Black Hills Center for Aging

05/01/2026

Black Hills Center for Aging is proud to be a recipient of the Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Member Impact Fund Award through partnership with First Interstate Bank. This award will invest $8750 into our community and support our quality programming for our guests and their caregivers. 💚💛🧡

04/30/2026

To the caregiver carrying the weight of two worlds...

Caregiver burnout is real. But what many don’t say out loud is this: it often lives right next to grief.

There is a kind of mind caregivers carry that feels foggy, scattered, heavy.
You forget things.
You lose track of time.
You feel exhausted even after sleeping.

This is not failure. This is "grief brain."

You are holding two realities at once: loving someone deeply while slowly losing parts of them. That tension lives in the body. It shows up as headaches, irritability, and emotional exhaustion.

And still—you show up.

You manage medications. You repeat the same answer with patience. You hold dignity together when the disease tries to take it apart.

Please hear us clearly: what you are feeling makes sense.

But you were never meant to carry this alone. Caregiving requires strength, but it also requires support, boundaries, and restoration.

☀️ Step outside and let the sun hit your face.
💧 Drink water.
🤝 Ask for help without apologizing.
🕊️ Take a break without guilt.

Your nervous system matters. Your mind matters. Your life matters. You are a human being doing sacred work in one of the hardest spaces that exists.

Stay supported. Stay connected. Stay human.

We are here for you.
📞 (605) 791-0436
🌐 blackhillscfa.org

04/28/2026

It’s More Than "Just Getting Older" – Understanding Dementia 🧠

When we think of dementia, we often think of forgotten names or lost keys. But dementia isn’t just memory loss; it’s a gradual shift in how the brain processes the world around us.

Early detection doesn't just provide answers—it provides a roadmap. Recognizing the signs early allows for better planning, access to support, and a higher quality of life for your loved ones.

✨ What Everyone Should Know
Dementia is not a single disease; it’s an umbrella term for a range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s. While these changes can be scary, you don't have to navigate them alone.

📍 We’re Here to Help
If you’ve noticed these changes in yourself or a loved one, reach out to us at the Black Hills Center for Aging. Let’s talk about the next steps together.

04/26/2026

This list is great!! 💜

04/25/2026

🎥 Join Our Aging Mastery Program Watch Party!
Ready to take charge of your future? We are excited to announce that Black Hills Center for Aging is hosting a special Aging Mastery Program (AMP) Watch Party series this spring!

The Aging Mastery Program is a fun and engaging way to learn how to make small, impactful changes in your life. Whether it’s physical activity, financial fitness, or sleep hygiene, this program provides the tools you need to age well and enjoy the journey.

🗓️ Event Details:
When: Wednesdays | May 13 – June 10

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Where: Black Hills Center for Aging

1339 E. North Street (Right next to On The Border)

📩 How to Register:
Space is limited! To secure your spot, please email Jamie at:
caregiversupport@blackhillscfa.org

Come for the information, stay for the community and conversation. Let’s master the art of aging together!

04/24/2026

Rescheduled Event: Aging Well Workshop
Please take note! Our upcoming Aging Well Workshop, "Beyond the Will: The Decisions, Documents, and People that Shape Your Estate Plan," has been rescheduled.

Planning for the future involves more than just a document—it’s about the people and choices that ensure your wishes are honored. We want to make sure everyone interested has the opportunity to join us for this important conversation!

New Date: Thursday, May 7th, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM MT

How to Register:
To reserve your spot or for more information, please contact Jamie at:
📧 caregiversupport@blackhillscfa.org

Whether you are just starting your estate planning journey or looking to refine your current plan, this workshop will provide valuable insights into the essential elements beyond the Will. We look forward to seeing you there!

04/22/2026

Big congratulations to Active Generations on your Adult Day Services expansion! 👏

It’s great to see more communities investing in this kind of support for older adults and caregivers. Proud to be doing this work alongside you—wishing you continued success!

Demand is high – and now there's a new place to meet it. Introducing Beacom Family Village, expanding day services for older adults and the caregivers who support them. https://siouxfalls.business/newly-opened-beacom-family-village-expands-support-for-older-adults-caregivers/

04/21/2026

🎩 Magic Moments at the Memory Café!
What an incredible morning we had today! We were thrilled to welcome 25 friends and neighbors to our Memory Café. The room was buzzing with energy, and the magic was truly in the air.

Our guest magician put on a spectacular show that had everyone completely captivated. From mind-boggling tricks to plenty of laughs, it was wonderful to see so many people fully engaged and enjoying the performance together. These moments of connection and joy are exactly why we love what we do!

🗓️ Save the Date for May!
Missed out today? Or ready for another round of coffee and community? We’d love to see you at our next gathering!

When: Tuesday, May 19th

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Where: Black Hills Center for Aging – Education Resource Center

Location: 1339 E. North St. (Right next to On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina)

Our Memory Café is a supportive, relaxed, and fun social space for those living with memory loss and their care partners. We can’t wait to see you there!

04/18/2026

Out and about in Belle Fourche today? Stop by the Belle Fourche Community Center Wellness Fair from 10:00–3:00 and say hello! With over 40 vendors, it’s a great opportunity to explore local resources—including caregiver support and services from Black Hills Center for Aging. We’d love to connect with you!

04/15/2026

Today was out of this world 🚀✨
We had a great time exploring South Dakota Air and Space Museum with our amazing people! From towering aircraft to fascinating stories of flight and service, it was a day full of curiosity and connection.
Thank you to everyone who joined us💙

04/14/2026

Huge thank you to Black Hills Community Bank for your generous support of the Brandon Jones Jam! 🎶

A special shout out to Rachel Menkens and the Pass It On Program for recommending this contribution and helping make this event possible. Your support truly makes a difference in bringing our community together! 💙

04/10/2026

Caregiver note for today…

Trust your gut.

Sometimes something just feels “off.” Not the usual changes—something different. More confusion, more agitation, just not themselves.

In some cases, a simple, inexpensive at-home UTI test can reveal what’s going on. Anyone using incontinence products should have some on hand and test periodically!

With dementia, a UTI doesn’t always look like we expect. It may show up as:
• Increased confusion
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Sudden behavior changes

No fever. No typical symptoms. Just a shift.

This is a gentle reminder—if something feels off… check.

Caregivers often know their person better than anyone. 🤍

If you’re ever unsure or need support navigating these changes, the team at Black Hills Center for Aging is here to help.