Senior Resources

Waconia Area Senior Center

The Waconia Area Senior Center is open to all adults ages 55 and over in Waconia and our surrounding communities for coffee, socializing, game/card clubs, bingo, and special senior events. The Waconia Area Senior Center meets at City Hall on Wednesday and Thursday (except holidays) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Their calendar is published on their website, and also on the Senior Connections calendar found below. More details can be found on their website (link). For more information, contact Brenda at 952-442-4642.

Senior Connections

The City has recently completed the Talking ’Bout My Generation Survey and follow-up focus groups where we heard great feedback from our residents. One piece of feedback heard from the survey and focus groups is that there is not a "one stop shop" to find events that are happening in the community, specifically events related to the senior population. We have recently put together a senior newsletter and monthly calendar of events so that some of the events happening around town are highlighted. 

View the Senior Connections Calendar here (PDF)

The City of Waconia published a COVID-19 edition of Senior Connections (PDF) that contains various resources for our seniors to use during COVID. 

Talking ’Bout My Generation

In 2017, the City completed the Talking ’Bout My Generation survey which was sent to all residents in the community via their utility bills. Copies of the survey were also dropped off and picked up at various multi-tenant and residential facilities around town. Results from the survey can be found here.

WeCAB

The Waconia Commission on Aging and the City of Waconia are looking at bringing WeCAB into the community. provides safe, affordable, and flexible supplemental transportation to those in Carver County’s service areas who are unable to drive to medical appointments, grocery stores, food shelves, worship services, volunteer opportunities, and social events. Rides are available seven days a week and can be requested at least 24 hours in advance between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

To get WeCAB started in Waconia, we first need volunteers! There are three different types of WeCAB volunteers:

  • Rider Registrars
  • Dispatchers
  • Drivers

Waconia needs volunteers in all of these areas to get WeCAB off the ground. See below for information on the various volunteer opportunities, and download a volunteer application here. Applications can be returned to Jackie Schwerm (jschwerm@waconia.org) at Waconia City Hall (201 South Vine Street). You also need to provide a photo copy of the front and back of your driver’s license. If you are volunteering to be a driver, please include a copy of your insurance information, as well.

Rider Registrars (1-2 needed for Waconia):

  • Work from home (or anywhere!)
  • Talk wiht people and register them as riders for WeCAB
  • Use WeCAB web-based software with your computer and internet service.

Dispatchers (3-5 needed for Waconia):

  • Work from home (or anywhere!)
  • Dispatching shifts are 4 hours
  • Must have access to a phone and computer with internet
  • Take phone calls from riders
  • Enter ride requests into computer

Drivers (5-10 needed for Waconia):

  • Drivers select rides to place/time that fits within their schedule
  • Mileage reimbursement is available at charity rate (.14 per mile)
  • Drivers have a vehicle and driving record check
  • Drivers use their own vehicle
  • Drivers must have their own insurnace

The first Waconia WeCAB kick-off meeting was held on January 4, 2018. An additional meeting will be scheduled for February, for those who were unable to attend the initial meeting.

Remember, volunteer applications can be found here. If you’re interested in being a rider, you can also fill out one of the rider applications here.

Submit all completed applications to:

Jackie Schulze
Assistant City Administrator
City of Waconia
201 South Vine Street
Waconia, MN 55387

or

jschulze@waconia.org. 

Senior Resource Guide

Access the Senior Resource Guide (PDF) to find information on the following topics specifically pertaining to Waconia senior citizens. 

  • Adult Learning
  • Employment
  • Financial Resources
  • Health, Wellness & Nutrition
  • Home Health & Maintenance Services
  • Housing
  • Medical Supplies & Equipment 
  • Nursing Facilities
  • Recreation
  • Support Groups
  • Transportation
  • Vision & Hearing

Recreation

Qualifications for a Free Safari Island Membership

Do you want a free membership to Safari Island? Do you want to skate for free during open skate hours at the Waconia Ice Arena? IF your Medicare health plan offers the SilverSneakers Fitness Program, you are eligible for a free Safari Island membership! 

Visit the SilverSneakers website and access Health Plans to see if you are enrolled in a participating plan and to learn more about the program. We hope to see you at Safari Island!

Helpful Links

GoCarverGo - Go active and experience a healthier life! Use GoCarverGo to connect to trails, walking and biking routes, parks, and other physical activity events throughout Carver County.

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging - The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (MAAA) is the designated area agency on aging for the 7 county metropolitan area. The MAAA is a catalyst in building communities where elders live with dignity, mutual respect and shared responsibilities across generations and cultures.

MinnesotaHelp.Info - Utilize online access to statewide community resources. MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help. It is especially rich in resource information for seniors and their caregivers; people with disabilities and their caregivers; parents and families; and low income people.

Vital Aging Network - This resource helps older adults be self-sufficient, live fulfilling and meaningful lives, and contribute to vital communities. Learn, engage, and lead! Also, find tips for older drivers.