RAAN in Action
RAAN in Action
Explore our video series and learn first-hand about family caregiving and the people working together to improve the lives of older adults in rural America.
VIDEO GALLERY
RURAL FAMILY CAREGIVER VOICES
Rural Family Caregiver Voices: Introduction
Across rural communities, family caregivers are essential to helping older adults remain at home, connected to their communities, and supported by the people they love. This introductory video sets the stage for hearing directly from rural family caregivers, elevating their lived experiences, the challenges they face, and the changes they believe are needed to build stronger, more responsive systems of support.
Rural Family Caregiver Voices: Hannah’s Story
Hannah’s experience caring for her father in rural Montana offers a personal glimpse into the love, commitment, and everyday realities behind family caregiving. Her story reinforces the importance of meeting caregivers where they are with practical supports that help families continue caring for loved ones in the communities they call home.
Rural Family Caregiver Voices: Del’s Story
Rural family caregivers like Del are often the backbone of care, stepping in to support the people they love when resources and services are limited. Hear Del share his lived experience as a caregiver for his wife in rural Minnesota and why listening to caregivers is essential to building stronger, more responsive systems of support.
Rural Family Caregiver Voices: Julie’s Story
From rural North Dakota, Julie shares the realities of balancing caregiving for her mother with the many other responsibilities of everyday life. Her story reminds us that supporting rural family caregivers means understanding what they need to continue caring for the people they love, and ensuring their voices help guide the solutions intended to support them.
Rural Family Caregiver Voices: Scott’s Story
From rural South Dakota, Scott offers a firsthand look at the dedication and responsibility that come with caring for his father and stepmother in a rural community. His experience highlights the critical role family caregivers play and the need for policies and supports that recognize, value, and sustain them.
Rural Family Caregiver Voices: Gina’s Story
In rural South Dakota, Gina’s story shines a light on the deeply personal commitment of caring for her spouse while navigating the realities of limited rural resources. Her experience underscores the importance of ensuring family caregivers are seen, supported, and included in shaping solutions that make caregiving more sustainable.
Rural Family Caregiver Voices: Suzy’s Story
In rural Montana, Suzy’s caregiving journey reflects the strength, commitment and resilience of family caregivers who make it possible for loved ones to remain at home and connected to their communities. Her story of caregiving for her mother and father highlights why rural caregivers’ experiences must help shape the services, supports and systems designed to support them.
Coming Together
Coming Together: Aging in Rural America
By expanding our circle of partners in aging, our community-led approach addresses gaps in care, innovating new ways to empower older adults to lead their best lives. Find out how we’re making a difference in places like Armour, South Dakota.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Bill’s Story
When we come together, we address the needs of rural older adults like Bill, connecting them to food, health resources and social engagement. Get to know Bill, a 96-year-old widower and longtime member of the community in South Dakota.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Tanya’s Story
Local staff like Tanya understand the unique joys and challenges of rural living and can amplify the voices of older adults in the community. Returning home to South Dakota after a career in foreign service took her around the world, Tanya brings her skills to her own community, working to address gaps in care for older adults.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Priscilla’s Story
As a trucker, Priscilla traveled to 49 of the 50 states. She fell in love with rural South Dakota and decided to settle there when she retired. In collaboration with local partners, the Rural Aging Action Network helps make it possible for older adults like Priscilla to age in the community of their choice.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Herman & Jeannette’s Story
“Do what you can, where you can, how you can.” Get to know Herman and Jeannette Fink and see how they serve their own peers and neighbors in their community.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Mobilizing Communities to Empower Older Adults
The Rural Aging Action Network recognizes that older adults are vital members of the community. Through strong partnerships with local organizations and caregivers, RAAN mobilizes whole communities to empower older adults, connecting them to vital services and support. This collaborative approach helps older adults age in place with independence and dignity.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Marian’s Story
The Rural Aging Action Network is led by people like Marian Jordan who reflect the lived experience of their communities. As a RAAN coordinator, Marian guides older adults through the health and social complexities of aging in rural communities. From transportation to housing assistance, RAAN leaders are addressing social isolation and ensuring older adults remain vital members of their communities.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Susan’s Story
Family caregivers are essential in supporting aging parents and older adults in rural communities, while also balancing children, work and other responsibilities. The Rural Aging Action Network ensures caregivers like Susan Smith are supported so more older adults can live with dignity in the community of their choice.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
The Sirleafs’ Story
The Rural Aging Action Network mobilizes whole communities by supporting community partners like the Rev. S. T. Sirleaf and Tonya Sirleaf at One Family Christian Center International. With support from the Sirleafs and other key partners, the Rural Aging Action Network works to address gaps in care and supports older New Americans by connecting them to essential services, including job coaching and language interpretation services, among others, to ensure older adults can contribute and thrive in their communities.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Christina and Manee’s Story
Older adults play a significant role in communities, sharing wisdom and strengthening the community itself. The Rural Aging Action Network empowers caregiver volunteers like Christina to provide necessary support for older adults, especially in rural communities, allowing them to age independently and equally contribute to their community.
COMING TOGETHER: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Nowah and Zoe’s Story
Aging independently at home is an especially complex challenge for New Americans in rural communities. Through the Rural Aging Action Network, older adults like Nowah and Zoe can access essential services like housing, employment, and transportation, helping them stay connected to providers and actively engaged in their communities. Most importantly, RAAN allows older adults to feel valued and empowered to age with dignity and autonomy.
LIVED VOICES: AGING IN RURAL AMERICA
Stories of Independence, Community Connections and Vibrant Lives
Meet the faces of Wilton, North Dakota. We’re championing the voices of older adults in rural American communities like Wilton to ensure they are able to lead independent and vibrant lives.