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News and Press Releases

Current News
Press Releases

Current News
 

11.15.2011
Safe Disposal of Needles and Other Sharps Outside of Health Care Settings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives tips for safely disposing (getting rid of) needles and other sharp devices that are used outside of health care settings. Patients and caregivers should keep these tips in mind when at home, at work, and while traveling.

Used needles and other sharps are dangerous to people and pets if not disposed of safely because they can injure people and spread infections that cause serious health conditions. The most common infections are:

  • Hepatitis B (HBV),
  • Hepatitis C (HCV), and
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Safe sharps disposal is important whether you are at home, at work, at school, traveling, or in other public places such as hotels, parks, and restaurants.

Never place loose needles and other sharps (those that are not placed in a sharps disposal container) in the household or public trash cans or recycling bins, and never flush them down the toilet. This puts trash and sewage workers, janitors, housekeepers, household members, and children at risk of being harmed.

Pet owners who use needles to give medicine to their pets should follow the same sharps disposal guidelines used for humans.

More from the FDA

The FDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
 

10.20.11
Governor Dayton Proclaims November as Family Caregivers Month
November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month in Minnesota.  Minnesota’s 679,000 family and informal caregivers are the foundation of our health and long-term care system.  It is a time to celebrate the important contributions of family caregivers and to recognize the impact of services and support for Minnesota’s caregivers.  See the Caregiver page for information and resources, as well as the Caregiver Communications Kit.

Read Governor Dayton's Proclamation
 

09.02.11
Senior LinkAge Line: A One Stop Shop for Minnesota Seniors Launched
Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon and DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson announced an expanded Senior LinkAge Line® service as a “One Stop Shop for Seniors” Thursday during Seniors Day at the Minnesota State Fair.

Senior LinkAge Line One Stop Shop for Minnesota Seniors Launch at the 2011 State Fair. In the photo are Jean Wood, executive director Minnesota Board on Aging, Yvonne Prettner Solon, lt governor, and Lucinda Jesson, DHS commissioner.

 

(Left to right Jean Wood, Executive Director Minnesota Board on Aging, Yvonne Prettner Solon, Lt. Governor, and Lucinda Jesson, DHS Commissioner, at the Minnesota State Fair Education building.)


 

 

The expansion is a significant change for the Senior LinkAge Line®, which is operated by the Minnesota Board on Aging and the six Area Agencies on Aging. The service primarily assisted people with health insurance and long-term care services-related questions. Now when Minnesota seniors call the Senior LinkAge Line®, they will be connected to a live person who will help them with any government service-related questions. Staff use a secure chat system, connecting them to representatives from many state agencies and providing instant access to answers for callers. In the near future, the service will provide connections to volunteer and employment opportunities that tap the talents of older Minnesotans.

“Throughout the campaign, Governor Mark Dayton and I heard a need from seniors and their families for a better way to connect with government and receive answers to critical issues,” said Prettner Solon. With the expansion, she said, Senior LinkAge Line® will become a true-one stop shop, helping to ensure the right supports are in place so Minnesota will continue to be a great place to age and live well.

In introducing the lieutenant governor, Jesson noted the long partnership between DHS and the Board on Aging to help Minnesota seniors get the help and the resources they need to remain independent in their homes and communities.

“Today we are excited to announce a substantial expansion of a service the Board on Aging provides that I think will really make a difference in the lives of older Minnesotans,” she said.

The launch at the Minnesota Board on Aging booth in the fair’s Education Building, included demonstrations by Minnesota Board on Aging volunteers andDemonstration by Senior LinkAge Line staff Chad Wojchik and Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging volunteer Marilyn Olson while DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson and Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon look on. staff, including Tom Gossett, who developed and led the demonstration.

The Senior LinkAge Line®, 1-800-333-2433, covers all 87 Minnesota counties. The service is available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The service can also be accessed via a chat line at www.MinnesotaHelp.info.

 

 Demonstration by Senior LinkAge Line® staff Chad Wojchik (far right) and Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging Certified Health Insurance Counselor volunteer Marilyn Olson (second on the right) while DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson (left) and Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon (second on the left) look on.

Read press release from the Office of the Governor

Minnesota Board on Aging at the Great Minnesota Get Together, 2011

Minnesota Board on Aging booth at the Great Minnesota Get Together - Education Building, 2011.

 

08.23.11
Long Term Care Consultation Expansion
Learn about a 2011 Legislative initiative that is being implemented through the MinnesotaHelp Network™, the Department of Human Services, the Minnesota Board on Aging and its six area agencies on aging. Changes to the Long Term Care Consultation (LTCC) statutes were made during the Legislative Special Session in July 2011. This initiative is an expansion of long term care consultation and long term care options counseling and is available to people of all ages who want to move into a Registered housing with services establishment. The expanded LTCC service will offer long-term care options counseling services to people who are considering a move to Registered housing with services which is estimated to be 30,000 Minnesotans per year. The service is being implemented through the Senior LinkAge Line® and the MinnesotaHelp Network™. An update about the Return to Community initiative will also be provided.

Who: Housing with service providers, Adult Foster Care providers, Nursing Home Social Workers, Home and Community Based Service providers, County Social Workers, LTC Consultants, Health Plans, Hospital Discharge Planners, County Directors, General Public

What: The purpose of these presentations will be to learn more about this effort. The objectives of the training are:

  1. Overview of changes made to the Long Term Care Consultation (LTCC) statutes ;
  2. Acknowledge audience as key players in these initiative;
  3. Why we are here and how we are in this together;
  4. Focus on new requirements and opportunities for housing with services providers, counties, providers, and the Senior LinkAge Line® to work together;
  5. Receive an update on the Return to Community initiative which was implemented in April 2010.

Where:

Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011
City: Marshall
Time: 8:30am-10:30am
Location:
Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center
300 S. Bruce Street
3
rd Floor Education Room
Marshall, MN 56258
507-537-9131

Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011
City: Mankato
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Location:
Old Main Village Retirement Community
301 South 5
th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-4200

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2011
City: St Cloud
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Location:
St Benedicts Center
Woodlawn Hall
1810 Minnesota Blvd SE
St Cloud, MN 56304
320-203-2708

Date: Friday, August 26, 2011
City: Brainerd
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Location:
Good Samaritan Chapel-Bethany Campus
804 Wright St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
218-825-0913

Date: Monday, August 29, 2011
City: Rochester
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Location: Ramada Hotel and Conference Center
1517 SW 16
th Street
Rochester, MN 55902
507-529-7331

Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
City: Duluth
Time: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Location:
Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center
2501 Rice Lake Road
Duluth, MN 55811
218-625-6400

Date: Thursday, September 1, 2011
City: Fergus Falls
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Location:
Broen Memorial Home
Light and Life Auditorium
824 S. Sheridan
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
218-998-7300

Date: Friday, September 2, 2011
City: Crookston
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Location: Mount Saint Benedict Monastery
620 Summit Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
218-281-3441

Date: Thursday, September 8, 2011
City: Metro
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Location: Augustana Health Care Center- Mpls
1007 E. 14
th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-333-1551

Date: Thursday, September 8, 2011
City: Metro
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Shirley Chapman Sholom Home East
740 Kay Avenue
St Paul, MN 55102
651-328-2000

Registration at information sessions is NOT needed.

If unable to make any of the sessions below, a videoconference will be held through the Aging and Adult Services Division of DHS on September 22, 2011 from 9:30am-12:00pm and 1:30-4:00pm.



07.27.11
Love of Car: Transportation As We Age Wins Bronze from Mature Media
The National Mature Media Awards recently announced its 2011 award winners. Among the Bronze Award winners was Love of Car: Transportation As We Age.

The National Mature Media Awards is the nation’s largest awards program that annually recognizes the best marketing, communications, educational materials and programs for adults age 50 and older.

Additional broadcasts of Love of Car: Transportation As We Age will occur on the statewide MN Channel.  It is seen statewide via all six Minnesota public television stations (MPTA), over the air free for viewers, as well as on cable services.  Broadcast on the MN Channel are simultaneous - dates and times for the Twin Cities are the same for all other Minnesota stations.

Love of Car: Transportation As We Age will be repeated many times in the coming year and statewide on the MN Channel.  To receive over-the-air broadcasts, viewers will need a digital TV or a digital conversion box. It will also be generally available to all cable and DirecTV households.

The next statewide digital MN Channel showing is scheduled for:

Friday, August 12, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 2:00 AM
Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 8:00 AM
Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 2:00 PM

For information on upcoming broadcasts and quick access to viewing programs online, visit Love of Car: Transportation As We Age at http://www.tpt.org/?a=programs#19811.

Order a copy of Love of Car DVD from the National Center on Senior Transportation.
Love of Car discussion guide (pdf)

Major partners in the project to bring Love of Car to Minnesotans included MN Board on Aging (MBA), AAA (Auto), MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and the MN Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Additional partners were MN Department of Health (MDH), MN State Council on Disability (MSCOD), MN Public Transit Association (MPTA), MN Partnership for Safe Mobility (MPSM), MN Association of Area Agencies on Aging (M4A), National Center for Senior Transportation (NCST), and the Kirby Puckett Education Center at the Phillips Eye Institute.

 

07.25.11
How To Live Forever Documentary Film Opening
What does it mean to grow old and what could it mean to live forever? Director Mark Wexler travels the world to try to answer the questions. Wexler interviews a 94-year-old exercise guru, a 101-year-old chain-smoking, beer-drinking marathoner as well as futurist Ray Kurzweil, a laughter yoga expert, and an elder porn star.

How To Live Forever is showing at the Lagoon Cinema in Minneapolis for one week only starting July 29.

Visit How To Live Forever website to read more about Wexler and the people he interviewed.

05.20.11
US Senator Al Franken Conducts Forum in Brainerd
US Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota) conducted a forum at Edgewood Brainerd Senior Living on the challenges facing seniors in retirement years. Ross Hutten, chief operations officer of Edgewood in Minnesota, welcomed Senator Franken, indicating, “We are thrilled to host this important forum on issues affecting our residents and residents of the surrounding community.” Ross also provided Senator Franken with a tour of the 98-bed assisted living establishment prior to the start of the forum. Approximately 50 citizens came to the afternoon forum focused on the unique challenges facing Minnesotans in the Brainerd lakes and surrounding communities.

The Central Minnesota Council on Aging, ably led by Lori Vrolson, arranged for the following panelists to speak at the forum: Joy Nerdby, Gloria Sawyer, and Bruce Winder.

Joy Nerdby, is a parish nurse with Good Samaritan Society – Woodland Campus in Brainerd. Good Samaritan is receiving federal Administration on Aging dollars through the Central MN Council on Aging to offer Living Well with Chronic Conditions and the matter of Balance workshops. These two evidence-based workshops have been shown to be effective in helping people with chronic conditions change their behaviors, improve their health status, and reduce their use of hospital care.

Gloria Sawyer from Pine River spoke on behalf of her husband, who has Alzheimer’s and stayed at home for years with the help of family and community services. Gloria attends the caregiver discussion group each month in Pine River. When her husband was at home, Cass Faith in Action provided volunteer-based respite care so she could attend the support group. Cass Faith in Action receives federal Older Americans Act funding from the Central MN Council on Aging to provide respite and facilitate support groups in Cass County.

Bruce Winder from Pine River is a certified State Health Insurance Program volunteer through the Senior LinkAge Line. Medicare Part D Open enrollment is just one thing he assists seniors from his community with and he understands the reforms needed under Medicare.

Dorothy Wash is a senior companion with Lutheran Social Services. She has eight clients that she volunteers with for up to 20 hours a week, taking them grocery shopping, to medical appointments, on errands and visiting.

After the panelists spoke, Senator Franken took questions from the audience, including one from an assisted living administrator who warned of the dire and unintended consequences of the proposed cuts to the elderly waiver program being discussed by the Minnesota Legislature. Senator Franken is a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which is working on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) that funds many of the local services used by seniors. In 2010, Senator Franken conducted a series of meetings in 17 communities across the state to gather input on the effectiveness of the OAA and discuss possible changes.

Article written by Phil Manz, Care Providers of Minnesota.

05.01.11
Older Americans Month, 2011
This year's Older Americans Month theme is "Older Americans: Connecting the Community". The month long celebration reminds us of the many ways older adults inspire and bring continuity to our communities. Activities during the month also show us the ways technology is being used to help older people live longer and healthier lives.

Every May since 1963, people in towns and cities across the country have come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older Americans—borne of wisdom, experience, and the will to realize their dreams and speak their minds. Older Americans Month is our chance to show our appreciation and support our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.

Older Americans are more active in community life than ever before, thanks in part to advances in health care, education, technology, and financial stability over the last several decades that have greatly increased their vitality and standard of living. Older adults are out and about giving back and making a difference in their community.

Our seniors are mentoring the leaders of tomorrow, taking to heart the need for intergenerational learning to guide and inspire young minds. They offer a take on times gone by not discussed in any history class—a unique perspective that sheds new light on contemporary issues.

Older Americans step up to help one another as well. Across the country, seniors connect with other seniors by delivering meals, helping with home repair, assisting with shopping, and offering companionship, counseling, and care. Their efforts remind us that when older adults are active and engaged in their communities, everyone benefits.

Help us celebrate Older Americans Month! Join your neighbors not only to recognize what older citizens bring to our communities, but also to help them continue playing a vital role in weaving a unique and lasting community fabric.

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out about volunteer opportunities with programs that provide services for seniors to improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, deliver food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social and civic activities, and more. We think you will discover that when you help seniors thrive in your community, you gain far more than you give.

Read Governor Dayton's proclamation (pdf)
Read President Obama's proclamation

09.09.10
Alzheimer’s Plan Meeting to be rescheduled
The September 14, 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group meeting previously announced in the State Register has been cancelled, and the rescheduled date will be announced here and in the State Register by October 10, 2010.

 

07.09.10
Senator Franken's Staff To Meet With Seniors Across Minnesota
The Older Americans Act is set to be reauthorized in 2011. Because Senator Franken serves on the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging as well as the Subcommittee on Retirement and Aging of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), he will be actively involved in the reauthorization.

Beginning July 12, Senator Franken’s staff will be meeting with seniors across Minnesota to seek input for the upcoming debate on the Older Americans Act.  His staff will hold meetings in 17 cities across Minnesota between July 12 and July 23.  The locations and dates are listed below for people who might be interested in attending.                                                                                                          
Moorhead Meeting
10:00 a.m. CST, Monday, July 12
Eventide Senior Living Communities
1405 7th St. S, Moorhead

East Grand Forks Meeting
1:30 p.m. CST, Monday, July 12
Good Samaritan Heritage Grove
2122 River Rd. NW, East Grand Forks

Roseau Meeting
10:30 a.m. CST, Tuesday, July 13
Four Seasons Senior Center
114 West Center St., Roseau

Warroad Meeting
1:30 p.m. CST, Tuesday, July 13
Warroad Senior Living Center
1401 Lake St. NW, Warroad

Bemidji Meeting
10:00 a.m. CST, Wednesday, July 14
Bemidji Public Library
509 America Ave. Bemidji

St. Cloud Meeting
10:00 a.m. CST, Thursday, July 15
Whitney Senior Center, Olson Room
1527 Northway Dr., St. Cloud

Willmar Meeting
2:00 p.m. CST, Thursday, July 15
Willmar Community Center, Sunshine Room
624 Hwy. 71 NE, Willmar

Alexandria Meeting
10:00 a.m. CST, Friday, July 16
Nelson Gables, Governor's Room
1220 Nokomis St., Alexandria

Brainerd Meeting
2:00 p.m. CST, Friday, July 16
Lakes Area Senior Center
803 Kingwood St., Brainerd

Winona Meeting
10:00 a.m. CST, Monday, July 19
Winona City Hall
207 Lafayette St., Winona

Austin Meeting
2:30 p.m. CST, Monday, July 19
Mower County Senior Center
403 3rd Ave. NE, Austin

Worthington Meeting
10:00 a.m. CST, Tuesday, July 20
Nobles County Government Center
315 10th St., Worthington

Marshall Meeting
2:00 p.m. CST, Tuesday, July 20
Marshall City Hall
344 West Main St., Marshall

Duluth Meeting
10:00 a.m. CST, Thursday, July 22
St. Ann's Senior Living
300 East Third St., Duluth

Grand Rapids Meeting
1:30 p.m. CST, Thursday, July 22
Bruce Bauer Senior Center
400 River Rd., Grand Rapids

Two Harbors Meeting
9:30 a.m. CST, Friday, July 23
Two Harbors City Hall, Meeting Room
522 1st Ave., Two Harbors

North Branch Meeting
1:00 p.m. CST, Friday, July 23
Chisago County Senior Center
38790 6th Ave., North Branch

 

06.08.10
Governor Appoints New MBA Board Members
Governor Pawlenty appointed Leonard Axelrod, Norby Blake, Sylvia C. Garcia, Larry K. Houk, and Jeanne Lukas to the board of the Minnesota Board on Aging. The governor also announced the reappointment of Susan E. Humphers-Ginther, Ph.D., Michael R. Klatt, and Mary Jane Thompson.

Read the governor's press release

05.21.10
May is Older Americans Month
For 47 years, our nation has set aside the month of May to honor older Americans and acknowledge their continued contributions to our nation. The theme for this year is "Age Strong! Live Long!" which recognizes the diversity and vitality of today's older Americans and highlights the importance of staying healthy throughout our lives. They have lived through wars and hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity. They pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans.

These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much. But the contributions of older Americans are not only in the past.

Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation—the largest in our nation’s history—America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.

While keeping the growing population of older Americans healthy and active will increase the demand for senior services, what is remarkable is the extent to which older Americans themselves are supporting each other. As the new generations of seniors become better educated and more financially secure than their predecessors, they are spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities.

In fact, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long! They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services. Their energy and commitment reminds all Americans—not just senior citizens and their caregivers—to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.

The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly. Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement, and more. Contact the Senior LinkAge Line®, 1-800-333-2433, to find out what you can do to strengthen services for older Americans, this month and all year round.

Read Governor Pawlenty's proclamation (pdf)
Read President Obama's proclamation
 

 

05.19.10
Senior LinkAge Line® Volunteer Larry Rivers Receives National Honor
Larry Rivers of Apple Valley may be retired, but he still keeps a daily calendar.

He golfs, plays tennis, enjoys the grandkids and travels with his wife. He's president of his condominium association. He works with people who want to start up their own small businesses. One of his most rewarding experiences has been helping Minnesota senior citizens unravel the complexities of the Medicare drug program.

"I like to solve people's problems," Rivers said. "I can help them by building a little strategy."

Rivers, 67, was honored in Washington, D.C., on May 7 for his volunteer work through the Senior LinkAge Line®.  Rivers is among 26 people older than 50 who received MetLife Foundation Older Volunteers Enrich America awards.

When Rivers retired in 2004, he knew he wanted to give back and help others. In 2005, he read about a volunteer opening with the Senior LinkAge Line® at the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging in Minnesota. The Senior LinkAge Line® is the federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for Minnesota. Volunteers trained by the Senior LinkAge Line® provide objective, comprehensive health insurance counseling statewide. The posting for a "health insurance counselor" in the Twin Cities area to provide SHIP and SMP assistance, seemed a good match for Rivers, who had worked in information technology in the health care industry.

"It all fit," Rivers said. "It was fortuitous."

Rivers applied for the position, was accepted and received three days of training. He learned the basics but knew the agency had other knowledgeable staff — "real experts" — that could back him up.

Rivers began working with clients at senior centers in Burnsville, Prior Lake and Lakeville. He later began training new volunteers and giving presentations on Medicare. He also works with low-income clients. In a typical month, Rivers volunteers 15 to 20 hours with Senior LinkAge Line®.

"I enjoy it all," Rivers said. "When people come in, they seem very confused and frustrated. I tell them it's not tough, but they just have to get down to the two or three choices that fit them."

Joy Vliem, volunteer coordinator for the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, said Rivers' warmth and approachability helped him excel as a volunteer.

"He comes across as without judgment," Vliem said. "He's open and receptive. People feel very comfortable working with him."

"Every client has a little different need with Medicare," Rivers said.

When Rivers first retired, he figured he'd find activities with two- to three-year time frames and then move on to his next project. He said he enjoys health care counseling so much that he's stuck with it beyond his self-imposed deadline.

"If you come up with a solution ... that's a good feeling," he said. "Which lets me continue on."  

The award winners in the eighth year of the Metlife Foundation Older Volunteers Enrich America Award are recognized in one of three categories:

  • Community Champion, which honors those who use their time and talent to make their community a better place to live;

  • Mentor, which recognizes older volunteers who are devoted to working with young people and their families; and

  • Team Spirit, which pays tribute to older volunteers who assist older adults.
     

More on the award from n4a (National Association of Area Agencies on Aging)

For more information about becoming a Senior LinkAge Line® volunteer, call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433. Volunteers are needed in all 87 counties of Minnesota.

 

03.22.10
More Broadcasts of Love of Car: Transportation As We Age

The tpt (Twin Cities Public Television) production about the driving issue of older adults and families. The documentary focuses on solutions including:

  • How to determine if you are a safe driver

  • Strategies for driving safer longer

  • Finding and using alternate transportation

Demonstrations of solutions, expert interviews, and stories of urban and rural seniors are included in the show.

Initial show times:

  • Friday, March 26, 8:00pm, tpt-MN

  • Friday, April 2, 8:00pm, tpt-MN

  • Friday, April 9, 8:00pm, tpt-MN

  • Friday, April 16, 8:00pm, tpt-MN

Search tpt schedule for more dates/times


03.11.10
Respite Care Summit is March 12
A Minnesota Lifespan Respite Care Summit will be held on Friday, March 12, 2010, at the Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul. The day-long workshop will be held to explore possibilities for enhancing respite care services in Minnesota, learn about the Federal Lifespan Respite Care Act and develop a plan to prepare Minnesota to apply for federal funding.

Workshop participants will include home and community-based service providers, those who are caregivers and those who provide respite to caregivers.  Special guest at the workshop will be Jill Kagan, chair, ARCH National Respite Network and Resources Center, Washington, D.C.

The workshop is cosponsored by the Minnesota Board on Aging, the Minnesota Department of Human Services – Transform 2010, National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Minnesota Chapter, and AARP.  For more information, contact Diane Mangan at 651-431-2590 or diane.mangan@state.mn.us.

 

02.03.10
Minnesota Board on Aging Releasing Its First Annual Health Care Choices for Minnesota

The Minnesota Board on Aging is releasing its first annual Health Care Choices for Minnesota. The Board stepped forward to continue publishing this guide, which was initiated by the Minnesota Senior Federation. The Federation ended its operations last summer and approached the Board to continue its publishing.

In its effort, the Board has significantly expanded the information and is now including quick tips and suggestions for readers on various options that will allow people to remain independent and in their homes by aging well and living well in the community.

Questions and comments about the publication should be forwarded to the Senior LinkAge Line® by calling 1-800-333-2433.

2010 Health Care Choices (39mb) (pdf)
2010 Health Care Choices by section

11.13.09
President Obama & Assistant Secretary for Aging celebrate National Family Caregivers Month

The true strength of the American family finds its roots in an unwavering commitment to care for one another. In difficult times, Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are comfortable and safe. Whether caring for a parent, relative, or child, our Nation's caregivers selflessly devote their time and energy to the well-being of those they look after. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the individuals providing essential services to family members who could not otherwise look after themselves.

View President Obama's Proclamation for National Family Caregivers Month

Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee:
Every day, in every state and community caregivers assist friends, relatives, and loved ones with daily tasks, including personal care and homemaking as well as more complex health-related interventions like medication administration and wound care. These selfless, dedicated individuals are the backbone of America’s long term care system.

Read Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee's statement

 

11.05.09
Minnesota Board on Aging Partners to Present Love of Car: Transportation As We Age

The tpt (Twin Cities Public Television) production about the driving issue of older adults and families. The documentary focuses on solutions including:

  • How to determine if you are a safe driver

  • Strategies for driving safer longer

  • Finding and using alternate transportation

Demonstrations of solutions, expert interviews, and stories of urban and rural seniors are included in the show.

Initial show times (see www.tpt.org for more times):

  • November 8, 8:00pm, tpt-MN

  • November 15, 12:00pm, tpt-LIFE
     

08.24.09
Alzheimer's Disease Working Group to Meet
The Minnesota Board on Aging will convene the first meeting of the Alzheimer's Disease Working Group (established by M.S. 2009, Chapter 159, Section 110) on August 27, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at the Department of Human Services Building at 444 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN, 55155, in room L3148. (Visitor Parking Locations.) Questions about the working group can be directed to John Selstad at (651) 431-2558 or john.selstad@state.mn.us.
 

07.17.09
Getting There
Getting There looks at issues, opportunities and community resources for vital living. Getting There is aimed at those 50 plus.  The series is running on Sundays on tpt's LIFE channel and statewide on the Minnesota Channel. 

The program is hosted by Jan Smaby and is a partnership with the Minnesota Board on Aging and AARP Minnesota.

Watch one of these online videos:
Relevance Independence
Fitness & Nutrition Medicare
Finances Civic Engagement
Housing Technology


07.08.09
Legislative Update Meetings Scheduled Across the State in July
Human services consumers, providers and program administrators are invited to attend legislative update meetings across the state in July. Ten face-to-face forums and two videoconferences are being held to address changes in home and community-based services following the 2009 Minnesota Legislative session. Schedule and location information contained in the links below.

 


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