CARE
Age Well & Age Strong with CARE
Your Nonprofit
Serving Aitkin County
Aging - something we all have in common. I once heard a saying that aging is so cool, everyone is doing it. While we all age, no two aging journeys are the same - and that's where we come in. My father lived with Parkinson's disease and my mother is now in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. Both of my parents wanted to remain in our family home for as long as possible, right here in rural Aitkin County. Like so many families, we turned to CARE for help supporting my mom at home.
We get it - because we've lived it. We are local, and we truly care. Aitkin County is incredibly fortunate to have a nonprofit that has been serving our community for over 20 years, supporting older adults, adults with disabilities, and the caregivers who stand beside them every day. Explore this guide to our programs & supports. CARE is committed to keeping services affordable while also ensuring our staff receive fair and respectful compensation. The work our Professional Caregivers & Tour Directors do is extremely valuable, and we believe that supporting both our clients and our employees is essential to providing high-quality care. Let us help you Age Well & Age Strong.
CARE's Mission is to enhance and promote the independence, dignity, value and well-being of older adults & adults managing disabilities and those who care for them. We proudly serve Aitkin County with two offices - one in Aitkin and one in Palisade.
Professional Caregiving Services
Homemaking
Our trained professional caregivers provide homemaking services designed to help you age well in the comfort of your own home. The first step in receiving CARE services is an in-person visit with Kim, who conducts a thorough home assessment. During this visit, she takes time to learn what is most important to you, where you currently need support, and whether there are any areas in your home that could present safety or tripping hazards. This assessment ensures that services are tailored specifically to your needs and preferences.
Following the assessment, Kim thoughtfully pairs you with one of our professional caregivers, striving to create the best possible match based on personality, experience, and your unique needs.
CARE prides itself on open, honest, and ongoing communication - with you and with the people closest to you. We believe strong communication is essential to providing high-quality, person-centered care.
CARE is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services under a 245D license. This means our staff complete required training in person-centered care, basic first aid, and other essential competencies to ensure safe, reliable, and compassionate support.
Private Pay clients are charged using a sliding fee scale based on monthly income. Clients receive a monthly invoice and may choose to pay online or by check.
Your Professional Caregiver May Assist with the Following Tasks:
- Light housekeeping, including:
- Dusting, vacuuming and mopping
- Making beds
- Cleaning the bathroom (vanity, sink, tub & floors)
- Cleaning the kitchen (counters, floors, fridge etc.)
- Laundry
- Washing, drying, and folding linens and clothing
- Meal preparation and cleanup & shopping for necessities
- Home management tasks and medication reminders
- Paying bills, completing paperwork & organizing documents
- Stand-by assistance with showers
Provided for fall prevention and safety
To request a home assessment and learn more about our most popular service
Call Kim at 218-927-1383 ext. 2.
Professional Caregiving Services
Respite
What are Respite Services?
Respite services are designed to give caregivers a break while ensuring the care receiver continues to receive the support they need to safely remain at home. Respite allows caregivers time to run errands, visit friends or family, go to work, rest, or simply take a much-needed nap. Caregiving is a job, and like any job, the goal is to find the best way to get the work done well. Doing any job well - including caregiving - requires four essential things:
- Recognizing that you cannot do everything yourself and that working with others is necessary
- Taking daily breaks
- Taking vacations or time away to rest and renew yourself
- Being realistic about what you can and cannot do
Respite Services
- Preparing meals
- Stand-by assistance with showers
- Help with transfers (such as moving from sitting to standing)
- Medication reminders
- Light housekeeping
- Companionship
- including visiting, playing games, reading, or participating in activities the care receiver enjoys!
If you are a caregiver, it is important to ask yourself:
If my health declines or if something happens to me, what will happen to the person I care for? If I become emotionally drained, sleep-deprived, or isolated because I am trying to do everything myself, how loving and patient will I be with my family member?
To discuss respite services
Call Kim at 218-927-1383 ext. 2.
Professional Service
Toenail Clinic
CARE is proud to offer a Toenail Clinic provided by our professional registered nurse, Cindy Roden.
As we age, caring for our feet - and especially our toenails - can become more challenging. Our Toenail Clinic is designed to provide safe, comfortable, and relaxing foot care in a professional setting.
Each private 45-minute appointment includes:
- A thorough foot inspection to identify any concerns that may require further medical attention
- A warm foot soak
- Gentle cleaning and trimming of toenails
- A light lotion massage to leave your feet feeling refreshed
You'll enjoy our professional-grade pedicure chair, complete with heat and massage options. Our swivel chair allows for easy access to the foot basin, ensuring comfort throughout your visit - your "tootsies" will truly feel like a million bucks!
Age Well. Age Strong. Treat your feet with the care they deserve through CARE's Toenail Clinic Service.
To request a Toenail Clinic Appointment
Call Kim at 218-927-1383 ext. 2.
Age Well & Age Strong
Services
Health: Sail Classes
Stay Active & Independent for Life
These are evidence-based classes which improve your balance & strength to prevent falls as we age. Classes are held twice a week at four locations in Aitkin County. Call Ann for info.
Nutrition: Meals on Wheels
CARE partners with AEOA and Aitkin Health Services to coordinate the delivery of hot meals to your front door five days a week. Our caring Team greets you with a smile and a meal. This service is available to older adults living within the City of Aitkin. During 2025, CARE proudly delivered 2,485 meals to our community. Call Ann for info.
Planning: Advance Care Planning Service
Planning ahead ensures your choices are honored - especially in a crisis. Do you have a healthcare directive that reflects your current wishes? Is it on file with your healthcare provider? Have you documented preferences such as CPR, breathing support, organ donation, or who can make decisions for you? You'll be guided through this process in the comfort of your own home. The service includes notarized documents, copies, and uploading forms to your providers' portals. Call Ann for info.
Support: Alzheimer's Assoc. Caregiver Support Group
Caregiving is exhausting - physically, emotionally, and mentally. It's a journey that no one should have to walk alone. Having support from others who truly understand makes all the difference. Our Caregiver Support Group meets once a month and is led by caring, compassionate facilitators create a safe space to share, listen, and connect.
Call Ann at 218-927-1383 ext. 1
annprogramdirector@gmail.com
Non-Emergency Medical & Special Transportation Services
Step One:
Call Athena to complete the registration process & request a ride.
Step Two:
Athena will confirm your ride and accept payment. Rides are prepaid.
Step Three:
CARE will complete your ride!