 1-800-492-4805
In home frail elderly independent living support project: provides modifications
to homes to improve the living environment of elderly individuals (age
60 and above). Offers grants of $150 per eligible individuals.
HOMEMAKING/HOUSEKEEPING
SERVICES
- See Chore Services
HOSPICE
Douglas
County Public Health, 320-763-6018
Special kind of care for dying people and their families that treats
physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Household
Items
The Caring and Sharing Room,
Sharing of gently used household items with the needy. Sofas, loveseats,
chairs, kitchen sets, mattresses/sets, bed frames, dressers, mirrors,
end tables, coffee tables, lamps, sheets, bed blankets, comforters,
mattress pads, pillows, dishes, glasses, pots/pans, flatware, kitchen
utensils, dish towels, bakeware. Donations are also welcome. 320-760-8084.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
American Red Cross,
320-763-3800 Douglas County, 700 Cedar St, Suite 110, Alexandria, MN
56308
Douglas
County Food Shelf, call 320-762-8411
for an appointment. Appointments taken on day of food shelf visit,
call early.
Douglas County Social Services, 320-762-2302 Medical
Assistance, Senior Drug Program, emergency assistance. Website: www.co.douglas.mn.cs/social_services.htm
Fax: 320-762-3833
Health
Insurance Counseling, 320-762-2974.
Free assistance with understanding, interpreting, and sorting out Medicare
papers, insurance billings, supplemental insurance and retirement planning.
Klothes
Kloset, 320-763-9888, 660 Northside Drive, Alexandria.
Used clothing, furniture, housewares, books, etc. at minimal cost.
Open 9 - 5, Monday - Friday.
Pension
Rights Project, 1-800-365-8765 A project of the
MN Sr Federation which will research and recover pensions lost due to
mergers, sales of companies, etc. Also offer pension counseling/choices,
rights, education.
Salvation Army,
320-763-6638 or 1-800-854-9001, 320-304-4233. Emergency food
or shelter. Financial assistance for transitional housing needs.
Tax Assistance,
MN Help Line 1-800-652-9094. IRS Help Line 1-800-829-1040.
Locally call Alexandria Senior Center, 1-320-762-2087 for help for seniors
in filling out tax forms.
Veterans
Service Office, 320-762-3883 Financial Assistance
for qualifying veterans for education, durable medical equipment, medications,
transportation, funeral expenses, nursing home/assisted living expenses,
as well as compensation & pension benefits.
West
Central Community Action Program, 320-762-3861 or 1-800-492-4805
Fuel assistance, home weatherization, grab bars, etc. for home.
FRAUD
Douglas
County TRIAD Committee, 320-762-3047 or Law Enforcement 320-762-8151.
Composed of volunteer seniors, professionals, and law enforcement to
educate and warn senior citizens about financial abuse done by caregivers,
business people, telephone marketing, and postal mailings, etc.
Charities Review Council,
1-800-733-4483
Your source of informed giving. With more Minnesotans interested in
giving to charities, and more charities asking for donations, the need
for information to help donors make informed giving is greater than
ever.
LEGAL
Disability Law Center, 1-800-292-4150 or 612-332-4668
TDD Provides legal services for the disabled regarding employment,
education and housing. Free, no income guidelines.
Legal
Services of Northwest Minnesota, 320-762-0663 or 1-800-450-2552
Provides legal services to the elderly. www.lsnmlaw.org.
email: legalaid@lsnmlaw.org.
Legal Services of Northwest MN is a private, non-profit corportation
which provides civil legal services without charge to low-income people
and senior citizens. When you apply, you will be asked for information
on income and assets of your household. Most applications will take
less than 5 minutes.
MENTAL HEALTH
Bridgeway Care Unit, 218-736-8208 Lake Region Healthcare
Corporation, Older adult psychiatric evaluation and hospitalization.
Compulsive Gambling Hotline, 1-800-247-1303 For help
and referral for those who are addicted to gambling. For additional
information
www.miph.org/gambling
Lakeview Chemical Dependency
Services, 320-762-8135 Outpatient care and support
for persons and families suffering from chemical dependency of all types.
Lakeland
Mental Health Unit, Marion Building 320-762-2400 or 1-800-450-4500
Offers a wide range of mental health services for individuals, families,
couples and children. Provides psychological and psychiatric services.
Vikingland Community
Support Program, 320-763-6261 Support system for the
mentally ill who are reentering the community.
NUTRITION
Congregate Senior Dining, nutritionally
balanced meal in a setting surrounded by friends.
Alexandria Senior Center, 320-762-2087
Gwen's Miltona Senior Nutrition,
218-943-5145
Mac's Diner, - Evansville 218-948-2450
Osakis Senior Center, 320-859-2325
Corral Senior Nutrition, Nelson,
320-762-2416
Kensington Senior Center, 320-965-2440
Muddy
Boot, Forada, 320-762-1635
Brandon,
Grandma Patty's Café,
107 Central Ave N Brandon, MN 56315 Call 320-524-2453
Douglas County University
of Minnesota Extension Service, 320-762-3890
Offers nutrition counseling and teaching free of charge to individuals
and to groups. They are also available to assist in budget shopping
and food preservation. They will take individuals shopping to learn,
or relearn, how to use a grocery store, take the food home, store it,
and prepare it.
Douglas
County Food Shelf, 1405
Lake St, Alexandria MN 56308. Call 320-762-8411 for hours.
Home Delivered Meals,
Alexandria 320-762-4280 or 1-877-677-3319 Nutrition Services, Inc Nutritionally
balanced meal delivered to the home throughout Douglas County.
Nutrition Assistance Programs for Seniors (NAPS),
320-762-3047, Receive a free box of food each month
for those who qualify. Income guidelines are generous.
PARISH HEALTH NURSES
Friendly visiting nurse hired by church congregations to visit homebound
for physical and spiritual needs.
Evangelical Covenant
Church, Alexandria, Darlene Steiger, 320-763-5659
Faith-Esther Lutheran, Miltona,
Jean Challeen, 218-943-2891
First Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Val Trumm & Arlyn
Davis, 320-762-2196
St. Ann's Catholic Church, Brandon,
Barbara Walters, 320-524-2462
St. Mary's Catholic Church, Alexandria,
Kathy Fischer, 320-762-2320
United Methodist Church, Alexandria,
Jocelyn Olson, 320-763-4624
Care
Team Program, A
partnership of Douglas County Churches and Elder Network to help meet
chore and transportation needs of seniors (55+) in Douglas County. Matches
a volunteer having the necessary skills with the person needing assistance
to help people continue living safely and independently in their homes.
Call Elder Network at 320-763-9084 or the care team liaisons at Calvary
Lutheran, Bethesda Lutheran, Evangelical Covenant, First Lutheran, Good
Shepard, Grace Lutheran, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Fahlun Lutheran,
St. Petri Lutheran, St. Luke’s Lutheran, St. Mary’s Catholic
and Shalom Lutheran (more churches soon).
PRESCRIPTION
DRUG ASSISTANCE
Health
Insurance Counseling,
320-762-2974,
Free assistance with understanding, interpreting, and sorting out Medicare
papers, insurance billings, supplemental insurance and prescription
drug help, including Medicare Part D, prescription drug cards, and free
prescriptions through drug companies.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
Let' Go
Fishing with Seniors,
Alexandria Area Chapter. Free fishing or boating excursions for senior
citizens. Scheduled almost daily from June through September. Bring
your friends, neighbors or community group. Call 320-762-3047 for more
information or 320-762-2149 to schedule your outing.
SOCIAL
SECURITY
Social Security Administration,
1103 Broadway, Alexandria, MN, 56308. (320) 762-2454 or 1-800-772-1213.
website: www.socialsecurity.gov.
Fax: 320-762-2726. Social Security (retirement, survivors and disability
benefits), medicare enrollment, supplemental security incomes and social
security cards.
SPEAKERS
BUREAU
Bethany Home,
320-762-1567 Topics: Nursing home questions,
volunteering, spirituality of aging, vocation, advanced directives,
and ministry of hospitality.
Douglas County Public
Health -Senior Citizen Office, 320-762-3047. Topics:
Issues & concerns of aging, Medicare, Health Insurance, Advanced
Directives, Activities, Aging Sensitivity, Identity Theft, Top Frauds,
etc.
Douglas County University
of Minnesota Extension Service, 320-762-3890. Topics:
Yard and Garden care, nutrition, personal property distribution, etc.
Legal Services of NW
Minnesota, 320-762-0663
Topics: Legal issues concerning seniors, Power of Attorney, Advanced
Directives, etc.
SUPPORT
GROUPS
Alcoholics
Anonymous, 763-6638. Support and recovery group for people
suffering with chemical dependency.
Al-Anon,
763-6638 A support group for families and friends
of chemically addicted.
Alzheimer's
Support Group,
meets at the Douglas County Library the 3rd Tuesday from 6 to 7:45 p.m.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,
(Lou Gehrig's Disease) Call A.L.S. Association for nearest location,
toll free 1-888-672-0484
Bi-Polar
Support Group, 320-834-3192
Brain
Injury Association of Minnesota, 1-800-669-6442
Cardiac Support Group,
Jennifer Rentz, DCH, 320-762-6005. Meets 3rd Wednesday, January,
April, July, and October at 4:00 p.m. At the DCH Education Room.
Caregiver
Support Group, 320-762-3047. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each
month from 2-4 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.
Crohns and Colitis Support
Group, Jeff, 320-239-2967 or Joli, 651-698-9626
Diabetic Support Group,
320-763-5123 extension 1035. Alexandria Clinic
Meets 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., at the Alex Clinic,
physicians lounge on level 2
Disability
Support Group, Meets the 4th Monday of each month at 5:15
p.m.
Contact Brian Wagner 320-762-0580
Divorce
Support Group, New Life
Christian Church, Contact Bruce Bouwman at 320-766-3907
Families
Anonymous, 320-762-0172. call Roger or Betty
For relatives or friends concerned about a loved one who is using and
abusing substances.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic
Fatigue Support Group, 320-763-5217
Meets 4th Thursday of the month, 7:00-8:30 pm, Douglas County Hospital
Education Room
Gastric Bypass / Weight
Loss Support Group, Peggy Werk 320-762-0605
Meets 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Douglas County
Hospital Education Room.
Grief
Support Groups, Carole Magnuson, 320-834-3101 or Anderson
Funeral Home, 320-763-5900
Call for periodic classes and times for various support groups.
Grieving
Parents of All Ages Support Group, Meets at the Alexandria
Clinic Sunrise Conference Center the 4th Monday of each month at 6:30
p.m. Call Kathy Fischer 320-763-5781.
Multiple Sclerosis Support
Group, Facilitators: Debbie Merten 320-859-5610, Dennis
Bestge 320-763-5009. Meets at St. Mary's Office Building the 2nd Monday
of each month from 5-6:30. p.m.
Muscular
Dystrophy Association, 952-832-5517 (Twin Cities Office)
or 701-235-1988 (Fargo Office) For support group information and
financial assistance for wheelchairs.
Manic Depression Support
Group, Carol Isaacson, 320-834-3192
Parkinson's Support
Group, Ann Hanson, 320-763-9520.
Meets 4th Wednesday each month 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church
Family Room.
Post Polio,
1-320-529-6500, ext. 6274. Community Education Center, St. Cloud.
REACH,
846-4522. Darlene Ernst. A support group for families with mental illness.
Rural Aids Action Network
(RAAN), 320-763-6018. Connie Fields.
Survivors
of Domestic Violence, Someplace
Safe 320-762-1995
Vikingland Community
Support Program, 320-763-6261 A support group
and center in downtown Alexandria for the mentally ill re-entering the
community.
VIPs (Visually Impaired
Persons), 320-763-3828. Bev Nelson
Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Alexandria Senior
Center.
Well Spouse Foundation,
1-800-838-0879
Provides emotional support for people married to someone with a chronic
illness.
TELEPHONE REASSURANCE
Care
Call +Plus, 888-264-6380 Heartland Security
A 24-hour per day emergency response phone system for your home for
medical emergencies.
Guardian
Alert 911, available
at Rice Home Medical or on-line. Directly call 911 at the push of a
button. The unit acts as a speaker phone, is battery operated, and is
abou tthe size of a cell phone. Since it calls 911 directly, you talk
directly to the 911 operator; it is used with a land line phone and
if you are unable to talk, the operator knows your address and phone
number and will send help; there are no monthly fees, and can be taken
with you and used any where there is a land line phone. Average cost
is from $150-$199, depending on where it is purchased.
THERAPEUTIC
RECREATION
See
also Mental Health and support groups.
Miracle Riders, Inc. 218-943-5216 Horse Riding
Center for the disabled. Any age, any disability, located near Miltona.
Bodyworks
Fitness Club, 320-762-1814
Exercise machines, aerobic classes. Located at 219 6th Avenue East,
Alexandria,
Lakes
Area Recreation, 320-762-2868 Located at 219 6th Avenue
East, Alexandria.
Offers a variety of therapeutic recreation including cardio room, gym
and heated swimming pool.
Racquetball
Plus, 320-762-0442
Exercise machines as well as offering aerobic exercise classes for seniors.
Includes racquetball courts. Located at 112 6th Avenue East, Alexandria.
Nelson
Wellness Center, 320-762-4317.
Located at 1220 Nokomis, Alexandria. Offers age-friendly signature programming
and cardiovascular and strength training equipment. A fitness and wellness
resource designed especially for seniors 55 or better that embraces
active aging with the six dimensions of wellness: emotional, intellectual,
physical, social, spiritual, and vocational.
TRANSPORTATION
Alternative
Senior Care, 1-866-352-3350.
$17.50/hr plus $.44/mile. (minimum of 1 hour). Assistance for errands,
appointments and recreation available 7 days/week.
Abbott
Northwestern Hospital Van Service, 1-800-258-1210
Call for rides to Abbot Northwestern Hospital.
Air transportation, Alexandria Municipal
Airport, 320-762-2111, Small jet and airplane rental, and/or
services with pilot.
Care Team Program, a
partnership of Douglas County Churches and Elder Network to help people
age 55+ in Dougals County. Call Elder Network at 320-763-9084.
Senior
Companion Program, 320-762-2973, Helps homebound elderly
remain independent by assisting clients with transportation, errands
and provide respite to primary caregivers.
Senior Taxi Cab Discount,
320-762-3876, Designed to attend to the necessities of living
so that you may remain in your own home. 10 tokens, $22.50 per month
for use anywhere within the city limits of Alexandria.
Taxi-cab companies in Alexandria: Radio Cab, 763-3333 and Viking Taxi,
808-5000
Rainbow Rider Bus,
1-800-450-7770. P O Box 136, 401 Florence Ave, Lowry MN 56349. website:
www.rainbowriderbus.com.
Rainbow Rider is your door to door public transit system available to
all people in Douglas County. Extra care is given to children and senior
citizens. Buses are handicapped accessible and have drivers who are
professionals with training in defensive driving, CPR, First Aid and
Passenger assistance. Rainbow Rider offers reasonable fares with punch
cards available.
Veteran's Van,
320-763-3883 For medical appointments only, travels to
St. Cloud and the Twin Cities on odd numbered days and to Fargo on even
numbered days. Veterans have first priority. Small fee for non-Veterans.
Volunteer Driver Program,
1-800-450-7770
Automobile transportation for those unable to ride the Rainbow Rider
bus or who need transportation out of the 4 county area. Fee based on
destination.
Greyhound Bus Line,
1-800-231-2222, Discounted fares for people 65+
Specialized Transportation,
Medi-Van, 1-800-422-0976 or People's Express, 1-800-450-0123.
Specialized transportation for ambulatory, wheelchair and stretcher
needs.
Wheelchair Van Rental,
Wheelchair Get-A-Way, 1-800-536-5518 or Wheelers, 1-800-456-1371
Handicapped accessible vans for rent and used sales.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Heart
of Lakes United Way, 320-763-4840 Area wide clearing
house for volunteer opportunities.
Retired
Senior Volunteer Program, 1-800-492-4805
Get credit, insurance, and recognition for volunteer work.
Senior
Companion Program, 320-762-2973. Help seniors remain
independent by assisting clients with transportation, errands and companionship.
Volunteers can receive a tax-free stipend.
Let's Go
Fishing with Seniors, Alexandria
Area Chapter. Volunteers are needed to help take seniors out fishing
or boating. We have our own pontoon. Senior outings are scheduled 4
days/week during the Spring, Summer and Fall months for approximately
3-4 hours. There is no cost to the seniors except for a fishing license
(if applicable). Call 320-762-3047 for more information or if you are
interested in volunteering.
Care Team,
Call your local
church or Elder Network at 320-763-9084 to learn more.
Knute Nelson,
320-762-1162. A
wide variety of opportunities for volunteering at Knute Nelson (skilled
nursing facility) and Nelson Gables (assisted living apartments).
