Mission Statement
The mission of Koochiching Aging Options is to promote the well-being, dignity and independence of Koochiching County's aging residents and to assist all who care for them. We do this by providing coordinated support services, referral and education. - Mission Statement, revised in 2020
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2022, as we moved out of the depths of precautions warranted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Koochiching Aging Options provided information, referrals to related services, and direct service delivery to around 170 individuals each month. Some services curtailed due to the pandemic, such as Senior Wheels, were restarted. Others like grocery delivery and caregiver support again enjoyed in-person contact. While these have been trying times for elders and their care partners, surveys of participants reflected an increased ability to stay in their home, stabilized or improved health, an improved capacity to provide care to others, and relieved stress on caregivers.
The Board of Directors was pleased to conclude a strategic planning effort, and we continued to coordinate the Northland Foundation’s countywide Community Planning and Care Coordination project – following through on identified project goals, including adding a resource coordinator position, providing outreach and education, and each month assembling a coalition of service providers from across the county to share information. We were, as well, particularly pleased to receive our fifth dementia grant from the Minnesota Board on Aging.
Current Goals
With the retreat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Koochiching Aging Options in 2023 is continuing to build on its established programs, following a priority list of goals identified during strategic planning. This list proposes refinements rather than wholesale changes; for example, we are pushing services of the Caregiver Consultant to more rural parts of the county while adding referral partners. We are carrying on with our Connect Café, founded in 2022, a new social engagement option for those living with dementia and their caregivers. This joins the Koochiching Memory Café, our long-standing caregiver support group.
We are rebuilding client numbers in Senior Wheels, our medical transportation program, while we are back to pre-pandemic numbers in our Groceries to You! grocery shopping service. We are continuing to offer the services of an Aging Support Coordinator to assist individuals who need help navigating service silos. We are continuing to host a virtual gathering of Providers to the Aging, introducing a new guest each month while creating a forum for exchanging notes and news. The board is now supporting succession planning for staff, precipitating a host of corporate housekeeping activities.
Community or Constituency Served
Older adults of Koochiching County, Minnesota, and those who provide them care.
Geographic Area Served
Koochiching County, Minnesota (and distance caregivers).
