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Meals on Wheels of Ramsey County

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Monthly Resource Updates

August 2023 Resource Update

Senior Services Consortium of Ramsey County

UPCOMING CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS

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Adult Children Caregivers Virtual Support Group

The Wilder Foundation is offering a caregiver support group for anyone caring for a parent, grandparent or other parental figure with any condition. This group meets virtually.

Group Dates: Third Wednesday of the month, 6:00-7:30 pm.

Link to more information: Support Groups for Caregivers, Wilder Foundation, or contact 651-280-2273.

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Caregiver Support Group in Roseville

Caregiver Support Group offered at the Roseville Area Senior Program provides information, resources, and valuable emotional support.

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Caregiver Crash Course via Zoom

Everyone searching for help with their caregiver journey is welcome to the new Caregiver Crash Course, an educational series hosted by Jewish Family Services of St. Paul on different aspects of caregiving. These classes will be part educational and part participatory with an opportunity for caregivers to learn from and share with each other. Register for one or more of the classes, all free and open to the public. Contact Tara at tburns@jfssp.org (763) 300-3146 or Bonnie at bjaffe@jfssp.org (651) 497-8248 for more information and to register and receive the Zoom link. Sessions will include:

  • Caregiver Grief and Loss Thursday, August 17, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Learn about different kinds of grief and loss caregivers and care receivers may experience and how to move through those experiences.

  • Improving Communication Skills Thursday, September 7, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Improve identification and communication of feelings, needs and concerns and how to best express yourself in a variety of caregiving situations. Learn skillful ways to communicate with the care receiver including listening, processing, and responding.

  • Quality Caregiving in the Home Thursday, October 19, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Hear thought-provoking questions that can help you identify quality care, resources and recommendations for in-home caregiving.

  • Quality Caregiving in a Facility Thursday, November 9, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Hear thought-provoking questions that can help you identify quality care, resources and recommendations for caregiving in a facility.

  • Caregiver Resources Thursday, December 14, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Part of taking care of ourselves is knowing about community resources we can turn to for support and assistance. We will explore and discuss known resources and direct and indirect support to assist caregivers. Bring the resources and experiences you’ve found helpful to share with others.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

In-home Respite Resource:


American Society on Aging FREE Webinar:

Sponsored by Right at Home. August 23 | 12:00 pm Central Time


American Society on Aging Article:


July 2023 Resource Update

How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost in 2023?

It depends! There are several factors that influence the price of a home accessibility wheelchair ramp. To explore further, check out Lifeway Mobility’s latest blog post: How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost? Or call Lifeway Mobility (888) 714-1930 to set up a free quote.

There are nonprofits that help to pay for and install wheelchair ramps and other accessibility features for those who qualify. Among them are:


Gibbs Farm Public Hours & Tours

Visit Gibbs Farm Fridays (12:00-3:00) and Saturdays (10:00-4:00). Take a guided tour, visit the farm animals or snap some pictures in the prairie. Guided tours are offered on the hour.


Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children 4-16, free for children 3 and under. RCHS Members visit Gibbs Farm for free! Credit & debit card purchases preferred.


Gibbs Farm is located at 2097 Larpenteur Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113. Parking is free in our lot off Cleveland Avenue. Enter Gibbs Farm through the small white building just south of the parking lot.


For more information: (651) 646-8629, https://rchs.com/events/


Telephone Equipment Distribution Program

The Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program provides wireless or landline devices free to eligible Minnesotans who have difficulty using the phone due to a hearing loss, speech difficulties or other disability making it difficult to use a telephone. Contact by Voice or your preferred relay service: (651) 431-5945 or (800) 657-3663.


  • Live in Minnesota.

  • Have a hearing loss, speech or physical disability that limits your use of a standard phone.

  • Have a landline or wireless phone service or have applied for phone service.

  • Have family income within the following guidelines (effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023). Income guidelines are updated each year in October.

To apply, go to the website for more information and the application: https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-4005-ENG

Please note on the applications the referral came from Meals on Wheels.


Equipment is provided to eligible Minnesotans though not the phone service itself. There are programs that can help defray costs for phone service. Please view the MN Department of Commerce phone/internet discounts information at:



UCare Medicare Value & Value Plus Members

Starting July 1, you may be eligible for 60 hours of companion services per calendar year. These services include:

  • Household chores: light cleaning, laundry and pet care

  • Cooking: meal preparation and clean up

  • Companionship: board games, cards and conversation

  • Grocery shopping: shopping with you or for you

  • Transportation: rides to and from medical appointments, stores and other locations

If you are a UCare Medicare Value or Value Plus member and want to join the companion program, call 1-833-951-3193, or UCare Customer Service at 612-676-3600.


Minnesota Non-Emergency Transportation

MNET provides transportation to medical appointments for people on Medical Assistance, some pregnant women, and children on MinnesotaCare who have no other transportation available.

If you are enrolled in a managed health care plan, call your plan for transportation assistance.

  • Medica: 952-992-2292

  • Health Partners: 952-883-7400

  • UCare: 612-676-6830

  • Blue Plus: 651-662-8648­­­­

Resources and reimbursement

If you need reimbursement for mileage and parking expenses even if you are in a health plan, or if you receive your care "fee for service" and need assistance with medical transportation, call MTM at 1-866-467-1724.


White Bear Area Guide to Senior Services

2023 Update Now Available

The White Bear Area Senior Program just published their updated Guide to Senior Services - a directory of programs serving residents in the communities of the White Bear Area School District. Most of these programs also serve the wider Ramsey County area.


or pick up a printed copy at:

White Bear Area Senior Program at

Normandy Park Education Center, 2484 E County Rd. F, White Bear Lake

Call (651) 653-3121 for more information


June 2023 Resource Update

Keystone Free Farmer’s Markets

Monthly Starting in June

Drive Through Service - Open to All - Receive free, fresh fruits and vegetables

All events take place from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Flyers available in English, Hmong, Karen, and Spanish

Call: 651-645-0349 or email: info@keystoneservices.org

Please share with your networks


Manufactured Home owners:

Do You Need Help with lot rent, home loans, utility bills, or home repairs?

  • HomeHelpMN - The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency opened the program to provide assistance for homeowners, including manufactured homeowners, who have fallen behind on their home loan, lot rent, or other eligible housing-related expenses due to effects of the pandemic. Learn more about the program, including additional eligibility information.

  • Manufactured Home Rehabilitation or Replacement - The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has forgivable no-interest loans available to help manufactured home owners to rehab or replace their homes. MHFA’s program applies to manufactured homes on personal property, located in manufactured home parks, and on tribal lands. Learn more about the program, including application instructions.

  • All Parks Alliance for Change is the statewide organization for Minnesota’s 180,000 manufactured home park residents. APAC provides a vehicle for manufactured home owners to express their needs and concerns in their parks and in the larger community.


Up to 375,000 Minnesotans may

lose Medicaid coverage within year

DHS is encouraging everyone enrolled in Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care to go to:

Renew my coverage / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov) to determine how to update their contact information so that they receive their re-enrollment materials when their time comes.


White Bear Area Guide to Senior Services

2023 Update Now Available!

The White Bear Area Senior Program just published their updated Guide to Senior Services - a directory of programs serving residents in the communities of the White Bear Area School District. Most of these programs also serve the wider Ramsey County area.

To access the guide online: https://communityservices.isd624.org/adults-seniors/programs, or pick up a printed copy at the White Bear Area Senior Program at

Normandy Park Education Center, 2484 E County Rd. F, White Bear Lake.

Call 651-653-3121 for more information.


Free Upcoming Webinars for

Senior Meal Programs

The Nutrition and Aging Resource Center has a Free Summer Webinar Series on Evaluation beginning with the first session, June 9th:

“Placing the 'Value' in Evaluation: Practical Tips for Measuring Impact”

For a preview and to register go to:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt1JGPOQrjw

A past webinar is available on “Creative Fundraising for Senior Nutrition Programs” that offers ideas for Meals on Wheels and Senior Center programs.


2023 Legislative Accomplishments

The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging shares some of the unprecedented accomplishments for the aging sector this legislative session:

  • Continuation of the Age-Friendly Council and community grants through 2027;

  • Reforms to Housing Supports to help address unhoused older adults;

  • Historic rate increases and funding supports for Elderly Waiver, Home Care, and Nursing Homes;

  • A study for the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE);

  • Continuation of the state’s Palliative Care Advisory Council;

  • Funding to help ensure older adults can access senior meals;

  • Funding and study about ongoing Supported Decision Making efforts;

  • A Native Americans Elder Coordinator at the MN Board on Aging; and

  • Supports for families, such as funding Caregiver Respite Grants, the Live Well at Home program, and culturally relevant Alzheimer’s and Dementia awareness.

Minnesota can be a great state to grow up

AND TO GROW OLD!



New Surgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm The Devastating Impact of the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the US

“Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connections the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.”


Meals on Wheels Fits Into Framework for a

National Strategy to Advance Social Connection

The physical health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%.

In addition to our physical health, loneliness and isolation contribute substantially to mental health challenges. In adults, the risk of developing depression among people who report feeling lonely often is more than double that of people who rarely or never feel lonely. Loneliness and social isolation in childhood increase the risk of depression and anxiety both immediately and well into the future. And with more than one in five adults and more than one in three young adults living with a mental illness in the U.S., addressing loneliness and isolation is critical in order to fully address the mental health crisis in America.

While the epidemic of loneliness and isolation is widespread and has profound consequences for our individual and collective health and well-being, there is a medicine hiding in plain sight: social connection.

Social connection is beneficial for individual health and also improves the resilience of our communities. Evidence shows that increased connection can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. Communities where residents are more connected with one another fare better on several measures of population health, community safety, community resilience when natural disasters strike, prosperity, and civic engagement.


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