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 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005
 

2010

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.

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.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].
 

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.

• Continuing Care Administration: Legislative Session 2009 Policy Update and Impact – Presented by Continuing Care Administration staff
   

• Continuing Care Administration: Legislative Session 2009 Updates Videoconference Flier – Presented by Disability Services Division staff
   

• Personal Care Assistance Legislative Updates Videoconference Flier – Presented by Disability Services Division staff
   

• Continuing Care Administration Legislative Session 2009 Policy Update and Impact Videoconference Flier – Presented by Continuing Care Administration

2009

06.01.09
MBA Wins Gold Award in 2009 National Mature Media Awards Program

Learn to Surf the World Wide Web, the booklet used in Senior Surf Day classes to teach seniors how to navigate the Internet has won a Gold Award in the category of Brochure/Booklet for the 18^th annual National Mature Media Awards Program. 

Read the award winning booklet. To register for a Senior Surf Day or to find out more information call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.
 

05.08.09
The Alzheimer’s Project

The Alzheimer’s Project is a 4-part documentary series designed to change the way people think about Alzheimer’s Disease. Tune in on HBO or www.hbo.com.

• Sunday, May 10, 8:00pm (CT) – "The Memory Loss Tapes"

• Monday, May 11, 6:30pm and 7:00pm (CT) – "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I am? With Maria Shriver" and "Momentum in Science, Part 1"

• Tuesday, May 12, 6:30pm and 7:00pm (CT) – "Caregivers" and "Momentum in Science, Part 2"

Read more about the Alzheimer’s Project
 

04.24.09
MBA and DHS Receive National Caregiving Award

Cal Ludeman and Mary Koep accept the Rosalyn Carter Institute Leadership in Caregiving Award.

From left to right, Mary Koep, Cynthia Epstein, Jean Wood, Rolf Hage, Cal Ludeman, Donna Walberg, John Selstad and Laura Bauer Granberry

The Minnesota Board on Aging and Minnesota Department of Human Services have been named recipients of the 2008 Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award. This prestigious national award is presented by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving. Cal Ludeman, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Mary Koep, the Chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging accepted this award for its Family Memory Care Initiative in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 people at the “Meeting of the Minds”, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Annual Conference in Minnesota.

Family Memory Care is a translation of the New York University Caregiver Intervention, funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grants to States. In conjunction with New York University (NYU), the project is being implemented in eight pilot regions of Minnesota:

• Alzheimer’s Association in the Twin Cities Metro area,
• Memory Disorders Clinic in Central Minnesota,
• Waseca Medical Clinic/Mayo Health System,
• Carlton County Public Health, Community Partners – Living at Home/Block Nurse Program  in Lake County,
• Mower County Advocate/Caregiver Support Program,
• Mankato Clinic and Mankato Area Living at Home/Block Nurse Program
• Immanuel Saint Joseph’s /Mayo Health System

These sites are expanding this evidence-based family initiative to improve support of spouse caregivers who are caring at home for people with memory care challenges, NYU’s Caregiver Intervention has been shown to delay nursing home placement up to 557 days for those families who participate.

"We are truly honored by this award," said Human Services Commissioner Cal Ludeman. "The program being recognized is an important part of Minnesota’s efforts to support people in their homes for as long as possible.  This is not only what people prefer but usually the most cost-effective way to provide the long-term care services they need."

NYU and Minnesota will split the $10,000 award and will receive a statuette designed for this award by Frank Eliscu, the designer of the Heisman trophy.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is named for the former first lady. It recognizes leadership in implementing innovative and creative partnerships between community agencies and caregiving researchers that bridge the gap between science and practice.  

“We are so grateful that the Minnesota Board on Aging  and DHS have been named recipients of this most prestigious award by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving,” said Mary Koep, chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging. “The Board works to support caregivers in a way that has a measureable impact on their lives. This caregiver intervention project is step in that direction.”

If you are a spouse caring for someone with memory problems and are interested in learning more about this family program that includes individual and family meetings as well as ongoing support in caring for your spouse please call the Senior Linkage Line® at 1-800-333-2433 to be connected to a care coach near you.
 

Back to Top
 

03.23.09
Selecting and Purchasing Long-Term Care – Report to the Legislature

The 2007 Minnesota Legislature directed the Department of Human Services (DHS) to bring recommendations to the Legislature regarding ”how the State of Minnesota can Most effectively assist persons 65 and older in selecting long-term care services that meet their needs, reflect their preferences and enable them to maintain financial self-sufficiency as long as possible.”

DHS contracted with Wilder Research to conduct this study. Read the final report submitted to the legislature –  "Helping Older Adults Select and Purchase Long-Term Care"
 

02.20.09
Transitional Consultation Materials Available for Print
The purpose of transitional long-term care consultation is to support persons with current or anticipated long-term care needs in making informed choices among options that include the most cost-effective and least restrictive settings, and to delay spend-down to eligibility for publicly funded programs by connecting people to alternative services in their homes before transition to housing with services.

Materials developed about this service have been recently mailed to all assisted living providers.  You can also obtain copies of these materials by clicking on the links below.  To obtain additional hard copies of the Transitional Consultation Kiosk Cards please call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.  

TC Card – Male            TC Poster – Male
TC Card – Couple        TC Poster – Couple
TC Card – Caregiver   TC Poster – Caregiver

 

02.10.09
Home-delivered meals continue statewide
Some inaccurate news reports have suggested that certain Meals on Wheels programs may be discontinued. The following is a statement from Jean Wood, executive director, Minnesota Board on Aging.

“Minnesota seniors continue to receive the home-delivered meals they need and expect. The Minnesota Board on Aging in Minnesota is unaware of any Meals on Wheels providers that plan to stop serving meals in the coming months.

“Current providers have contracts that run through December 2009 and we expect them to continue. However, we will make the necessary arrangements for any senior that is not receiving their scheduled meals.”

While two programs that provided home-delivered meals went out of business in 2008, other programs were able to provide service to the affected seniors.

For more information or to arrange for senior meals, contact the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.

02.09.09
Anyone Can Fall to air on ECHO TV

The MN Falls Prevention Initiative partnered with TPT to produce “Anyone Can Fall.”  The program will be aired in six languages: Hmong, Khmer, Lao, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. 

The program will also be open-captioned in English.  “Anyone Can Fall” will air: 

• Sunday, February 15 – Broadcast in Vietnamese 7:00 pm, Lao 7:20 pm, Khmer 7:40 pm, Spanish 8:00 pm, Hmong 8:20 pm, Somali, 8:40 pm.  

• Sunday, February 22 – Broadcast in Vietnamese 12:00 am, Lao 12:20 am, Khmer 12:40 am, Spanish 1:00 pm, Hmong, 1:20 pm, Somali 1:40 pm.

For more information on Anyone Can Fall on ECHO TV, visit http://www.echominnesota.org/
 

2008

Back to Top
 

12.18.08 MBA Receives National Caregiving Award
The Minnesota Board on Aging and DHS have been named recipients of the 2008 Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award. This national award is presented by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving.

Minnesota received this award for its Family Memory Care Initiative, a translation of the New York University Caregiver Intervention, funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grants to States. In conjunction with New York University, the project is being implemented in eight pilot regions of Minnesota.

"We are truly honored by this award," said Human Services Commissioner Cal Ludeman. "This program is an important part of Minnesota’s efforts to support people in their homes for as long as possible. This is not only what people prefer but is usually the most cost-effective way to provide the long-term care services they need."

New York University and Minnesota will split the $10,000 award and will receive a statuette designed for this award by Frank Eliscu, the designer of college football’s Heisman Trophy.
 

12.17.08
Aging Policy Summit: Vision for the Future
The 2009 Minnesota Legislative Session will focus on the growing budget deficit. How will this affect programs and services for older people throughout Minnesota? What are the legislative priorities of the agencies that support and serve older adults? What do legislators say about the upcoming session?

The Aging Policy Forum will feature legislators, key state and community-based agencies, and leaders in the aging field to discuss these important issues and present their policy positions and plans for 2009. Audience members will participate in helping to shape legislative proposals for 2009.

Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Leadership Council On Aging and the Minnesota Board on Aging.

Tuesday, January 13, 8:00am-12:00noon. Wilder Center Auditorium, 451 Lexington Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55104. Registration form. For information, call the Vital Aging Network at 651.917.4652 or email [email protected].

11.24.08
Medicare Part D Brings Medicare Officials to Minnesota
Kerry Weems, acting administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), visited  Minnesota November 19 to promote Medicare Part D open enrollment. The event was held at the Minnesota Employers Association Inc., in Plymouth.

During Weems’ visit, he met with employers, employees and caregivers about the Part D help in Minnesota that is available, which included the Senior LinkAge Line®, (1-800-333-2433) a service of the Minnesota Board on Aging, and the CMS designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Minnesota. Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Cal Ludeman, Jean Wood, executive director of the Minnesota Board on Aging and Sue Erksdahl, vice president of the Employers Association joined Weems in promoting the assistance available to help make Minnesotans make good decisions.

Pictured from left to right front are:
Sue Erksdahl, Vice President Employers Association and Jean Wood, Executive Director MN Board on Aging

Pictured from left to right back are: Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Cal Ludeman, Commissioner MN Dept of Human Services

08.29.08
Outstanding Seniors For 2008
Lt. Governor Carol Molnau and MN Board on Aging Chair Mary Koep honored Don Brand, New Ulm, and Betty Wenner, St. Peter, as the 2008 Outstanding Seniors. Read more about Don and Betty.

08.01.08
Governor Pawlenty Appoints Seven to Minnesota Board on Aging
Governor Pawlenty appointed Joseph Grant, Larry Juhl and Tracy Keibler, and the reappointment of RD Brown, Sharon Bring, Kenneth Moritz and Donald Tomsche to the Minnesota Board on Aging on July 18, 2008.

Brown, of St. Paul, recently retired as the vice president of child and family support services with the Children’s Home Society and Family Services. His community activities include having served on the St. Paul Mayor’s Committee on Aging. Brown is reappointed to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012.

Bring, of Strandquist, is a grain farmer and county commissioner in Marshall County. She is the past chair of the Lutheran Social Services Senior Nutrition Program. Bring is reappointed to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012.

Grant, of Duluth, manages elder care at the Duluth Clinic where he is responsible for human resource management, financial management, and clinical operations. Grants’s health care grant review experience includes work for the Healthier Minnesota Community Clinic Fund in St. Paul and the Office of Rural Health Policy in Washington, DC. Grant holds a master of arts degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota –Duluth and bachelor of arts degrees in economics and political science from the University of Minnesota. He is appointed to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012. He replaces Betty Gysland on the board.

Juhl, of New London has a number of years of experience in the long term care field. He is the former chairman of the board for Care Providers of Minnesota. From 1991 to 2000 he served as the mayor of New London. He is a U.S. Army trained medic and is educated in nursing home administration. Juhl is appointed to fulfill a four-year term that expires January 3, 2011. He replaces Julie Storm on the board.

Keibler, of Eden Prairie, is a private business owner. She holds a mini-MBA from the University of St. Thomas in non-profit administration and a bachelor of arts in Japanese language and literature from the University of Iowa. Keibler is appointed to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012. She replaces Margaret Moss on the board.

Mortiz, of Minneapolis, is a retired vice president of Cargill, Inc. He is past president of senior resources and is a board member of the National Retiree Volunteer Corporation. He is a retired member of the U.S. Army. Moritz is reappointed to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012.

Tomsche, of Little Canada, retired in 1997 as deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections and has served as the state advocacy chair for Minnesota AARP. He is reappointed to a four-year term that expires January 2, 2012.

The Minnesota Board on Aging develops, coordinates, evaluates and administers federal and state funds for programs for the aging; makes grants to 14 area agencies on aging and non-profit agencies; and serves as an advocate for older persons. The board consists of 25 members appointed by the Governor.

The announcement above was reprinted from the Governor’s website.
 

06.12.08

06.10.08
Preparing For and Responding to Excessive Heat Events

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die from heat waves each year than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined.  Older individuals are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat stress. 

Heat-related dates are preventable! People and communities need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death.  The following resources outline important steps that can be taken to respond to excessive heat events:

• Extreme Heat, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, http://www.hhs.gov/disasters/emergency/naturaldisasters/heat/index.html

• "It’s Too Darn Hot" Tact Sheet, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,  http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/planning-for-extreme-heat.htm

05.23.08
Elden Johnson, Senior LinkAge Line® volunteer from Hallock, honored in Washington, D.C. for Extraordinary Volunteer Work

MetLife Foundation “Older Volunteers Enrich America Awards” were presented on   May 9, 2008 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.   Met Life in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging honored older volunteers who have made exemplary contributions and provided outstanding service to their communities.

Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging was proud to have our volunteer, Elden Johnson, Hallock, MN selected as a recipient of the Award.  Elden began volunteering as a Senior Surf presenter and continues in this capacity, holding sessions at area libraries and senior centers, teaching seniors the basics of computer and internet use.  His knowledge of computers and his patient, gentle style of teaching make him well-qualified for this position and he gets rave reviews from his students and library personnel.

Elden is also a state-certified Health Insurance Counselor.  One of his biggest areas of contribution has been with the Medicare Part D prescription drug program.  His computer expertise made him a natural to complete online comparisons of drug plans, review the comparisons with beneficiaries, and enroll them into their selected plan.  He was a “one stop shop”. 

Elden has also been instrumental in organizing medication management sessions at the Hallock Senior Center.  These sessions allow individuals to have a one to one counseling session with a licensed, specially trained pharmacist to review their medications and insure their current drug therapy is both safe and effective. 

This award was presented to Elden for his volunteer work at Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging by Charles Pettigrew, Senior Business Consultant MetLife Foundation.  In addition, he serves and volunteers in many other ways in his community.

The Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging is a program of the Northwest Regional Development Commission and serves 21 counties in Northern and Western Minnesota.  Our goal is to support the dignity and independence of older persons.  Our State Health Insurance program and volunteers provides high quality information and education to assist Medicare beneficiaries with understanding the basics of Medicare and choosing supplements, Advantage plans, or Part D plans as well as assisting with many other needs and areas of concern for seniors.

Congratulations on this national award, Elden, and thank you for your service and impact on others and your community.

04.02.08

MBA along with AARP sponsor series from TPT called “Getting There”

The first show, Relevance, airs this Saturday beginning at 8 p.m. From the TPT website we learn that "Getting There engages those 50+ in the issues, opportunities and community resources for vital living…Host Jan Smaby leads an ensemble cast of those older than 50 as they explore the ways in which they’re staying involved and inspired. Don’t be surprised to find out about skydiving and baseball tours. We’ll meet some folks who are taking the time to mentor young people and a little later the Granny Basketball team takes to the court to battle a squad of teenagers."

Getting There: Relevance
Host Jan Smaby leads an ensemble cast of those older than 50 as they explore the ways in which they’re staying involved and inspired.

Showtimes, tpt 17:

• Friday, June 13, 7:00pm

• Saturday, June 14, 1:00am

• Saturday, June 14, 7:00am

• Saturday, June 14, 1:00pm

Getting There, Conclusion: Independence
Who is going to care for you? Do you have an advocate? Have you been an advocate for a loved one? These are the front burner issues for host Jan Smaby and guests as they explore new ways to think about caring and lifestyle.

Showtimes, tpt 17:

• Friday, June 13, 7:30pm

• Saturday, June 14, 1:30am

• Saturday, June 14, 7:30am

• Saturday, June 14, 1:30pm

01.10.08
Make the Switch to Digital TV by February 17, 2009

In 2005, Congress passed a law requiring all US television stations to turn off their analog broadcast channels on February 17, 2009. This means that people whose televisions receive programming via antennas (that is, people who do not subscribe to cable, satellite or telephone company television service) will not be able to receive television reception after February 17, 2009 unless their televisions are equipped with a digital tuner. More than 450,000 households in Minnesota will be directly impacted by this change.

Digital television provides better picture and sound quality than analog TV. It also makes it possible for viewers to interact with their television sets, and to make multiple programming choices they can’t make with analog televisions.

In order to receive television reception via antenna after February 17, 2009, consumers will need to purchase a television set with a digital tuner built in, or obtain a DTV converter box and connect it to their analog TV. All US households may request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of DTV converter boxes. More information about the coupon program can be found at www.dtv2009.gov.

For more information about switching to Digital TV, go to a Web site created by the Federal Communications Commission at www.dtv.gov. The site contains Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital TV transition, information about the DTV converter box coupon program, and tips for shopping for a Digital TV.

2007

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10.02.07
AoA and OAA Programs Receive Highest Rating – Good news for the MBA and its programs.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently released the results of its Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) assessment of Older Americans Act (OAA) programs.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging programs were classified as "Effective." This is the highest rating and has been awarded to only 18 percent of the government programs evaluated by OMB. According to the assessment on www.Expectmore.Gov, AoA and OAA programs have a clear purpose and are well-managed, efficiently provide high-quality home and community-based services, and promote the well-being and independence of the elderly.  This achievement is the result of the outstanding performance at all levels of the Aging Services Network.  More about the Rating.


09.27.07
State to Mobilize Against Fraudulent Mail, Email and Phone Frauds

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) in collaboration with several public, including the Minnesota Board on Aging, and private partners announced today an effort to enforce direct mail, email and phone fraud. Each year such “foreign lottery and sweepstakes” scams result in $8–10 million in losses to Minnesotans — an amount that officials claim is low due to under-reporting. Officials say this is the first model of a statewide coordinated, sustained fraud enforcement effort in the U.S.

Officials urge citizens who receive fraudulent letters, emails or phone calls to report them quickly by calling the Minnesota Board on Aging’s Senior LinkAge Line®, 1-800-333-2433 — or notify law enforcement. Read more of the Department of Public Safety press release. 

Read the Information Sheet describing how you can help stop fraud.


09.21.07
Fall Prevention Day is September 23, 2007

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared the first day of autumn, Sept. 23, as Fall Prevention Day. In his proclamation, Pawlenty says that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people over the age of 65. By increasing the awareness of falls in Minnesota’s older citizens, it is hoped that the rate of falls can be reduced and that the number of injuries – and their severity – can be greatly improved. Read the Proclamation.

09.14.07
Minnesota Board on Aging goes to St. Peter

City officials share effective disaster response for seniors and people with special needs 

Disaster recovery will be the topic of discussion when the Minnesota Board on Aging meets with city officials in St. Peter on Thursday, Sept. 20.

Local, state and national governments continue to prepare for and help protect Americans from disaster. To ensure that older Minnesotans and people with special needs are included in disaster and pandemic planning, the Minnesota Board on Aging is exchanging information with communities and working as an advocate, advisor and administrator for state and local programs and policies. The board is meeting in St. Peter to gather information and learn how older Minnesotans and people with special needs were served and protected during the St. Peter tornado disaster.

“The recent flooding in southeastern Minnesota reminded us that disasters are real and a lot of work and cooperation is needed to serve and protect residents and make communities whole again,” said Jean Wood, executive director, Minnesota Board on Aging.

St. Peter Mayor Tim Strand and City Administrator Todd Prafke will share St. Peter’s disaster plan and their experiences with implementation in the midst and aftermath of the tornado.  Robin Thompson, senior outreach specialist with Senior LinkAge Line® in Mankato, will also share insight into the role that Area Agencies on Aging play in ensuring that older Minnesotans are included in disaster and pandemic planning. 

Disaster Recovery to Livable Community
Thursday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
Whiskey River, Highway 99 East – St. Peter

The Minnesota Board on Aging is appointed by the governor to identify and promote ways to meet the changing needs of older Minnesotans. It partners with Area Agencies on Aging to administer and oversee the use of state and federal funds to benefit the older population and also helps shape policies to help Minnesotans age well and live well. For more information, access the board’s Web site at www.mnaging.org


08.31.07
2007 Minnesota Outstanding Seniors Recognized

The Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) has honored outstanding seniors at the 2007 Minnesota State Fair. The Outstanding Senior Citizen awards are a cooperative effort of the Minnesota Board on Aging, the State Fair and the Federation of County Fairs. Read about the 2007 Outstanding Senior Award winners.


06.11.07
Launch of new MinnesotaHelp.info®

A fresh new Minnesotahelp.info has arrived.

A new version of the Minnesota Board on Aging’s www.MinnesotaHelp.info Web site was launched last week with easy to use features that provide interactive information and search options. The new site has links to more than 27,000 services provided by 12,000 agencies in 16,000 sites.

It was two years in the making, according to Krista Boston, manager of the Minnesota Board on Aging’s Consumer Information and Assistance Team. The redesign involved DHS staff from the Continuing Care Administration and the Children and Family Services Administration working closely with the Board on Aging.

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05.03.07
May is Older Americans Month!

To help Minnesota observe May as Older Americans Month, Governor Tim Pawlenty has signed a proclamation that declares this month as Older Americans Month in Minnesota. This proclamation gives recognition to the fact that older Minnesotans are getting more from their lives and giving more to their communities. Throughout the month of May, communities are encouraged to pay tribute to Minnesota seniors and celebrate the theme: “Making Choices for a Healthier Future.” 

Gov. Pawlenty writes, " Older citizens are  valued and important members of our communities and continue to invest, volunteer their time, teach us to live with dignity, and address challenges with ingenuity…" Read more about Older Minnesotans in the Proclamation (PDF)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging recognizes Older Americans Month.

President Bush’s Proclamation

 

04.27.07
Maddy Forsberg receives 2007 MN Gerontological Society’s Dutch Kastenbaum Award. Maddy Forsberg’s long and distinguished career in the aging arena received recognition at the annual MN Gerontological Society Conference on Friday, April 27.  The Dutch Kastenbaum Award recognizes individuals who have made a special contribution to the life of older persons in Minnesota.  Read more about Maddy and the Award. (PDF)

 

03.22.07

Do you know an outstanding senior citizen, aged 70 or older, in your community who stands out as a volunteer?  The Minnesota Board on Aging, the Minnesota State Fair Board and the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs are looking for outstanding senior volunteers to honor as Minnesota’s Outstanding Senior Citizen for 2007. Read more about the Outstanding Senior Award.

 

01.17.07
Help protect, detect and report healthcare fraud! Learn about the MN SMP project and download the healthcare tracking journal and brochure.

01.04.07

Betty Johnson, Cushing, MN, honored by the U.S. Department Administration on Aging. Betty Johnson recently received a 2006 Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award for empowering seniors to prevent healthcare fraud. This award was given to her at a ceremony in Washington, DC in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Senior Medicare Patrol program. She was one out of 11 in the country to receive the honor.

Betty, a dedicated volunteer of the SMP for the past five years, became involved while caring for her elderly mother and husband and trying to understand the complexities of the many medical bills and claims.  Betty share that so many older adults to not know or understand how to navigate the system and she wanted them to know there is help.

Working with SMP has taught her that errors are not always fraud, but may have been a simple coding error.  She shared, "It is important to be able to learn how to detect abuse and fraud or read a summary notice.  Many agencies would not give clear answers when I worked on this for my husband.  It got to the point that the billing departments would not even talk to me anymore.  Who helps those isolated people who have no one to advocate for them?  That is what the SMP is for, that is what makes it such a valuable service for all."

2006
 

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11.20.06
Cold weather help!

Looking for help with cold weather problems?  Call the Senior Linkage Line® at 1-800-333-2433.  See the following websites for more information and help:  Minnesota’s Homeland Security Emergency Management for Winter Hazard Awareness Week or Winter Hazard Awareness topics.  Also, for more information, check out American Red Cross.

11.01.06

Flu season is upon us! Get Your Flu Shot – Protect yourself and your family and friends. Talk with your physician about the flu virus and your risks for complications associated with the flu.  It’s your best defense against combating the flu this season. Medicare provides coverage of the flu vaccine without any out-of-pocket costs.  No deductible of copayment/coinsurance applies.

For a list of flu clinics click on MN Visiting Nurse Association or MN Dept of Health.

11.01.06
November is proclaimed as family caregiver month in Minnesota. Read the Proclamation (pdf)

09.08.06

Outstanding Seniors
The Minnesota Board on Aging, in cooperation with the Minnesota State Fair and the state’s Federation of County Fairs, honored 95 outstanding senior volunteers at the 2006 Outstanding Senior Awards ceremony held at the State Fair on Aug. 31, 2006.  Read more about the Outstanding Senior award

09.08.06

Senior LinkAge Line™ receives award for Medicare Part D work.
The Minnesota Board on Aging’s Senior LinkAge Line™, which is the federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Minnesota, received a Special Recognition Award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Office on Aug. 31, 2006. 

The Minnesota Board on Aging’s Senior LinkAge Line®, which is the federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Minnesota, received a Special Recognition Award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Office on Aug. 31, 2006. The Senior LinkAge Line® is the statewide information and assistance service of the Minnesota Board on Aging provided by six Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging. It is accessed by calling 1-800-333-2433.

The Senior Linkage Line® award was given by CMS "For your commitment to ensuring that seniors have access to the information and assistance necessary to take advantage of Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services appreciates your valued partnership."

The award was presented by CMS staff Brenda Delgado and April Rush, to Krista Boston, Minnesota SHIP director and manager of the Consumer Choices Team; Governor Tim Pawlenty; Minnesota Board on Aging Chair Jeanette Metz; and Jean Wood, interim executive director of the Board on Aging.

07.26.2006
Hot Weather Help
Looking for relief from heat-related weather problems? Call Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433.  Also, see the following websites for more information and help:  Administration on Aging’s How to Lower Risk of Health-Related Illnesses, Operation Stay Cool, MN Department of Health and Stay Cool Tip Sheet.

07.18.2006
Senior LinkAge Line® Report to the Community
More older Minnesotans and their families received information and assistance this past year.  Read Senior LinkAge Line Report to the Community (pdf)
 

06.12.2006
Minnesota RxPrice Compare
Minnesota RxPrice Compare, a new feature on Minnesota RxConnect, lets users compare the prices of about 200 commonly used medications at MN pharmacies.  More about Minnesota RxPrice Compare

 

05.17.2006
MinnesotaHelp.info Long-term Care Choices tool™ is live today.

Long-term Care Choices is an easy-to-use tool to help seniors, families and caregivers make decisions that can help them age well and live well. Long-term Care Choices is a step-by-step decision-making tool available on the MinnesotaHelp.info Web site that:

Long-term Care Choices for seniors, families and caregivers is available from www.longtermcarechoices.MinnesotaHelp.info on www.MinnesotaHelp.info.

Questions about Long-term Care Choices should be directed to the Minnesota Board on Aging at 1-651-431-2500, [email protected], or www.mnaging.org.

05.10.2006
May is Older Americans Month!

Older Minnesotans have laid the foundation for the freedoms and prosperity we enjoy today through their character, values, and patriotism, intertwining their individual histories into the story of our past. Read the Proclamation (pdf)

04.02.2006

FREE Personal Help with Medicare Part D

Wednesday, April 5th, 2006
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hennepin County Brookdale Library
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center
*Free refreshments provided*

Bring your information… we’ll do the rest.
• Medicare card
• List of prescriptions and dosages

Time is running out!
Penalties on Medicare Part D begin May 16, 2006.

For more information call Linkage Line® at 1-800-333-2433.

View Medicare Part D informational flyer. (pdf)

03.06.2006

2006 Age and Disabilities Odyssey

October 3 – 6, 2006

Minneapolis Hyatt

Sponsored by the Minnesota Board on Aging; Minnesota Department of Human Services – Aging & Adult Services and Disabilities Services; and the National Association of State Units on Aging.

This year’s Age & Disabilities Odyssey will be held jointly with the National Home and Community Based Services Waiver Conference. We are excited to offer you an opportunity to hear about the latest national and state trends in aging and disabilities services. Mark your calendars now, but watch your mail or e-mail for information on how to submit a proposal for presentation, or join us in the national exhibit hall.

01.20.2006
Rating Minnesota nursing homes
Minnesota Department of Health launches new nursing home comparison site. If you need assistance in choosing a nursing facility, contact the Office of the Ombudsman. The article is available from the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care.  Click here to see the Minnesota Department of Health Nursing Home Report Card.

01.10.2006

Survey of Older Minnesotans
Results of the 2005 Survey of Older Minnesotans now available!

In 2005 the Minnesota Board on Aging conducted a statewide survey of persons aged 50 and over in Minnesota. The MBA conducts such a survey approximately every five years to monitor the changing needs, assets and expectations of older persons in the state and uses this information to improve the design and targeting of public programs for older persons and to help researchers and policy makers better understand Minnesota’s older population. Read the 2005 Survey of Older Minnesotans Data Tables.

01.05.2006
2005 White House Conference on Aging
Check out the new press release, click here.

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2005
 

11.01.2005
2005 White House Conference on Aging

The MBA hosted an orientation meeting for Minnesota’s 21 delegates to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging on October 27th in the new Elmer Andersen Human Services Building. Attendees discussed the issues identified in 11 pre-conference events held in Minnesota in preparation for the national conference that will be held in Washington, DC, December 11-14, 2005. The MBA held two pre-conference forums, one focused on National Health and Long-Term Care Strategy and another on Social Security Reform.

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Press Releases
 

• 05.17.2006 Long-term Care Choices on MinnesotaHelp.info™
   

• 04.12.2006 Medicare Part D Enrollment Event Made Process Easy
   

• 01.30.2006 2005 senior survey results now on Board on Aging Web site
   

• 01.05.2006 White House Conference on Aging
   

• 08.26.2005 Outstanding Senior Awards 2005
   

• 05.01.2005 Older Americans Months Pays – Tribute to Minnesota Seniors

• 08.26.2005 Outstanding Senior Awards 2005
   

• 05.01.2005 Older Americans Months Pays – Tribute to Minnesota Seniors

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