Aging Coalition

To develop and promote health and wellness options for the aging population in Crow Wing County.

About

The Aging Coalition is a focus area under Crow Wing Energized Healthy Choices. Current membership includes 25 people representing 16 home and community-based organizations who provide services to people 65 and better living in Crow Wing County. The core group meets every other month while task groups develop their own meeting schedule based on their current work. Task groups report their actions and work plans to the core group. All members of the Coalition are expected to serve on at least one task group.

Desired Outcomes

  • Provide education on available services, programs and events in Crow Wing County to professionals and citizens.
  • Promote collaborations with the following professionals and audiences:
    • Health Systems in Crow Wing County
    • Community at large
    • Aging population/residents
    • Government-State, County, Local
    • Faith-based organizations
    • Service Clubs
    • Businesses in CWC
    • The Center

Guiding Principles

Be the driving force that explores and implements strategies that address the social, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the aging population, their caregivers and families. Our list of immediate issues is below but is subject to change as the needs of the aging population changes.

  • Fall Awareness and Prevention
  • Advanced Care Planning (Health Care Directives)
  • Healthy Eating
  • Care Transitions
  • Exercise
  • Active Lifestyle/Socialization
  • Companionship/Respite
  • Caregiver Resources

Activities

Be the driving force that explores and implements strategies that address the social, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the aging population, their caregivers and families.

  • SAIL Classes
  • Advance Care Planning (Health Care Directives)
  • Healthy Eating
  • Care Transitions
  • Exercise
  • Active Lifestyle/Socialization
  • Companionship/Respite
  • Caregiver Resources

Task Groups

Task groups are identified and formed according to the activities listed as priority issues. Current task groups are:

  • Falls Awareness and Prevention
  • Advance Planning (Health Care Directives)
  • Mental Health
  • Aging Mastery
  • Consumer Education.

Resources

Meetings are held virtually. Contact Karen Johnson to receive meeting notifications.

Gina Heyer
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218-824-1237

Karen Johnson
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Rachel Zetah 
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Advanced Care Planning

A healthcare directive allows you to:

  • Appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make the decisions for yourself.
  • Give instructions to your decision maker about the kind of care you want and don’t want.
  • Appointments are available for assistance
  • Free assistance provided by Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center Mission and Pastoral Services 218-828-7530 or 218-828-7531 or online

Free assistance provided by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

  • Debra Bergsnev and Mary Novotny Honoring Choices Facilitators are available to address any questions on Advance Care Planning/Healthcare Directives or if you would like a healthcare directive mailed to you, please email or call them at deb.bergsnev@cuyunamed.org or mary.novotny@cuyunamed.org or 218-546-7000 ext. 4222.