Helpful Resources

Locating help can be overwhelming...

Note: We provide this list of resources for FCNs to help them serve their clients. Despite our efforts to keep this list updated, some of these resources/links may be outdated due to frequent changes in websites. Usually, if you do a “search” in your browser for the name of the organization, it will come up even if the link is outdated. 



As with all internet resources, use wise discretion if a site appears to be corrupted or requires your personal information. The sites ending with .gov and .org are non-profit sites and usually safe.

We are blessed to work alongside many organizations and institutions within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area - These organizations are a tremendous assets and resources to our community.

County Agencies in the Twin Cities Metro Area

The County is a good resource for helping individuals get connected to services and assistance like Elderly Waiver, Emergency Assistance, Food Assistance, etc.

Networks and Referral Organizations

  • MN Aging Pathways, formerly Senior Linkage Line  https://mn.gov/aging-pathways/  OR call 800-333-2433 (staffed Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 4:30 pm)
  • While most resources that MN Aging Pathways connects people to are for older adults (caregivers and medicare), all ages are welcome to use service.
  • Live At Home Network https://lahnetwork.org/find-a-program/
  • LAHN (Formerly Block Nurse Programs) transforms the landscape of healthy aging across Minnesota by empowering our community-based partners with resources, advocacy and collaboration. Members include SE Seniors, Northeast Seniors, Eastside Seniors,Hamline Midway Seniors, etc. Common services include offering companionship and social events, transportation, food services, household upkeep, and many more.
  • United Way 211: Formerly First Call for Help. Dial 211

A great “One-Stop” resource is https://www.findhelp.org/. As FCNs we can enter the location and type of resource we’re searching for and the site will bring up many different options.


SECTION I: AGING RESOURCES

Federal Government Resources:

  • Medicare information: https://www.medicare.gov/  (Also see Section V: Medicare and Insurance)
  • Federal and State Agency Access for Seniors:  www.seniors.gov: One-stop site featuring government and agency services for seniors; offers a wide range of information and governmental services.
  • National Health Information Center: www.healthfinder.gov: 1-800-222-2225; TTY: 1-800-222-4225. Operated by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Directory of services and links to agencies and data bases: On-line publications, web sites, support and self-help groups, as well as government agencies and non-profit organizations that produce reliable information for the public.
  • Administration for Community Living: https://acl.gov/ Operates the National Family Caregiver Support Program through the Minnesota Board on Aging. Site offers program finder and print and web resources.
  • Eldercare Locator: www.eldercare.gov: 1-800-677-1116: A public service of the US Administration on Aging. Provides a connection to resources that enable older adults to live independently in their communities. Links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies and community-based organizations that serve older adults and caregivers. 
  • National Association of Agencies of Aging: www.n4a.org: (See Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging below.)
  • Nursing Home/Home Health Compare: www.medicare.gov/NHcompare or Top of the DocumentCheck ratings based on outcomes of Medicare-certified nursing homes or Home Health Agencies.
  • National Institute on Aging: www.nih.gov/nia. Leads the federal effort on aging research. NIH Senior Health (www.nihseniorhealth.gov) offers free Age Pages under “Healthy Aging” on many topics relevant to older adults and caregivers.
  • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Benefit Center: www.va.gov: St. Paul Regional Office: 1-800-827-1000.

Minnesota:

  • Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS): www.dhs.state.mn.us: Aging and Adult services: 651-431-2606. DHS supports quality care and services for older Minnesotans so they can live as independently as possible. The web site provides an overview of services for seniors in Minnesota. Services are accessed through the counties. See NOAH’s county-by-county resource sheets or on the DHS web site, select counties/regional offices. Also provides information and resources for people with hearing loss
  • Minnesota Department of Health: www.health.state.mn.us: 651-201-5100. Medicare supplement plan complaints.
  • State Board on Aging: www.mnaging.org: 651-431-2500 or 1-800-882-6262. Gateway to services for seniors and their families. Works closely with area agencies on aging. 
  • Assistive Technology: Help for clients who may need assistive technology.  https://mn.gov/admin/at/
  • Attorney General’s consumer protection: www.ag.state.mn.us: 651-296-3353. Look under “Seniors”.
  • Minnesota Office of Health Facilities Complaints: 651-201- 4201 or 1-800-369-7994.
  • Ombudsman Office for Older Minnesotans: www.ombudmhmr.state.mn.us: 651-431-2555 or 1-800-657-3591.
  • Living at Home resources: http://lahnetwork.org/
  • Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly Senior Linkage Line) https://mn.gov/aging-pathways/ or call 800-333-2433 (hours are Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time)

Non-profit and Community Organizations: Resources for Aging

National:

  • National Council on Aging: www.ncoa.org: 1-202-479-1200. Information on aging issues and caregiving. A national, nonprofit organization that tracks publicly funded income and service programs available through community agencies like the area agency on aging. 
  • Benefits Check Up at: www.benefitscheckup.org is a free online service to assist older adults in accessing these services.
  • Center on Age and Community: www.ageandcommunity.org: Family caregiving focus, including the League of Experienced Family Caregivers (LEFC).
  • Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP): www.aarp.org: 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).
  • American Academy of Home Care Physicians: www.aahcp.org: 1-410-676-7966. Locator for house call programs in specific areas.
  • Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF): www.patientadvocate.org: 1-800-532-5274. Many resources under “Educate: Senior Services.”                   
  • National Association of Senior Move Managers: www.nasmm.org: 1-877-606-2766. Locator for senior move managers.
  • Alliance for Aging Research: www.agingresearch.org: 1-202-293-2856.
  • Next Step in Care: nextstepincare.org

Minnesota

  • Minnesota Eldercare Rights Alliance: www.eldercarerights.org: 952-854-7304. Advocacy and education.
  • Partners in Community Supports: PICS: www.picsweb.org:  A nonprofit organization based in Bloomington that helps older adults on elderly waiver get the most out of their waiver program. A subsidiary of Lutheran Social Services.
  • Elderworks.org
  • Senior Community Services: www.seniorcommunity.org: (Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Plymouth); Offers everything seniors and caregivers need in one easy-to-access program.

Caregiver Support Non-Profit or Community Organizations:

National         

  • National Alliance for Caregiving: www.caregiving.org: A national nonprofit agency for caregivers. Offers tips for caregivers, free studies and brochures on care-giving. Offers searchable access to hundreds of caregiving resources through an easy-to-use topical guide. Downloadable booklet: “Care For the Family Caregiver”.
  • National Family Caregivers Association: www.nfcacares.org: 1-800-896-3650; E-mail: info@nfcacares.org. National charitable organization for caregivers offering information, education (tips, tools, How-To-Guides), support, public awareness, and advocacy. Free membership benefits include quarterly newsletter, “Take Care.”
  • Family Caregiving 101: www.familycargiving101.org: Offered by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the National Family Caregivers Association. Features: How to Manage: steps and checklists to prepare for caregiving; stages of caregiving.
  • National Caregivers Library: www.caregiverslibrary.org: A wealth of information including: “Caregiving Basics” and “Caring for Yourself.”
  • Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP): www.aarp.org: 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Minnesota office: 952-858-9040.  Click “Relationships;” then “Family;” then look for the Caregiver Resource Center. Provides a caregiver tool-kit, information for caregivers of vets and long distance caregivers. Offers a downloadable document, “Prepare to Care” at www.aarp.org/foundation/preparetocare.
  • The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving. www.rci.gsw.edu: Dedicated to understanding the process of care giving for chronically ill patients. Resources and publications for caregivers. Provides telephone learning series on caregiver issues with archives of past broadcasts.
  • Children of Aging Parents (CAPS): www.caps4caregivers.org: 1-800-227-7294. Provides assistance to caregivers of the elderly with reliable information and referrals, a network of support groups, and publications. Free membership. Caregiver guide.
  • Visual Caregiving: www.videocargiving.org: Visual education center for caregivers. Video clips on several subjects related to caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s, including: “Simplifying Tasks for the person with Alzheimer’s” and “Driving: Recognizing Trouble Ahead.”
  • Next Step in Care: https://www.nextstepincare.org/: Checklists and guides for family caregivers, including downloadable discharge planning booklet.

Minnesota


Section II:   Organizations Representing Service Providers

Adult Day Care

National: https://eldercare.acl.gov/public/resources/factsheets/adult_day_care.aspx

State:

  • Minnesota Adult Day Services Organization: www.madsa.org: Information about Adult Day Services and selection of an Adult Day Program.

Home Care

Federal: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Search_Results.aspx

State:

  • Minnesota Home Care Association: www.mnhomecare.org: 651-635-0607. Offers a member list of home care providers.

Hospice (See Advance Care Planning)

Assisted Living, Housing and Nursing Facilities

  • Aging Services of Minnesota: www.mhha.com: (Formerly Minnesota Health and Housing Alliance).
  • Represents nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.
  • American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging: www.aahsa.org: 1-202-783-2242. 


Section III:  Disease-specific Resources

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Resources

  • Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org: 1-800-272-3900 (24-hour information line). Many helpful resources. Under “We Can Help” find links to Lotsa Helping Hands, a private web-based caregiving coordination service that allows family, friends, neighbors (etc.) to create a free group calendar to assist caregivers.
  • Minnesota/North Dakota branch of the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alzmndak.org; 952-830-0512 or 1-800-232-0851.
  • Alzheimer’s Association CareSource at www.alz.org/caresource: An easy-to-navigate, one-stop web resource for everything the caregiver of an older adult with Alzheimer’s needs to know about finding and planning care for a person with Alzheimer’s. Services are free. Careging101: www.alz.org/we_can_help_caregiving101.asp. Click “Free! Caregiving Publications” then, “Caregiving” for a long list of downloadable tip sheets. www.alz.org/stresscheck: A stress checklist and resources.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center: www.nia.nih.gov/ahzheimers : 1-800-438-4380. Useful information under Alzheimer’s Disease Publications, including a caregiver guide developed by the National Institute on Aging: “Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide.” This guide can be downloaded or a free print version ordered at this web site under “Publications”.
  • U of MN N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care: Alzheimer’s research: www.memory.umn.edu: 612-273-8720.
  • Alzheimer's & Dementia Information | Roseville, MN - Official Website: City of Roseville has a volunteer network of individuals, caregivers, and organizations that have created a very comprehensive list of resources.

Dementia and Driving

  • The Hartford Group: http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com/safedriving: Look under “Your Car;” then “Older Driver Safety;” “Dementia and Driving” for a downloadable booklet: At the Crossroads: Family Conversations about Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia and Driving.

Early Stage Memory Loss Programs (Call numbers listed for dates and fees.)

  • Memory Club: An 11-week psycho-educational program designed to meet the needs of both the person with memory loss and a family member or friend by supporting and empowering individuals and care partners as they deal with early stage Alzheimer’s disease and related memory loss disorders.
  • Locations: 
  • Wilder Center: 451 Lexington Parkway N., St. Paul, MN 55104. Kathryn Ringham; 651-280-2295; ongoing sessions. Sliding scale suggested fee.
  • Park Nicollet Clinic: 3850 Park Nicollet BLvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416. Ongoing sessions; no fee at present. Connie Marsolek (952-993-5848) or Karen Gallagher (952-993-6506).
  • Walker Art Center “Journeying” program for those with early dementia, https://walkerart.org/access-programs

Other Disease/Condition-specific Organizations

  • American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org: 952-835-3300 or 1-800- 331-6889. Under “Caregiver” on the web site, find “Ten Top Tips to Refresh yourself.”
  • Arthritis Foundation: www.arthritis.org/caregivers-parents.php: 651-644-4108. Many useful tip sheets, including, “Making the Home Safe.”
  • American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org: 1-800-227-2345. Helpful resources, such as, “After Diagnosis: A Guide for Patients and Families.” Click “Find Support and Treatment.”
  • American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org: 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or Minneapolis office: 763-593-5333. Click on “Living With Diabetes;” then “Seniors;” then “Planning for a Healthy Life” for helpful information.
  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society: www.nationalmssociety.org: 1-800-FIGHT-MS (1-800-344-4867). Find information under “Living with MS.”
  • Multiple Sclerosis Society of Minnesota: www.mssociety.org: 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296.
  • National Association for Continence: www.nafc.org: Look under “Bladder and Bowel Health” for useful information.  1-800-BLADDER (1-800-252-3337).           
  • Agency for Health Care Research and Quality: Urinary Incontinence in Adults Clinical Practice Guideline Update: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uiovervw.htm.
  • National Eye Institute: www.nei.nih.gov: Look under “Eye Health Information.”
  • American Pain Foundation: www.painfoundation.org: 1-888-615-pain (7246). Look under “Pain information and Publications.” 
  • American Parkinson Disease Association: www.apdaparkinson.org: 1-800-223-2732.
  • Provides a link to the National Resource Center for Rehabilitation which provides a toll-free help-line by which persons may ask a physical therapist questions about exercises, get information on programs in the caller’s area and get education materials. Links also to Lotsa Helping Hands, a private web-based caregiving coordination service that allows family, friends, neighbors (etc.) to create a free group calendar to assist caregivers.
  • Minnesota Parkinson’s Association: www.parkinsonmn.org:  763-545-1272. Offers links to important Parkinson centers, Parkinson’s respite grant application, support group information.
  • Struther’s Parkinson’s Center: www.parknicollet.com/methodist/parkinsons: 952-993-5495 or 1-800-993-5495. “Find a Doctor” service.
  • American Stroke Association: www.strokeassociation.org: 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653). Click “Life after Stroke;”, then “For Family Caregivers” for a lot of useful information and tips.
  • Minnesota Stroke Association: www.strokemn.org: 763-553-0088. Click “Family and Caregivers;” then “Information about Caregiving.”
  • National Stroke Association: www.stroke.org: 1-800-STROKES (1-800-787-6537). Click on “Caregivers and Families.” Provides a link to Lotsa Helping Hands, a private web-based caregiving coordination service that allows family, friends, neighbors (etc.) to create a free group calendar to assist caregivers.


Section IV:    Alphabetic Listing of Other Resource Topics

Domestic Violance, Abuse and Neglect

National

Minnesota:

Adaptive Equipment Resources

  • National Rehabilitation information Center: www.naric.com: 1-800-346-2742. Main focus is disability, but lists resources.
  • Independent Living Aids: www.independentliving.com: 1-800-537-2118. Ask for catalogs with eating utensils and devices. 
  • Assisted Living Store: www.assistedlivingstore.com: 651-769-1574 or 1-888-388-5862; 199 Bridgepoint Dr., So.St. Paul, MN 55075. Medication management, linen products, garments, etc. 
  • Life With Ease: www.lifewithease.com: 1-800-966-5119. Disability equipment. 
  • The Wright Stuff: Arthritis Supplies.com: www.arthritissupplies.com: 1-877-750-0376.
  • Patterson Medical: Sammons Preston: www.pattersonmedical.com: Aids to daily living and other resources.

Easy to wear clothing: 

LOANS of Adaptive Equipment:

  • Goodwill Easter Seal Loaner Equipment: 553 Fairview Av. N., St. Paul MN 55104; 651-379-5922 or 651-379-5800 Ext. 6. Walkers, commodes, wheelchairs, durable medical equipment, etc.
  • Assistive technology and equipment re-use program: www.admin.state.mn.us/assistivetechnology.

Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Resources

National:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/acp-resources-public.pdf (lists many helpful websites on this topic)
  • National Hospice and Palliative Care Association: Caring Connections: www.partnershipforcaring.org: Click on “Caring for Someone” for many caregiver suggestions and resources and for information about advance directives that comply with state law; 1-800-658-8898.
  • Aging With Dignity—Five Wishes: www.agingwithdignity.org: Privately-funded organization emphasizing end-of-life care for the elderly. The “Five Wishes” document, developed in conjunction with the American Bar Association to help plan end-of-life issues, is for sale. 
  • Growth House: www.growthhouse.org:  “The internet’s leading on-line community for end-of-life care. Award-winning gateway to resources for life-threatening illness and end-of-life care. Includes chat rooms. “Handbook for Mortals” offers much useful information.
  • The Living Bank: www.livingbank.org: Non-profit dedicated to the enhancement of organ donation; 1-800-528-2971.
  • Dying Well: www.dyingwell.org. Defining wellness through the end of life.
  • A&A Publications: Hard Choices: www.hardchoices.com: Provides resources to professionals, patients, and their families with life-threatening illness.  Two helpful books (Hard Choices for Loving People and Light in the Shadows) are for sale at a minimal cost or are down-loadable for personal use.

Minnesota:

  • Honoring Choices Minnesota https://www.honoringchoices.org/ Includes health directive forms and many resources for helping clients with advance care planning.
  • Hospice Minnesota/ MN Network of Hospice and Palliative Care: www.hospicemn.org or www.mnhpc.org: 651-659-0423 or 1-800-214-9597. Information about local hospice programs or to get more information about hospice, end-of-life care options or educational programs.
  • Palliative Care Providers:
  • Allina Home & Community Services Advance Care Planning: 651-635-9173 or 1-800-261-0879. For information about Palliative Care: www.allina.com/palliative.
  • HealthEast Palliative Care: www.healtheast.org/palliative-care.html.

Care Management:

Dental Resources

  • Dental Referral Service: 651-631-9845. Provides lower cost dental referrals for those who are low income or who have no insurance, mainly in the Minneapolis/St. Paul urban areas.
  • Donated Dental Services: 651-454-6290. Accepts applications for lower cost dental services for qualifying persons (low income disabled or elderly).
  • University of Minnesota Dental School: 612-625-2495. 

Driving Education and Evaluation Programs

  • Courage Center: 763-520-0312.
  • 55 Alive Driving/Defensive Driving Class for Seniors: 952-858-9040 or 651-228-7330.
  • See the Hartford Group under Alzheimer’s Resources.

Educational Resources

  • Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com: Comprehensive Guides on hundreds of conditions. (includes guides for clients as well as for health professionals. Reputable site.)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Aging Program: Read about it at: http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/aging.htm.
  • National Institute on Aging nih.nia.gov   So many wonderful free booklets and downloadable resources on a wide variety of conditions and needs related to aging 
  • National Institutes of Health  nih.gov   Again, amazing free resources based on the latest science.
  • US Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/index/htm: Facts sheets relevant to needs of older adults related to environmental issues.
  • Web MD: www.webmd.com: A resource for information about health conditions.
  • Coumadin information: www.coumadin.com: Information on the blood thinner, Coumadin, for patients and caregivers.

Home Safety Resources

  • Home Safety Council: www.homesafetycouncil.org: 1-202-330-4900. Click on “Older Adults.” The only national non-profit organization dedicated to prevent home-related injuries. E-mail: info@homesafetycouncil.org. 
  • Rebuilding Together: www.rebuildingtogether-twincities.org: 651-776-4273. No cost home safety and accessibility modifications for qualified homeowners 55 and over or who are living with a disability. Click on “Resources” for chore and senior services listings.
  • Live Well At Home: www.mnlivewellathome.org: A Minnesota Board of Aging Program; Risk management tool, education, and interventions to mitigate risks and to help older adults continue to live at home.
  • This Caring Home: www.thiscaringhome.org: Provides tips and tools to enhance home safety for older adults with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia; includes virtual guides, product guides, videos and animations.
  • Above & Beyond Services: See under Commercial Resources.

 Emergency Response Systems

  • LifeLine: http://philips.lifelinesystems.com: 1-800-797-4191.
  • HealthEast: 651-232-3560 (Metro); Fairview: 612-728-2468 (Statewide); Methodist: 952-993-6474 (Metro); Facilitated by Home Instead Senior Care: 763-792-0041.
  • E-neighbor: www.healthsense.com: Electronic monitoring of the older adult living alone.
  • Med-Alert Bracelets: www.medicalalert.org: 1-888-633-4298 or inquire at your local pharmacy.

Legal Resources

  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: www.naela.org: 1-703-942-5711. Comprised of attorneys in private and public sections who deal with legal issues affecting the elderly and disabled.
  • Commission on Law and Aging: http://new.abanet.org/aging/Pages/default.aspx: 1-202-662-8690. American Bar Association Commission offering information about issues relevant to older adults.
  • American Bar Association ProBono Services: www.abanet.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/probonodirectory.html. 
  • Minnesota Legal Services: www.mnlegalservices.org: 651-228-9105.  Free legal advice for people 60 and over who meet income guidelines. Advice may be regarding housing, public benefits, family law, consumer matters. An association of seven MN legal programs, listed on the web site.
  • Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid- Free assistance for low income seniors: Accessing public benefits; Power of attorney; Wills; Healthcare directives. mylegalaid.org/how-we-help/seniors
  • Attorney Referral Service of Ramsey County: http://www.ramseybar.org/refer.html: 651-224-1775.
  • Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services:  http://www.smrls.org: Ramsey, Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties: 651-222-5863.
  • Legal Aid Society (Hennepin County): http://www.midmnlegal.org: 612-332-1441.  Fee for low income people.
  • Dakota County Legal Assistance & Dakota County Bar Referral Service: http://dakotalegal.org: 952-431-3200. No cost for qualifying persons.
  • AARP Legal Services Network: www.aarplsn.com: 1-866-330-0753.
  • Volunteers of America Legal Services: 612-676-6300; E-mail: maolegal@voamn.org. Offers low income clients 55 or older that qualify a reduced rate for legal services.

Low Vision and Hearing Resources

  • Vision Loss Resources:   www.visionlossresources.org: Formerly Minneapolis and St. Paul Societies for the Blind. 651-224-7662 or 612-871-2222. No charge for services. Offer in-home assessments and equipment recommend-ations; also free 411 dialing. Call also regarding unsolved issues with hearing aids.
  • Minnesota State Services for the Blind: http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/JobSeekers/Blind_or_Visually_Impaired/index.aspx:  651-642-0500. Under “Services for Seniors” find information about eligibility for services. Some of the resources available are: Radio Talking Book; Talking Books National Library Service, telephone access to newspapers and magazines.
  • Minnesota Relay—Telecommunication Access for the deaf and hard-of-hearing: To initiate: 1-800-627-3529 for TDD; 7-1-1 or 1-877-627-3848 for speech-to-speech relay services.
  • Harris Communication: www.harriscomm.com: Products for deaf and hard of hearing older adults. Also low vision products; 1-800-825-6758; TTY: 1-800-825-9187.
  • American Foundation for the Blind: www.afb.org/seniorsitehome.asp: 1-800-AFB-LINE (1-800-232-5463). Web site offers fall prevention videos, a home survey checklist and independent living skills for the visually impaired.
  • National Federation of the Blind: www.nfbmn.org: Minnesota chapter: 612-872-9363. Works to fill in the gaps left by other programs for the visually impaired and to instill in them self confidence and positive attitudes.
  • Telephone Equipment Distribution: www.tedprogram.org: 651-431-5945; TTY: 1-888-206-6555; E-mail: ted.program@state.mn.us.

Medicare and Insurance Issues

  • Official Medicare web site: www.medicare.gov: 1-800 Medicar or 1-800-633-4227.
  • Ask Medicare: www.medicare.gov/caregivers: A new web page for caregivers providing information about Medicare and other essential resources. Down-loadable brochures on subjects of interest to the caregiver including: discharge planning; paying for prescription drugs; securing home health care.
  • Insurance Helpline: Operated by the MN Department of Commerce: 651-296-2488. Medicare Supplement policy complaints.
  • See also: MN Department of Health under “Government Resources, State”, above.
  • SHIP: State Health Insurance Assistance Program: http://www.mnaging.org/advisor/SLL_SHIP.htm: Offers free counseling and guidance regarding Medicare and other health insurance; call the Minnesota Board on Aging: 651-431-2500 or 1-800-882-6262.
  • Health Insurance Assistance Program of Anoka County: 763-422-7528. Free service to seniors living in Anoka County.
  • Benefits CheckUp: www.benefitscheckup.org:   A National Council on Aging website to help elders and their families identify programs for which they may qualify and where to apply for them. 
  • Center for Medicare Advocacy: www.medicareadvocacy.org: 1-860-456-7790. A private, nonprofit foundation focusing on health care rights, especially needs of Medicare beneficiaries; video on Health Reform; information on the Affordable Care Act which adds coverage for a new “Wellness Visit” and eliminates the cost associated with almost all of the preventive care covered by Medicare.
  • Medicare Rights Center: www.medicarerights.org: 1-212-869-3850. Mission is to help people with Medicare understand their rights and benefits. Information on Medicare and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs); under “Medicare Answers” find “Medicare Advice for Caregivers.”
  • Disability.gov: www.disability.gov/health: Under “Caregiver and Provider Resources: Caregiver” are many helpful links and resources.
  • National Association of Insurance Commissioners: www.naic.org: Guide available for Medicare Supplement insurance.
  • Senior Partners Care Senior Service (SPC): Volunteers of America: www.voamn.org: 952-945-4000. Look under “Services;” then “Senior Services.” The SPC program benefits older adults who cannot afford supplemental insurance and have difficulty paying out-of-pocket for deductibles and co-payments not covered by Medicare. SPC helps low to moderate income Minnesotans who are on Medicare obtain treatment from participating healthcare providers who have agreed to accept Medicare as total payment.

Moving assistance

Nutrition Resources         (See also US Government Resources.)

  • Meals on Wheels: www.mealcall.org: Call 612-623-3363 to order Meals on Wheels for the seven-county area. See NOAH’s county Resource Sheets for more information.
  • Tufts University Nutritionist: http://navigator.tufts.edu: Rates web sites with information on nutrition for reliable information easily accessed.
  • Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS): Part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Provides a monthly food package of nutritionally dense commodity food products to supplement the diet of low income seniors. 651-484-8241.
  • Fare For All: www.emergencyfoodshelf.org/ffa: For locations where discounted food can be found, click on “Fare for All Express in menu bar;” then “Distribution Dates and Locations;” (Ramsey and Hennepin Counties).
  • Food Shelves (Anoka County): www.accap.org: Click on “Resource Guide;” then open the Resource Guide document and locate “Food Shelves” in the table of contents.
  • White Bear Area Senior Program/ISD #624: www.whitebearseniorprogram.org: 651-653-3121. Click on “Links” for Nutritional support programs options.

Prescription Assistance

Service Location and Resources

Telephone Resources

  • 211: United Way 211. Dial 2-1-1 or, for cell phone users, dial 651-291-0211 or 1-800-543-7709. Formerly First Call for Help. www.211unitedway.org.
  • Senior LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433. A free service of the Minnesota Board on Aging and Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging. Resource Specialists connect consumers to programs and services such as transportation, home health care, housing, food, grocery delivery, legal and financial help, housework and home repairs, and caregiver support. Their goal is to return calls within one business day. The linkage line is also the federally-funded State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Minnesota. Online version: www.MinnesotaHelp.info.
  • Veterans LinkAge Line: 1-888-546-5838. A new veterans customer service line providing information and help for veterans of all ages.
  • Care Navigator Help Desk: 651-635-9173 or 1-800-261-0879. 
  • A service of Allina Home and Community Services. Use is not restricted to patients of Allina clinics.
  • Crisis Connection: 612-379-6363 or 1-866-379-6363. Free confidential counseling available to anyone calling from the seven county Twin Cities metro area.
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

Transportation Resources/Issues

Minnesota only:

  • Metro Mobility (Ramsey and Hennepin Counties): www.metromobility.org: 651-602-1111.
  • Transit Link: 651-602-5465. A consolidation of several local transportation programs.
  • The Hartford Group: www.thehartford.com/alzheimers/easing_transition.html: Help with easing the transition from driver to passenger for people with Alzheimer’s.
  • Allina Medical Transportation Service: 651-222-0555 or 1-800-258-1210.
  • American Cancer Society Road to Recovery: 1-866-460-6550. For cancer patients; not available in all counties.
  • Anoka County Dial-a-ride: For Metro mobility: 651-602-1170.
  • Anoka County Volunteer Transportation: 763-422-7087.
  • Assisted Transport: www.assistedtransportmn.com: 612-729-1156.
  • Minnesota Non-Emergency Transportation (MNET): 1-866-467-1724.
  • DARTS (Dakota Area Resources and Transportation for seniors): www.dart1.org: Click on “Aging;” then “Transportation;” for Dakota County; 651-455-1339.
  • First Transit DIAL-A-RIDE: 612-378-7833 #2.
  • Discover Ride: (Minneapolis): 612-823-6000. For elderly and disabled.
  • East Suburban Resources—Stillwater: 651-351-0190.
  • Jewish Community Center (St. Paul): 651-698-0751.
  • Maple Grove Dial-a-Ride: 763-493-2200.
  • Plymouth Dial-a-Ride: 763-559-5057.
  • Roseville Area Senior Program: www.isd623.org/commed/senior: Click on “Transportation;” 651-604-3535.
  • VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted To Assist People): 952-888-9616. Bloomington area.
  • White Bear Area Senior Program/ISD #624: www.whitebearseniorprogram.org: 651-653-3122. Click on “Links” for Transportation options.
  • Woodbury Dial-a-Ride (First Transit): 651-735-7433.
  • Easy Rider: 1-800-420-9014.  Non-emergency medical transportation for persons with Medical Assistance. 
  • Tranby Health Ride (Metro): 952-854-5007.
  • R & D Transportation, Inc.: 763-767-1804. Medical and non-medical; Medical Assistance and private pay; wheelchair accessible.


Section VI:  Commercial Resources/Web Sites for Caregivers

  • Elder Care Guidance: www.eldercareguidance.com/index.html: Lists of caregiver resources, links, and information.
  • Today’s Caregiver: www.caregiver911.com: Caregiver survival resources such as “Sharing Wisdom; Caregiver Ideas”; support group locator; caregiver articles.
  • Web of Care: www.webofcare.com: Popular links and health resources. On-line questions and responses.
  • Empowering Caregivers: www.care-givers.com: Many resources.
  • Just Answer: www.JustAnswer.com/health: On-line medical personnel to answer your questions.
  • Home Instead Senior Care: www.caregiverstress.com: Educational videos; Resources and links, caregiver StressMeter; article: “10 Signs a Senior May be in Trouble.”
  • Independent Home Living: www.ihlcaregiver.com: Programs designed to create successful caregivers and maximize independent living for seniors by providing tools, resources and knowledge that empower individuals to understand their options and make the right decisions based on their individual needs.
  • Metro Elder Service Association: www.metroelderservices.com: Senior Calendar; good articles.
  • ElderCare Online: www.ec-online.net: On-line community where supportive peers and professionals help improve quality of life for caregivers and older adults; good articles.               
  • Strength for Caring: www.strengthforcaring.com: Provides a broad range of expert content and information, on-line community, daily inspiration, and much needed support; stress management tips and practical caregiver advice and instructions.
  • Caregiver’s Home Companion: www.caregivershome.com: Useful tips, advice, resources for caregivers.
  • Above & Beyond Senior Services: www.aboveservices.com: Home Safety Assessment, preparation for the move and of the new home, service coordination; 612-965-5122.


National Health Observances by Month: (great resources for monthly newsletters, web pages or bulletin boards.

 https://www.healthline.com/health/directory-awareness-months#january

Other Resources

Learning Resources

Websites and books that may be good to learn about a variety of topics.



Find Training Resources on these Websites

Faith Community Nursing

  • Westberg Institute: https://www.westberginstitute.org
  • ttps://www.spiritualcareassociation.org/about/
  • https://www.fcninternational.org/About
  • Faith Community Nurse Network: Check out our educational programs by navigating to our Programs page. We will soon be adding past online educational programs to our website as well.

Dementia, Memory Loss


General Health and Wellness

Recommended Journals


Our Recommended Reading List

These books are on a variety of different topics from faith community nursing and care to end of life, dementia, change theory, mental health, social science, and much more.

Faith Community Nursing

BOOKS

  • "Faith Community Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 4th Edition," American Nurses Association & Health Ministries Association. 2025.
  • Fast Facts for the Faith Community Nurse by Janet Hickman. Springer Publishing, 2011 ISBN: 9780826107121eBook ISBN: 9780826107138
  • Faith Community Nursing: Developing a Quality Practice by Carol J. Smucker. American Nurses Association, 2014 ISBN-10 1558102523
  • Faith Community Nursing by Janet S. Hickman. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2006
  • The Essential Parish Nurse by Deborah L. Patterson. Pilgrim Press, 2003
  • Empowering the Congregational Nurse Leader: Implementing a Faith Community Nursing Practice by Linda C. Royer. Publisher: Create Space Independent Publisher, 2018 ISBN-10: 1727237609
  • Spirituality In Nursing: Standing On Holy Ground by Mary Elizabeth O’Brien, Publisher: Jones & Barden Learning, 2022
  • Foundations of Faith Community Nurse Participant Manual by Sharon Hinton and Susan Jacobs. This is the latest revision (2024) of the manual used in the Foundations Course https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?HAzJqJyAK7CFDFWjrqlyXChuB1uKRomolbFSBt3h841
  • Spirituality in Nursing Practice by Doreen A. Westera. Springer Publishing, 2017


End of Life / Life Meaning /Humanity

  • Gawande, Atul. (2014). Being Mortal: medicine and What Matters in the End. A Metropolitan Paperback, Henry Holt and Company, New York.
  • May, William F. (1994). The Patient's Ordeal. First Midland Books.
  • Petroski, Henry. (1992). To Engineer is Human. Vintage Books.
  • Macnamara, Vincent. (2010). The Call to be Human. Veritas Publications.
  • Aronson, Brad. (2020). Human Kind. Wonderwell.


Nursing

  • Delaney, Connie White & Klein. (2023). Leading with Love: A Nurse's Story. Educated Change LLC.


Dementia and Caregiving

  • Wilson, Dr. Jamie A.B. (2023). Preserving the Etchings of the Mind. Savory Words.
  • Wilson, Dr. Jamie A.B. (2025). Bridge of Time. Echo Lens Publishing.
  • Eppard, Marvin B. (2020). A Thief in the Pantry. WestBow Press.
  • Swetland, Angie. (2020). I Know You By Heart. Crestingwave Publishing.


Change Theory

  • Prochaska, J. O., Norcross, J. C., & DiClemente, C. C. (1994). Changing for Good... William Morrow