The MinnesotaHelp.info web site was developed cooperatively by the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Department of Human Services. The development of the web site was grounded in the recommendations of the Long-Term Care Task Force, a tri-partisan task force that developed a broad set of recommendations related to long-term care reform in Minnesota. As a result of those recommendations, the 2001 Minnesota legislature supported an improved information and assistance network to provide choices about long-term care options for older Minnesotans and their caregivers. In an effort to build upon existing systems and leverage additional resources, the Minnesota Board on Aging partnered with a wide-range of partners in effort to get make an improved long-term care database available for seniors.
A special topic area in MinnesotaHelp.info called “Resources for Seniors” has expanded services with enhanced features about Medicare, housing and other long-term care resources for older Minnesotans. However, the site isn’t just for Older Minnesotans. The site contains information links for all ages. The goal of the Board was to work with a large number of partners to leverage collective resources and develop a site that didn’t just focus on long-term care. It was recognized early in the planning process that that families who are caring for an aging parent, are generally faced with other challenges. Often referred to as the sandwich generation, people over the age of 30 can be providing care for an ailing parent and a child at the same time. The Minnesota Board on Aging recognizes that it is critical for caregivers and providers to have instant access to accurate information to help people maintain independence and make informed decisions.
Beside giving access to the only up to date, comprehensive community resources data in Minnesota, the goal of MinnesotaHelp.info is to coordinate and implement a centralized internet entry point that contains information about services provided by both public and private entities throughout the state. The site is easy to use for both the beginner and the more experienced internet-savvy consumer or professional.
The Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) is the gateway to services for seniors and their families. MBA listens to senior concerns, researches solutions, and proposes policy to address the needs of older Minnesotans. In addition as the State Unit on Aging, MBA administers funds from the Older Americans Act that provide a spectrum of services to seniors, including Senior LinkAge Line® (SLL). The SLL is a free telephone information and assistance (I&A) service that makes it easy for seniors and their families to find community services. The MBA is also the designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
First established in 1956, the MBA is one of the pioneers in the field of aging. It works closely with its Area Agencies on Aging, comprised of 12 regional agencies that provide direct I&A service through the Senior LinkAge Line® . The Governor appoints the Board’s 25 members. The Board is housed within the Department of Human Services and staff is part of the Aging Initiative-Continuing Care Administration.
The Disability Services Division (DSD) in the Continuing Care Administration is actively involved in the resources for persons with disabilities site in MinnesotaHelp.info. DSD is housed at the Minnesota Department of Human Services is also joining the Minnesota Board on Aging in creating this consumer friendly database. DSD defines and implements statewide policy to ensure that a range of services is available to Minnesotans with disabilities. A primary goal of DSD is to promote independent living for people with disabilities by funding or providing a broad range of residential care and social services close to home communities instead of in institutionalized settings. A key element to promoting independent living in communities is being able to access information about services available. The database will act as the foundation for development of integrated information and assistance networks for persons with disabilities.
The Minnesota area agencies on aging provide the Senior LinkAge Line®, a toll-free number for seniors, caregivers, and people on Medicare. You can reach the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.
The centers for independent living provide the Disability Linkage Line, an information program that helps people with disabilities find community resources to remain independent in the community.
Take me back to http://www.minnesotahelp.info/.
Disclaimer from the Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) and Department of Human Services (DHS): References and resources from this web site or from any of the information services sponsored by MBA to any non-governmental entity, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the MBA or any of its employees. MBA is not responsible for the contents of any resource data or links referenced on this website. Although our pages include data and links to sites including or referencing collections of information, MBA does not endorse ANY specific products or services provided by public or private organizations. By using this site, the user takes full responsibility for any use of these links.