OUR STORY
About Living at Home Park Rapids Area
Founded in 1992, Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area began as a program under Mahube Community Council with a simple but meaningful mission: to help older adults remain living safely and independently in the home of their choice. In 2000, the organization became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, expanding its volunteer network, community partnerships, and services to better support seniors and caregivers throughout the region.
Today, Living at Home serves more than 400 seniors each year across Hubbard County, eastern Becker County, and the Menahga area through compassionate services and programs that promote independence, connection, and well-being. With the support of dedicated volunteers and community partners, we provide transportation, shopping and errands, friendly visits, respite care, caregiver support, social programs, and resources that help older adults continue living safely and with dignity at home.
As a member of the Living at Home Network and an Interfaith Caregivers Program, we believe strong communities are built through collaboration. Together with local congregations, volunteers, healthcare providers, businesses, and community organizations, we continue to strengthen the support available for seniors, caregivers, and families throughout the Park Rapids area.
OUR CORE VALUES
Compassion
We provide caring, respectful support that honors the unique needs of every individual. Our goal is to help seniors and caregivers feel valued, heard, and supported.
Community
We believe strong communities are built through connection and collaboration. By working with local partners, volunteers, and families, we help older adults stay engaged and connected.
Independence
We empower older adults to live safely and confidently by providing trusted resources, meaningful programs, and compassionate support that help them remain in the home of their choice.
DEDICATION. EXPERTISE. PASSION
Meet Our Team
Our team is committed to providing compassionate support, trusted resources, and meaningful connections for the seniors and caregivers we serve. Together, we work to help our community thrive.
Connie Carmichael
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Connie has been with Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area since 2014. As the Executive Director she oversees all aspects of the Living at Home program. Connie has been involved in many civic and non-profit organizations over the years and truly finds JOY in all things “Community”. If you want to stop in for a tour of our new facility that includes our LAH offices, Senior Connections, Senior Nutrition by NSI or Lakes Area Day Health; or have a cup of coffee and chat about your aging journey, her door is always open! She will also do community presentations about all things LAH and our programs. She routinely presents at churches, non-profits, and other civic organizations. Feel free to call the office to get on her schedule. You will find that her true passion is investing in her community and bringing smiles to the seniors we serve every day! She often says that the most important person is the one sitting in front of her telling their story.
Gail Ahart
CAREGIVER SUPPORT NAVIGATOR
Gail appreciates the opportunity to engage with and support individuals who are in a caregiving role. She facilitates monthly caregiver discussion groups, outreach to caregivers offering one-on-one coaching sessions and/or providing assistance with finding the appropriate resources to support both the caregiver and the care receiver. She is here to help you navigate your caregiving journey in a knowledgeable, friendly and compassionate way that fosters success for you, the caregiver, and the person you are caring for.
Kim Donahue
CAREGIVER CLOSET/ SENIOR CONNECTIONS/ EVENT COORDINATOR
My journey to Park Rapids began with a job opportunity in 2011. My introduction to the community was the Governor’s Fishing Opener. Since then, my passion for participating in our community has grown. Serving and volunteering fills my heart with joy and I am fortunate to now be a part of the Living at Home family! Join our Senior Connections community for a lively game of cards, share a cup of coffee, or simply enjoy some conversation. It's a place where new friendships are made and old ones grow stronger.
Susan Kalm
ELDERCARE SERVICES COORDINATOR
Susan coordinates our volunteer and eldercare services and is often the first person you'll speak with when you call our office. Whether you need information, want to sign up for services, or have a service request, Susan is here to help and connect you with the right volunteer. She works closely with our clients and volunteers to ensure everyone feels respected, supported, and valued. By getting to know the people we serve, Susan helps create meaningful matches between seniors and volunteers while continuing to strengthen our volunteer network and build lasting relationships throughout the community.
Office Closures & Weather Updates
Living at Home follows a holiday schedule throughout the year and may close during severe weather to help ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and community members.
Weather Closures:
If Park Rapids Area Schools have a delayed start, early dismissal, or are closed due to severe weather, all Living at Home programs, services, and activities will also be canceled.
Closure updates will be shared on our Facebook page and through local radio stations.
Holiday Closures
Our office is closed on the following holidays:
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Good Friday
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Memorial Day
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Independence Day (July 4)
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If July 4 falls on a Saturday, our office will be closed on Friday, July 3.
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If July 4 falls on a Sunday, our office will be closed on Monday, July 5.
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Labor Day
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Thanksgiving Day
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The Friday after Thanksgiving
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Christmas Eve
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Christmas Day
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New Year's Day
GRANT SUPPORT
Grants partners:
Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area is proud to receive support from state and federal grant programs that help us provide essential services, resources, and support for older adults and caregivers throughout our community.
This project is supported, in part, by a Live Well at Home grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, as well as funding provided under the Older Americans Act through a contract with the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, under an Area Plan approved by the Minnesota Board on Aging.
If you have questions regarding the grants that support Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area, please contact Executive Director Connie Carmichael at (218) 732-3137 or by email.
