CAREgivers

12/22/2025

Join us at AG East on Jan. 7th for a free guided painting class for unpaid family caregivers! Please RSVP!

12/22/2025

12/22/2025

Happy Monday and holiday week!
Here is our calendar of events for January, 2026!

With the frenzy of the holiday season, it can be difficult to remember to care for yourself amongst the chaos.
We are hoping you are able to find some moments of peace as you carry the load of labor while caring for others.
As the new year is approaching, try not to add extra pressure to yourself. Give yourself permission to not have a new year’s resolution.
Let this year be one of less guilt with more rest and more recuperation. You have earned every ounce of rest you are able to take!
Reach out to learn more about Caregiver Services and how we can support you in creating more rest, peace, and intention.
You are not alone!

A couple of reminders:
• We are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but open on Friday.
• There will be no support group this Wednesday.
• We are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Grief group will be moved to the following Monday.

12/18/2025

Of Life - A poem for Caregivers by Erik Ondrejko

Of life, where moments unfold,

A symphony of care, a story to be told.

For every soul, in diverse need,

A caregiver’s touch, a selfless deed.

To the elderly, whose steps may slow,

A caregiver’s love, like a gentle flow.

In the twilight years, where memories linger,

Caregiver, you’re the compassionate bringer.

For those with illness, a chronic plight,

A caregiver’s strength, a guiding light.

Through trials faced and battles fought,

In your care, resilience is taught.

To individuals with disabilities, unique,

A caregiver’s support, a service so sleek.

In every challenge, every stride,

With you by their side, they find their guide.

In recovery’s embrace, post-surgery’s domain,

A caregiver’s comfort, a healing rain.

Through every ache and every sigh,

In your care, spirits begin to fly.

For the children with needs, special and bright,

A caregiver’s embrace, a source of light.

In laughter shared and dreams woven,

In your care, their world is proven.

To those facing trauma, a journey of pain,

A caregiver’s empathy, a shelter from the rain.

Through scars unseen and stories untold,

In your care, healing takes hold.

For those with minds in constant sway,

A caregiver’s patience, day by day.

In the maze of thoughts, where shadows linger,

Caregiver, you’re the understanding bringer.

In the final chapters, where life’s whispers fade,

A caregiver’s solace, a comforting shade.

For the journey’s end, where stars shimmer,

Caregiver, you’re the love’s last glimmer.

For every soul deserving care,

A caregiver’s heart, so pure and rare.

In the vast tapestry of humanity’s song,

You’re the melody that makes us strong.

12/15/2025

🕯️A candle is a small thing.
But one candle can light another.
And see how its own light increases,
as a candle gives its flame to the other.
You are such a light. 🕯️
— Moshe Davis

All Caregiver Support Services are offered free to anyone residing or receiving treatment in South Dakota. RSVP required where highlighted.

Groups and Events Week of December 15-December 20

Monday December 15
10:30-11:30am
Grief Support Group
In person at Active Generations Main
Via zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/93647549518

Tuesday December 16
1:30-2:30pm
Ornaments in Remembrance with AseraCare Hospice
The holidays can be difficult if you have lost a loved one. Join us for a discussion of grief over the holidays while creating Christmas ornaments in honor of loved ones
In person only at Active Generations Main
RSVP by calling (605)336-6722 (option 3) or email caregivers@activegen.org

Wednesday December 17
12:30-2:30pm
Parkinson’s Support Group Holiday Celebration
Open to all individuals with PD and their caregivers
In person only at Frontier Climbing and Fitness
Join us for a catered meal and learn more about the Parkinson’s Climbing program- Upending Parkinson’s (free climbing passes available for those interested)
For more information or to RSVP contact mclark@activegen.org or (605)333-3312

Thursday December 18
10-11am
Memory Caregiver Support Group
Open to anyone providing care for a loved one regardless of diagnosis
In person at Active Generations Main
Via zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295945296

Contact us Monday – Friday 8am-5pm if we can assist you in any way at caregivers@activegen.org or 1-800-360-6161
Individual appointments available. Below is a sample of the topics we would be happy to assist with:
• Caregiver coaching and education
• Resource navigation
• Personalized care plans including crisis planning
• Emotional support
• Advanced care planning
• Respite planning

12/09/2025

Cancer Caregiver Support Group scheduled for Thursday, December 11, has been cancelled. Please join us for the group in January on 1/08/25 at noon. Lunch will be provided with an RSVP.

12/08/2025

❄️"Christmas is not about the lights, not about the presents, not about the food, but about being there for others, being a friend, loving someone whether they are family or not." — S.E. Smith❄️

All Caregiver Support Services are offered free to anyone residing or receiving treatment in South Dakota.

Groups and Events Week of December 7-December 13

Monday December 8
Evening Support Group moved to Tuesday!

Tuesday December 9
5-6 pm
All Caregiver Support Group- open to anyone providing unpaid care for a loved one regardless of diagnosis
In person at Active Generations Main
Via zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83100942905

Thursday December 11
12 Noon to 1pm
Cancer Caregiver Support Group- open to anyone providing unpaid care for a loved one with cancer of any type or stage regardless of where they are receiving treatment
Lunch provided for those who RSVP by noon on 12/09/2025 (RSVP to Meghan- mclark@activegen.org or 333-3312)
In person at Touchmark at All Saints (Heritage Room) 111 W 17th St (roughly halfway between Sanford and Avera on 17th st)
Via zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86713042401

Contact us Monday – Friday 8am-5pm if we can assist you in any way at caregivers@activegen.org or 1-800-360-6161
Individual appointments available. Below is a sample of the topics we would be happy to assist with:
• Caregiver coaching and education
• Resource navigation
• Personalized care plans including crisis planning
• Emotional support
• Advanced care planning
• Respite planning
Stay warm and safe!

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12/04/2025

Caregiving and The Holidays

Stop dreading the holiday season and learn to make it manageable, meaningful, and even joyful! The holidays often amplify the stress, resentment, and fatigue family caregivers already face, forcing a […]

12/04/2025

Caring for a person with dementia is a role like no other, and that role requires training. The FREE Savvy Caregiver classes provide training for unpaid family caregivers.
The small group discussion classes address the progressive impact of the illness and the skills needed to manage daily caregiver responsibilities. The six sessions will help develop good care management tools through group discussions, skill building, problem solving, assertiveness training, and brainstorming.
Participants will learn to:
• Understand dementia & its effect on behavior.
• Develop strategies to build contented involvement in the care recipient, creating a calmer environment for all.
• Develop effective strategies for caregiving and decision making.
• Adopt a more strategic outlook on caregiving and work.
Classes will be held Tuesdays January 6 – February 10th from 10-noon (CST) at Active Generations Main. Call Carmen at (605) 333-3319 to register or for more info. Respite is available upon request.