Healthy Brain Initiative
Northwoods Caregivers
Northwoods Caregivers, located in Bemidji, celebrates more than 25 years of serving several counties and Tribal communities in Northern Minnesota. They offer a range of services including homemaking, respite, home health, caregiver coaching, and support groups.
As a MDH Healthy Brain Initiative grantee, Northwoods Caregivers offers evidence-based curricula like REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health), Powerful Tools for Caregivers, and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Series at no cost to participants. Associate director Jennifer Cole says this funding helps to facilitate classes, purchase curricula, and increase their visibility in the community through outreach and networking. Just like her, Northwoods Caregivers is passionate about supporting caregivers and promoting healthy living, and these classes do just that.
Their Chronic Disease Self-Management class is typically a six-week program that covers topics such as communication, skills exercise, sleep, pain management, and nutrition. The class is facilitated by trained leaders and includes a textbook, toolkit, and relaxation CD. Through the Healthy Brain Initiative, they offer this class at no cost to participants. Participants often form bonds and continue to support each other after the class ends.
Every two years, Northwoods Caregivers partners with other agencies including Memory Keepers of the University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School, to host the dementia and caregivers focused "Honoring Elder Wisdom" conference. Based on participant feedback, they have expanded the conference to a two-day event, featuring speakers and topics suggested by attendees. They also offer Continuing Education Units (CEU's) to professionals who attend. The conference aims to provide valuable resources and education materials to community members, particularly caregivers and elders.
Supporting caregivers is another key priority for Northwoods Caregivers. They host support groups in various locations where caregivers can find understanding and support from others facing similar challenges. These support groups create a sense of community, and participants often form connections outside of the groups. Caregivers also have access to one-on-one coaching using the REACH curriculum, providing a platform to discuss issues and talk through difficult situations.
In addition to their services, Northwoods Caregivers participates in community events and Powwows, providing informational pamphlets on various topics related to mental health, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, healthy eating, portion control, and reading labels.
In 2023, Northwoods Caregivers offered over 34,000 hours of caregiving support to a diverse group of individuals, including 2,000 active clients and 128 volunteers. They provided over 3,900 hours of respite care, 4,100 hours of volunteer services, and 13,000 hours of senior and special needs homemaking. Northwoods Caregivers' 2023 Annual in-person conference gathered 25 registered caregivers. They appreciate the support and aim to continue serving their community.
