Darts is a non-profit, volunteer-based group that tries to help older adults and their caregivers stay independent at home and in their neighborhoods, and you'll find they've been doing this for a good while. Darts offers many services like transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in Dakota County and the Greater Minneapolis Area, and you can take a ride whether you use a wheelchair or a walker, and service animals can come along too. Riders get fare discounts if they qualify, and an or a personal care assistant can ride for free, and they've set up special rates depending on how far someone needs to go, with rides available for individuals or groups, but the group rides have to last at least two hours. If you want to schedule a ride, a dispatcher will call you back to confirm everything, though you need to cancel a ride by 2 pm the day before. Darts doesn't just do driving, though, because they're also there for help around the house, like cleaning, outdoor chores, minor home repairs, getting the home ready for older adults, and helping people figure out what resources might be available, plus their full-service garage keeps the vehicles in good shape.
Darts pays close attention to supporting caregivers too, offering things like respite programs called Break Buddies that don't involve medical care but give caregivers a chance for a break, and there's coaching, information, and news for caregivers. Volunteers of all ages can help in everything from driving and light chores to reading aloud as Learning Buddies with elementary students or showing someone how to use a smartphone or send an email, which can really make a difference. There's lots of ways to get involved, whether you're a group, an individual, young, or old, and they've got options all year long.
Education is important here, because Darts gives out things like the printed Resource Guide, sends newsletters, has downloadable publications, and keeps supporters informed, plus families can get help with housing referrals and understanding community resources in clear and simple language. There's even live chat help if you want to ask questions online, and they're ready by phone and email as well. Darts offers adult day programs, support for home care, and ways to get people more involved in the community, and they focus on making sure their programs fit many backgrounds and needs, always trying to find practical, fair solutions that help people age well at home. Transportation professionals can get consulting and training, since Darts believes in safe professional driving, and the dispatch systems for rides use modern scheduling. Darts is a leader in organizing these practical supports, listening to what the community asks for, and working with others through smart partnerships, always trying to make aging a bit easier for people who want to stay where they feel most comfortable.
