West Central Minnesota is expanding its support network for older adults and their caregivers with a series of health resources and programs. Launched on July 9, 2025, these initiatives aim to enhance social, educational, and nutritional needs for the aging population in the region.
Key Support Programs for Older Adults
One prominent offering is the adult respite care program by Lutheran Social Service. This program provides group respite care for adults aged 60 and older every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 310 Medayto Drive in Spicer. Family caregivers benefit from a much-needed break while trained volunteers facilitate safe social interactions and activities, including exercise and music. Interested participants must register by calling 866-787-9802.
Additionally, the Aging Wisely program at the Willmar Community Center meets on the first Thursday of each month. This initiative features various speakers who address the educational and social needs of older adults. For inquiries, individuals can contact the center at 320-262-5288.
Health and Wellness Resources
For those interested in health-related activities, the American Red Cross is hosting blood drives throughout the area. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visiting their website at www.redcrossblood.org.
A peer support group for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer convenes on the first Monday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the CentraCare — Willmar Cancer Center. This free group is open to anyone at any stage of their breast cancer journey, and participants do not need to be CentraCare patients. For information, contact Lisa at 320-231-4483.
The region also offers a statewide phone chat line, known as Coffee Talk, specifically designed for older adults. Operating from 8 a.m. to noon on weekdays, this toll-free service, reachable at 877-238-2282, connects users with volunteers who provide encouragement and information about community resources.
The West Central Minnesota Chapter of The Compassionate Friends meets monthly to support families who have lost a child at any age. These gatherings occur at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum in Willmar. For more information, call Lois at 320-444-4334.
For caregivers of individuals living with dementia, a support and education group meets at the Montevideo Veterans Home on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 10:30 a.m.. This group is open to both in-person and virtual attendees, and more details can be obtained by calling Gretchen Reeves at 320-435-1291.
Additional Resources and Classes
A comprehensive resource network, Disability Hub MN, assists individuals in navigating community resources and government programs. This free service is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 1-866-333-2466 or visiting www.disabilityhubmn.org.
For older adults interested in driver safety, the Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center offers courses that can lead to a discount of up to 10 percent on auto insurance. Participants must complete an eight-hour course and a four-hour refresher every three years. More details can be found at www.mnsafetycenter.org or by calling 1-888-234-1294.
The Lutheran Social Service Meals on Wheels program delivers hot meals on designated weekdays and offers frozen meals for weekends. For additional information, call 800-488-4146. Similarly, the LSS Meals to Go service provides frozen meals shipped directly to older adults’ homes, priced at approximately $9.75 per meal.
The Voices of Joy Memory Choir meets every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Scandi Haven of Cura in Benson, inviting individuals in the early to mid-stages of memory loss and their caregivers to participate in singing activities. For questions, contact Gwen Degner at 701-261-8920.
Moreover, the central Minnesota multiple myeloma support group meets monthly to provide support to patients, caregivers, and families. This group gathers on the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Willmar Fire Hall. Interested individuals can contact Steve and Sheila Ellingboe at 320-295-3940.
In addition, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Minnesota) offers a variety of free online mental health classes aimed at family members, caregivers, and the general public. More information is available on their website at namimn.org.
Finally, the Senior LinkAge Line offers expert assistance on Medicare, community-based resources, and caregiver support. This service is available by calling 800-333-2433 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
These diverse resources and programs reflect a concerted effort in West Central Minnesota to support the health and well-being of older adults and their caregivers, fostering a connected and informed community.
