Parish Health
This ministry focuses on caring for the entire person (mind, body, spirit) while providing health and spiritual counseling, education, advocacy, referrals, and volunteer coordination. This ministry provides care for individuals in the community, in the hospital, or in their home from birth to end of life during healthcare challenges, life transitions, and times of spiritual crisis. Your Parish Nurse, Ann Challes, is in the church office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. She is available to meet with you if you would like guidance related to a health issue, a caregiving issue, your grief journey, or to assist you with completion of a healthcare directive. If you would like to meet with Ann in person, please call the church office to set up an appointment.
First Lutheran Church is connected to several support groups including:
– Parkinson’s Support Group – meets the 4th Tuesday monthly at First Lutheran at 2:30pm
– Grief Support Group – meets the 4th Tuesday monthly at First Lutheran at 10:00am
– Grieving Parents Support Group – meets the 3rd Tuesday monthly at First Lutheran at 7:00pm
– Stronger Together Caregiver Support Group – meets the 2nd Tuesday monthly at First Lutheran at 2:00pm
– Dementia Caregiver Support Group – meets the 3rd Tuesday monthly at ArtisTree Cafe at 3:00pm
– Cancer Support Group – meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month virtually or at Alomere Hospital at 4:00pm
Alzheimer’s Disease Helpline…this helpline is open 7days/week and staffed by licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care. They provide support to family caregivers and individuals living with dementia-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, and they also answer any questions related to brain health that a person may have. They can be reached by calling 866.232.8484, via webchat at www.alzfdn.org, or via text message at 646.586.5283.
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Free medication assessments for people 65+ years old. Pharmacists that are part of the project will do screenings and discuss information that applies to medications. For more info on setting up a virtual Medication Management Session, contact Mark Dewey at 218.770.8588 or email mark.dewey@ndsu.edu. This service is funded by a federal grant and is brought to you by Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, Lake Region Healthcare Corporation and MN Board on Aging.
Free medication assessments for people 65+ years old. Pharmacists that are part of the project will do screenings and discuss information that applies to medications. For more info on setting up a virtual Medication Management Session, contact Mark Dewey at 218.770.8588 or email mark.dewey@ndsu.edu. This service is funded by a federal grant and is brought to you by Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, Lake Region Healthcare Corporation and MN Board on Aging.
NAMI(National Alliance of Mental Illness) has put together some of their classes and support groups online now so you can participate virtually as you wish. For a list of opportunities go to www.namimn.org.
READY RIDE…TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIORS
If you are 65+ and in need of transportation periodically, this program is for you! Sponsored by West Central Communities Action and MN Live Well at Home Programs, seniors may call to schedule their ride with volunteer drivers…phone 218.685.RIDE (7433). The program is also always looking for more volunteer drivers. If this is something you would be interested in, the same phone number can be called for more information (mileage reimbursement is available).
If you are 65+ and in need of transportation periodically, this program is for you! Sponsored by West Central Communities Action and MN Live Well at Home Programs, seniors may call to schedule their ride with volunteer drivers…phone 218.685.RIDE (7433). The program is also always looking for more volunteer drivers. If this is something you would be interested in, the same phone number can be called for more information (mileage reimbursement is available).
HEARING LOSS ASSISTANCE
Do you or a loved one have hearing loss? The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division of the MN Dept of Human Services offers many resources and benefits free or at a very low cost. For more information you may call Jerry Geist, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist at 218.303.9495 or Jerry.Geist@state.mn.us.
Do you or a loved one have hearing loss? The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division of the MN Dept of Human Services offers many resources and benefits free or at a very low cost. For more information you may call Jerry Geist, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist at 218.303.9495 or Jerry.Geist@state.mn.us.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AGING IN PLACE PROGRAM
We partner with people aged 65+ to make improvements to the safety, accessibility or energy efficiency of their homes. Trained staff and Habitat volunteers complete the work. Repayment is determined on a sliding scale based on homeowner income to ensure affordability. Projects have a maximum cost of $7,500. For more info or to apply call 320.762.4255 or you may visit their website www.hfhdouglascounty.org.
