Four Central Minnesota Agencies Share Grant Funding to Support Older Minnesotans

(KNSI) — Four central Minnesota agencies received grant funding to support older Minnesotans staying in their homes.

The Live Well at Home grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services is aimed at helping older adults stay healthy, independent and involved in their communities.

Seven million dollars was made available. Fifty-seven agencies were selected.

Aging Services in St. Cloud received $198,00. According to the City of St. Cloud website, “the mission of the City of St. Cloud Aging Services Department is to promote successful aging by providing visionary leadership and planning, establish collaborations and community partnerships to engage, connect and involve the 55 and older St. Cloud greater community.”

Assumption Community Faith Services in Cold Spring will get $108,000 to increase accessibility and support to older adults in Stearns County and the St. Cloud area. The Tri-Community Living at Home Block Nurse Program will strengthen services and support. The Paynesville Area Living at Home Block Nurse Program also received $55,000 for services such as accessible transportation, homemaking assistance and caregiver support focusing on the Belgrade, Brooten and Paynesville area.

Foley Area CARE – Community Action Respecting Elders was awarded $60,000 to help Benton County residents better live in their community, reduce long-term care placement and decrease reliance on state programs. Objectives include reducing social isolation; continuing transportation, repair and homemaking chore services; and identifying volunteers.

“Most people want to live at home as long as possible,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “Supporting older Minnesotans to stay in their homes can lead to better health and quality of life. It can also ease pressure on residential care facilities that are struggling to find enough staff.”

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