Caring for aging loved ones can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone in this journey. Steele County offers an incredible network of senior services designed to help older adults stay independent, safe, and connected right here in our community. Whether you're a family member, caregiver, or senior yourself, these 15 practical strategies will help you navigate the resources available and create a comprehensive support system.
1. Set Up Regular Companionship Visits
Loneliness isn't just uncomfortable: it's a serious health risk for seniors. Healthy Seniors of Steele County matches trained volunteers with isolated older adults for regular companionship visits. In 2023 alone, this program served 1,581 clients, proving that meaningful connections make a real difference in our neighbors' lives.
The program is completely FREE and volunteers are carefully screened and trained. Contact them at 507-774-7648 to get your loved one connected with a caring companion who can provide conversation, light activities, and that essential human connection.
2. Arrange Reliable Transportation Solutions
Getting around safely is crucial for maintaining independence. Steele County offers multiple transportation options that go beyond just medical appointments:
- Semcac Volunteer Drivers (800-528-7622) - Community volunteers provide door-to-door service
- SMART Transit (855-762-7821) - Scheduled public transportation
- Taxi First Choice (507-444-0020) - On-demand local service
- Tonna Taxi (507-451-4215) - Additional taxi option
Don't wait until there's an emergency: set up these contacts now and perhaps even schedule a test ride to help your loved one feel comfortable with the service.
3. Implement Fall Prevention Strategies
Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, but they're largely preventable. Healthy Seniors of Steele County offers specialized fall prevention in-home exercise programming that brings professional guidance directly to your loved one's living space.
This isn't just about removing throw rugs (though that helps too!). Professional assessments can identify specific risk factors in the home environment and create personalized exercise routines that strengthen balance and coordination.
4. Establish Emergency Response Systems
Peace of mind comes from knowing help is always available. Minnesota Aging and Disability Services coordinates personal emergency response systems: those "lifeline" devices that allow seniors to call for help with the push of a button.
Additionally, the Telephone Reassurance program provides regular check-in calls. It's like having a caring friend who calls at the same time each day to make sure everything's okay.
5. Connect with Nutritional Support Services
Proper nutrition becomes increasingly important with age, but grocery shopping and meal preparation can become challenging. Steele County offers multiple solutions:
Meals on Wheels serves seniors in Blooming Prairie, Ellendale, and Owatonna, delivering not just nutritious meals but also that daily human contact that helps volunteers spot potential problems early.
Senior Dining locations at SeniorPlace and Cedar Place in Owatonna provide both meals and social interaction: think of it as a neighborhood restaurant where everyone knows your name.
6. Access Professional In-Home Care
Sometimes seniors need more support than family can provide, and that's perfectly normal. Licensed professional home health agencies in Steele County include Home Instead, Embrace, and Freedom Home Care: all Medicare-certified providers.
For non-medical support, Aging Services for Communities (507-364-5663) and Home Instead (507-550-1395) offer household management, companionship, and personal care assistance that helps seniors maintain their independence safely.
7. Utilize Advocacy and Navigation Services
The maze of available services can be confusing: that's where advocates come in. SEMCAC Senior & Caregiver Advocate (507-450-8848) helps seniors and their families identify appropriate services and navigate the system.
Think of them as your personal guide through the world of senior services. They know what's available, what you qualify for, and how to access it quickly.
8. Plan for Future Care Needs
Don't wait for a crisis to explore options. MN Prairie County Alliance provides MnCHOICES assessments (507-431-5600) that help seniors and families understand current care needs and plan for the future.
This comprehensive evaluation looks at physical health, home environment, social support, and personal preferences to create a roadmap for maintaining independence as long as possible.
9. Ensure Proper Health Insurance Coverage
Healthcare costs can be overwhelming, but Minnesota Aging Pathways (800-333-2433) offers FREE counseling to help seniors navigate Medicare options, supplemental insurance, and prescription drug coverage.
Their trained counselors can help you understand what's covered, find cost-saving programs, and make informed decisions during open enrollment periods.
10. Arrange In-Home Respite Care
Caregiving is rewarding but exhausting. Healthy Seniors of Steele County provides in-home respite care that gives family caregivers a much-needed break while ensuring their loved one receives quality care.
This service allows caregivers to run errands, attend appointments, or simply recharge: because taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your loved one.
11. Connect with Volunteer Opportunities
Staying engaged and feeling useful is vital for mental health. Programs like Common Good RSVP (507-450-1518) and Senior Companion (507-512-1036) connect seniors with meaningful volunteer activities.
Whether it's reading to children, helping with office tasks, or sharing their expertise with younger generations, these programs help seniors stay active and connected to their community.
12. Address Legal and Financial Concerns
Aging brings unique legal challenges around estate planning, healthcare directives, and elder law issues. The SMRLS Hotline (888-575-2954) provides affordable legal guidance specifically for seniors.
Don't put off important conversations about wills, power of attorney, or healthcare wishes. Having these documents in place provides security for everyone involved.
13. Arrange Home Maintenance Support
Simple household tasks can become overwhelming challenges for seniors. Healthy Seniors of Steele County (507-774-7648) and Aging Services for Communities (507-364-5663) provide chore services that help with basic home maintenance.
This might include light housekeeping, yard work, minor repairs, or seasonal tasks like changing smoke detector batteries: small things that make a big difference in safety and comfort.
14. Coordinate Specialized Medical Care
For seniors with complex medical needs, specialized services are available. Heartland (507-292-1170) coordinates disability services, while St. Croix (507-281-5700) provides hospice and end-of-life care.
These services ensure that seniors receive appropriate care regardless of their health status, allowing them to remain comfortable and dignified in their own homes when possible.
15. Create a Comprehensive Support Network
The most effective senior care plan combines multiple resources into a coordinated network. Healthy Seniors of Steele County, located at West Hills Social Commons (formerly Senior Place) in Owatonna, serves as a central hub for coordinating services.
Call them at 507-774-7648 to discuss your specific situation and develop a comprehensive plan that addresses safety, health, social connection, and independence.
Taking the Next Step
Keeping seniors safe and connected isn't about doing everything at once: it's about building a support system that evolves with changing needs. Start with one or two services that address your most immediate concerns, then gradually add others as needed.
Remember, asking for help isn't giving up on independence: it's the smart way to maintain it. Every senior deserves to age with dignity, safety, and connection to their community. With these resources available right here in Steele County, that goal is absolutely achievable.
The key is starting now, before you're in crisis mode. Pick up the phone, make that first call, and begin building the support network that will help your loved one thrive in their golden years. Our community is here to help (because that's what neighbors do.)