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

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 Vital Living at 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@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

 LGBTQ+ Caregiver Support Group

  • 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!

Vital Living previously offered an online caregiver support group. However, at this time we recognize that many of our partners are better suited to meet this caregiving need at this time. Please contact Vital Living at VitalLiving@esns.org OR 612-787-4086 for recommendations and referrals! We are here to help!

Respite Program

NE Day Spot

  • Friday, 10:00am - 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 Vital Living at 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.

Caregiving Services are made possible and funded under a contract with Trellis (formerly Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Inc.) as part of the Older Americans Act and supported in part by a City of Minneapolis Senior Services grant.