Vital Living Caregiving Services

If you are providing care for a friend or relative with memory loss or other chronic illnesses, you are not alone.

One of the most important ways to help older adults remain at home and age well is to support those who are providing their daily care. Being a caregiver is HARD. At Vital Living, we know that in order to provide the most compassionate, informed, and successful care for another, you must also care for yourself.

Taking care of someone can be rewarding, and is also stressful--taking a toll on you both emotionally and physically. It is very normal to feel grief at what has been and continues to be lost, to become isolated as your focus narrows, and to feel lost and confused as you navigate unfamiliar territory.

We Are Here For You

Jenna Van Proosdy is our Caregiving Services Coordinator, with a masters degree in human development and nearly 20 years of experience in community engagement and family support. Jenna is a trained caregiver consultant skilled in creative problem solving and deep listening.

Along with regular support groups for caregivers, we offer weekly respite opportunities at the NE Day Spot, regular educational opportunities for caregivers, and resources through newsletters, emails, and personal consultations.

For more info, contact Jenna at 612-787-4076 or JVanProosdy@esns.org.

Support Groups

Caregiver support groups can be a lifeline, providing a much-needed safe space to express frustration and grief, discuss the challenges and joys of caregiving, and discover valuable information from other caregivers.

In these supportive environments you can:

  • Get connected to the community resources you need

  • Meet and support other people with similar experiences

  • Learn self-care strategies and coping techniques

  • Finally get to talk about YOUR feelings and needs

Currently all of our support groups are meeting via Zoom. Attendance is open to anyone 18+ years of age who is a caregiver for an older adult. First-time participants will need to request a link and password to enter the calls.

Caregiver Support Group

  • As we are currently examining our support group offerings, days and times for upcoming groups are still being determined. Please check back or call for more information.

  • We have a group for caregivers who identify as LGBTQ+ that was created in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. This group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Contact Shay (shaymackay03@gmail.com) or Melissa (greene.melissa1@gmail.com) for the meeting link!

NE Day Spot

  • Fridays

    • 10:00am to 1:00pm

  • The Fourth Saturday of each month

    • 10:00am to 1:00pm

NE Day Spot is a weekly in-person engagement program for people experiencing a chronic condition (like memory loss) to provide their care partner respite. Working with East Side staff, volunteers help create a community of care by being a NE Day Spot Friend to participants. Time is spent socializing, playing games, enjoying music, having lunch, and creating artwork together.

Registration and pre-assessment is required. Cost is based on a sliding fee scale from $0-$45 per week.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jenna at 612-787-4076 or JVanProosdy@esns.org.

Caregiving Services are funded under contract with Trellis (formerly Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Inc.) as part of the Older Americans Act.

Caregiver Resources Newsletters