Caregiver corner

A letter to the editor in a February issue of the Hastings Star Gazette has initiated the beginning of a Caregiver Corner column in this newspaper (see below).

The letter was from a resident who was writing in regard to her parents, who do not live in Hastings. She questioned obtaining information about caregiver resources.

The letter caught the attention of Hastings resident and DARTS volunteer service resources coordinator Colleen Fritsch.

“They were valid questions she was raising,” said Fritsch.

Fritsch, with the help of the United Way of Hastings, contacted a number of nonprofit agencies/organizations in Hastings. The groups held a meeting in March for area caregivers, asking them to share their concerns, comments and provide a listening opportunity to each other.

“What we learned is that many did not know about these different agencies,” said Fritsch. “The caregivers had some of the same concerns shared by the letter writer. We wanted to let people know that we’re here—all these agencies and services.

“Let’s start talking not just to each other, but to the community. The idea was, and is, about working together and letting others know about available resources.”

The agencies decided to increase the number of educational offerings available to the community through Hastings Community Education. Plus, caregivers need time to talk to each other. The Star Gazette also became part of this collaboration.

The participating agencies Dakota County Social Services, Dakota County Communities for a Lifetime, DARTS, Hastings Community Education, Hastings Family Service, Hastings Ministerial Association, Hastings Area Senior Center, Oak Ridge Assisted Living, Park Ridge of Hastings, Regina Medical Center, and United Way of Hastings.

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