ElderCare Development Partnerships help communities develop supports and resource for older residents

For more information about ElderCare Development Partnerships, call the Department of Human Services at 651-215-9430.

In 1992 the Minnesota Legislature adopted a multi-year initiative aimed at developing more cost-effective ways to support frail elderly (and their families) in their own homes and communities. Originally known as Seniors’ Agenda for Independent Living (SAIL) this long-term care strategy was enacted as Minnesota Statutes (M. S.) 256B.0917 (http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/256B/0917.html).

Now known as ElderCare Partnerships, the projects funded through this program now cover 37 counties and bring together counties, health and support service providers and Area Agencies on Aging in each project area, to jointly develop or expand affordable home- and community-based housing and service options. The Partnership projects provide technical assistance to local service providers, facilitate communication and coordination among the local stakeholders, and leverage available funding and personnel resources to improve outcomes.

• Expand the capacity of community long-term care resources
• Support the informal network of families, friends and neighbors
• Maximize peoples’ ability to meet their own long-term care needs
• Align long-term care funding and accountability to support high quality and good outcomes
• Recruit and retain a stable long-term care work force
• Reduce reliance on institutional care

The goal of the ElderCare Development Partnerships is to build strong, "age-friendly communities" all across Minnesota. If you have ideas on how your community can better serve its elders, contact EDP today!