Projects funded to help older Minnesotans stay at home

Strategies to help Minnesotans stay in their homes and remain vital members of their communities as they grow older will be employed this year with a total of $2,296,787 in funding appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature.

Helping Minnesotans stay in their homes and communities also saves the state dollars by making sure that nursing home care is reserved for those who need more intensive services, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Among projects being awarded are several that support informal caregivers, friends and family members whose help is critical to supporting people 65 and older to remain in their homes and communities.

Providing older Minnesotans the support they need to stay in their homes and communities enhances freedom of choice for individuals, strengthens communities and saves taxpayer dollars, said Human Services commissioner Lucinda Jesson.

Of the 14 projects being funded, Knute Nelson in Alexandria is one of them. It is receiving $59,311 to introduce in-home monitoring and sensor technology to promote aging in place for older adults in Douglas, Traverse, Grant and Stevens counties.

More information on Community Service/Community Services Development Grants is available at www.dhs.state.

mn.us/cssd.

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