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Sincerely,

 

Katelin McDonald

Northwoods Caregivers

Home Care Program Specialist & Media Coordinator

 

Upcoming Events:

June 11th: Blackduck Caregiver Support Group 10:30-12pm

June 11th: Red Lake Caregiver Support Group 1-2:30pm

June 12th: Bemidji Caregiver Support Group 1-3pm

June 19th: Office Closed for Juneteenth Holiday

June 20th : Cass Lake Caregiver Support Group 4-6:30pm

June 26th: Bemidji Caregiver Support Group 1-3pm

June 26th: June Foot Clinic

 

 

  

      

 

United Way Grant Success Stories:

 

    “Eileen” is 84 years young and lives in her own small home in Bemidji. She has every other week visits from a registered nurse “Pat” from Northwoods Caregivers who monitors her vitals, sets  up her medications for 2 weeks and checks her feet for any damage that could be caused by diabetes. Eileen has a limited income and as these RN visits are considered maintenance and Medicare will not pay for them. One day her RN suggested that Eileen allow the handyman/chore (GIFT) program through Northwoods Caregivers to put in a video camera in her sitting room where she spent the majority of her time just in case she fell or needed help. Our handyman “Charlie” put a camera in her home the next day due to safety concerns and frequent falls. Eileen’s family caregiver “Sue” put the app on her phone and monitored it daily when she was not there. Early one morning, Sue checked the camera feed to see Eileen laying on the ground yelling for help. The family caregiver Sue called 911 and raced to Eileen’s home. Without the camera, Eileen would have potentially laid on the floor for many hours before help arrived. Instead Eileen had a very short emergency room stay and was home in time to celebrate Easter. 

 

 

“Henry” was a retired police officer. His wife “Natalia” was diagnosed with the onset of Dementia 4 years ago. Henry was always used to being in control and never asking for any help. He mentioned to one of his retired friends that he was really struggling and that his plan for retirement had changed drastically. His friend one day at coffee encouraged him to at least call and talk to someone at Northwoods Caregivers. Everyone from the person who answered the phone to the gal who talked to him about coming to support group were very understanding. Henry was nervous and thought he might be the only guy that would be showing up. When he showed up at the support group, it was very relaxed with all attendees laughing and welcoming him to the group. He was able to ask questions from both the other caregivers and the caregiver support group facilitator. Another caregiver made a suggestion about a fidget blankets and even a Dementia Rubik’s cube that were available. The caregiver support facilitator said they could easily order these for him as a caregiver support tool and it would be covered by a grant. Henry send a note to the staff at Northwoods Caregivers this past month “I am so grateful for the support I have received from Northwoods Caregivers. I can’t tell you how much this has meant to me and my daughter as we adjust to the changes Natalia is going through in her dementia.”

 

 

       It is well known in the early childhood field that attachment formed in the first years of life sets the stage for all future relationships. Quality time spent with parents and caregivers is critical for learning relational skills and developing self-esteem. That is why supervised visitation is extremely important as it allows each parent time with their children to establish positive, loving bonds. During Covid and after, we served a family via Zoom. The Children “Ava” (2), “Jon” (6) and mother “Chelsi” were living in Bemidji; and the father, “Zack”, was in Virginia serving in the armed forces. Through the use of technology, we were able to assist Zack in spending time with his children virtually. Over the months we saw growth in Zack’s ability to interact via this medium and engage in meaningful interactions with his children. Ava and Jon looked forward to his visits which involved game playing, book reading, conversation, and laughter. Dad has told them many times he’d like to see them everyday and how much he misses them. Also, these supervised visits provided Jon and Ava continuity and stability in forming a caring relationship with their dad. Thus, when Zack and the children were together for in person visits, he is seen as a loved and trusted father and not a stranger. Zack has now retired from the armed forces and moved to Solway and now gets to see his children on a regular basis with a relationship helped by technology, trained First City Visit Facilitators and a program of Northwoods Caregivers. 

 

 

We are Hiring! 

 

If you or someone you know is looking for a job, please fill out our application. You can print it from our website here, or stop by our office at 616 America Ave Suite 110. Questions? Please call 218-333-8262.

 

  

   

  

Northwoods Caregivers is also hiring for the following positions:

Home Health Aides
Assist with bathing, dressing, nail care, and PT exercises. CNA preferred, but training can be provided. Starting @ $17.50/hour

RN Services
Skilled and non-skilled nursing tasks such as: med set-up; tracking vitals; wound care, and INR’s. RN’s are independent contractors. Starting @ $32/hour. 

Transportation Volunteers
Volunteer drivers provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and small errands. Volunteer drivers are reimbursed at the federal mileage rate which is currently $.67/mile. Mileage begins from the volunteer’s door.