Sorry, your browser is not supported by Augustana Care.

Please upgrade to IE 8 or try another browser.

COVID-19: Safety Protocol, Visits, Vaccination and Guidance
Page Contents Header Image

Helpful Articles

Growing Older: What You Need to Know

Do you ever wonder about the difference between assisted and independent living, or how these options can help you or a loved one? Are you trying to find a supportive community as you or a loved one grows older? Do you struggle to talk with a loved one about the future? Cassia wants to help! We’ve pulled together tips and insights from experts in the field and across our organization. We’ve put them all in one place so we can share them easily with you, and you won’t have to comb the internet to find them. We plan to keep adding more information to the site on a regular basis, so please check back frequently as more questions arise in your life. Remember—we’re here to help.

Video Series: Dealing with Dementia

Forgetfulness: Is it Normal or a Warning Sign? Beyond the Words: Communication Strategies for Those with Dementia. Practical Tips for Caregivers View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Video Series: Life Care Planning Education

Estate Planning. Paying for Long Term Care. Veterans Benefits for Long Term Care. View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Calculate the Cost of a Care Community

What is the cost of living in your home and how does it compare to living at a community that offers independent/assisted living options, or one that provides memory care or skilled nursing care? You may discover that a care community is much more affordable than you think. View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Planning for the Future: How Long-term Care Insurance Can Help

Many people think their private health insurance or Medicare pays for extended care in their homes or in assisted living communities. Unfortunately, that is not true. View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

The Benefits of Giving Up Driving

Although it can be harder to get around without a car, there are numerous upsides. For one thing, cars cause an enormous amount of pollution and if more of us stop driving, we are much more likely to see air quality improve. View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

What to Look for When You Tour a Care Community

The most important thing you can do is explore possibilities together. We’ve provided a few questions for you to ask that should give you more insight into what you’ll find in any given community. View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Independent or Assisted Living? What’s the Difference?

Choosing a community to provide care and services to you or your loved ones—along with opportunities for new friendships and activities— can be confusing. The first step is to figure out what your options are. What is independent living? What does assisted living mean? View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Can Social Activities Make a Difference in Your Loved One’s Life and Outlook? You Bet!

Does your mom seem a little blue almost every time you talk to her? Is your dad spending a lot of time alone, watching television or staring out the window? If your parent or another loved one is feeling depressed, there is something you can do about it! View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Talking With Loved Ones About the Future

Are you worried about your mom or dad—or another loved one who is living alone? Let’s say you are, and want to ask if he or she would consider moving to a care community. Chances are you’ll encounter some resistance. How can you make it easier to discuss transitions with those you lov View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Are You Ready for Assisted Living?

Do you wish you or a loved one had more help around the house? Are you or a loved one feeling overwhelmed by tasks that need to be done to maintain your home? View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Where and How Do You Want to Live?

Where and how do you want to live as you grow older? Your answer may depend on your physical, mental and emotional needs. There is no magic bullet or time that will tell you when to move; but you may discover that life is getting harder if you’re trying to do too many things alone. View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

How to Build a Community that Supports You – Even When You Live Alone

The older we get, the more likely it becomes that we will live alone. Some people may experience the death of a spouse; others lose friends to illness or friends move to assisted living communities. Some friends may move across the country to be closer to family. View article »
"" Augustana CorporateHeritage ParkInnovationsCastle PeakAugustana BlogOpen CircleElk RunEmerald CrestAugustana CareHelpful ArticlesCassia LifeFacce of CaringFace of CaringVolunteersSpiritual CareFaithful not Fearful
Augustana Blog, Helpful Articles,

Elder Care Advocates

Aging Services of Minnesota

Aging Services of Minnesota is Minnesota's largest association of aging services organizations. Today our membership encompasses over 1,000 member organizations including 700 provider member sites. Together, we work with over 50,000 caregivers throughout the state and serve more than 100,000 seniors each year in settings across the continuum from their home to congregate housing to assisted living to care centers. Aging Services members are diverse but share a common focus on person-directed living, missions of service to their communities and choice in older adult services.

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (MAAA)

The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (MAAA) is the designated area agency on aging for the seven county Twin Cities metropolitan area. Area agencies on aging were established under the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans aged 60 and over in every local community. There are over 650 area agencies on aging in the United States and 6 in Minnesota. Minnesota area agencies on aging are designated by the Board on Aging (Off Site) to provide three critical functions: OAA funding administration, community planning and service development, and information and assistance.

Leading Age

The members of Leading Age help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,700 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. Leading Age’s commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.

Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota

The Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota has been providing services, information, and advocacy for more than 30 years to people with dementia, their families and health care providers.

This Chapter is one of seven founding chapters of the National Alzheimer's Association, headquartered in Chicago. It was started by family caregivers who came together around a common need of getting support and help for their loved ones with dementia. Since 1979, our donor-supported, nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes

Resources

ProActive to Stay Active

“Proactive to Stay Active” is a blueprint designed to assist you in building a life plan as you age. Identifying your desires, strengths, community connections, resources and needs will assist you to be proactive rather than reactive when life events bring change. This will help ensure that your wishes will be honored.

Use this life plan as a tool to identify your circle of support which may include: family members, friends, and professionals/care partners. Once completed it becomes a resource to foster conversation about your personal wishes among your designated support team.

Download the ProActive to Stay Active book

By giving to Augustana Care I’m giving to the overall health of the community. Augustana Care can use our contributions to provide services that benefit all of us for many years to come.

— Jeanne Dahlgren, family member

  • In The News

    91-Year-Old Cassia Resident Receives Diploma

    Benson High Gives Honorary Diploma to 91-Year-Old Who Had to Leave School After Eighth Grade
    Read the Story »
    See All News »
  • Introducing Cassia

    Augustana Care and Elim Care Join Together as Cassia

    When two organizations become one, they face the exciting and vital task of creating a name. Augustana Care and Elim Care especially wanted a name to reveal the values and mission of both nonprofit eldercare providers.

    Read the Story »
    See All News »
  • In The News

    Memory Café Offers Fellowship and Support

    Are you caring for someone with dementia, or are you yourself dealing with it? Do you wish there was a way to talk to others with similar concerns? Now, there is a way.

    Read More »
  • Minnesota and Colorado

    FREE Nursing Assistant Education and Certification

    Select Cassia campuses in Minnesota and Colorado will train, certify and hire those who meet the care-giver criteria needed to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA.)

    Click here »
  • Recent News

    Augustana Care and IKEA partnered to create a new model apartment

    ... to address the unique needs of older generations. The apartment was featured in an article in Minnesota Good Age.

    Read the article »
    See all News »
  • Recent News

    Eighty-year Friendship Sweetens Women’s Lives at Emerald Crest by Augustana Care

    Lakeshore Weekly News
    Read Article »
    See All News »
  • Recent News

    Getting Older Generations Off the Health Care Crisis Roller Coaster

    New pilot program mentioned in Long-term Living helps older adults stay off health care crisis roller coaster.

    Read More »
    See All News »
  • Documentary Video

    "June in Minneapolis" Shares the Wisdom of an Older Generation

    a short film by Sydney Messmer
    Watch the Video »
  • Recent News

    Chef George Serra cooks for presidents, celebrities, Meals on Wheels and Augustana Care

    One of only 58 internationally certified chefs in the world, Serra was born in France, raised in Brazil and immigrated to the U.S. in 1962...

    Read More »
    See All News »