NORTHWOODS PARTNERS

The mission of Northwoods Partners is to provide resources that promote independence and healthy aging.

We envision a community where people are able to age with dignity.

The demand for Northwoods Partners services increases every year because of changing demographics in our area as well as the increased number of referral sources and word of mouth. We are experiencing an alarming increase in clients who are caregivers of loved ones with different forms of dementia. These families are need multiple services. We recognize the great need for our community to become dementia friendly to help support these families. Northwoods Partners entire staff includes one full-time executive/caregiver consultant and one part-time office manager, who coordinates seventy-five volunteers. These volunteers provide multiple services to hundreds of community members. Our rationale for the funds requested are to increase our staff hours and volunteer recruitment/management to accommodate the increased demand for our programs and to help us maintain high quality service.

o ACT on Alzheimer's (Working together to make Ely become a dementia-friendly community)
o Evaluate caregivers, care receivers, home environments, and social supports in order to develop a plan for education, referral and NP services
o Train volunteers: Background checks are performed on all volunteers. Initial and quarterly training of volunteers includes subjects of confidentiality, conflict-of-interest, conversations that matter, helping persons in transition, improving memory, and health care directives.
o Provide respite assistance to caregivers by providing free time, group support, and education
o Provide friendly visits in the home and telephone calls by volunteers These activities allow for social contact, reassurance, and support from the extended community and provide opportunities to check on the home environment and on compliance with taking medications.
o Provide transportation that is not available through other services -- long-distance rides for medical appointments and local rides for appointments, meetings, errands, and social events
o Provide customized exercise programs (Exercise Buddy) for individuals and groups
o Serve as a support program in partnership with Essentia Health-St Mary's Hospice and Palliative Care East Range Team and with the Ely Community Care Team
o Work with the staffs of Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, the Boundary Waters Care Center, and local assisted-living and memory-care homes
o Serve as a source of information and referral regarding resources for the care and needs of the elderly and those with memory impairment and their caregivers
o Provide educational and informative events such as our annual Healthy Aging Expo and sponsor workshops conducted by the Alzheimer's Association and Legal Aide of Minnesota
o Participate in research that will benefit the larger community and enhance the skills of our staff and the care of our local clients
o Continue to develop creative programming and new collaborations locally and nationally that promise to make a significant impact on clients' lives
o Provide Memories & Movement classes: Memories & Movement is a weekly class for seniors to share social time that is combined with exercises designed to improve balance, strength, and independence.
o Continuing Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (REACH) program, which is an evidence-based caregiver consultation service
o Work with Essentia Health with the STRIDE program (Strategy to Reduce Injuries by Developing confidence in Elders)
o Provide Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) classes: TJQMBB is an evidence-based balance training regimen designed for older adults and people with balance disorders.

Northwoods Partners is always seeking friendly, caring volunteers to help with serving our community, as volunteers are invaluable to our organization. Northwoods Partners has recruited, trained and coordinated 80+ volunteers. Volunteers, staff, committee and board members provided 9,939 hours serving area seniors and caregivers. 429 individuals received one or more of our services in 2021. These services included friendly visits, transportation, customized exercise programs, phone calls, caregiver relief and also additional services like running errands, grocery shopping and recycling.

- One hundred and seventy individuals increased their physical activity and improved their balance. Pre and post evaluations as well as surveys reported reduced falls and improved physical and mental well-being.
- Five hundred and ninety rides were provided to medical appointments, errands, and social outings. Over 90% of participants who returned surveys reported this service helped them remain independent, reduced isolation and improved their health. Volunteers who reported drove 43,768 miles last year.
-Seven hundred and thirty-nine one-hour exercise sessions were provided to individuals in their homes. Pre and post evaluations showed improved balance, reduced falls and improved well-being.
-Over 70 caregivers received support to reduce stress and improved quality of life for themselves and the loved ones they care for. Annual surveys show caregivers are more equipped to deal with their caregiver role, stress is reduced and they are able to care for their loved homes at home for a greater length of time.
-Almost five hundred individuals participated in one or more of Northwoods Partners services last year. Close to 10,000 hours of time was dedicated to NP's clients and services. Volunteers and staff provided 7,793 hours of service to these individuals. NP's board of directors and committees provided 2,146 hours of service to NP. Many clients received education, resources and referrals to improve their health and well-being. All of these services promote independence and healthy aging.
-Northwoods Partners has a large network of care providers and organizations in which it works collaboratively in the continuum of care for its community members.