Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA) Awards Over $5 Million in Grants

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The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (MNRAAA) has announced that 26 programs from 20 organizations were granted Title III funding awards totaling more than $5 million. The awards are funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

As a state-designated Area Agency on Aging, MNRAAA administers OAA funds and is responsible for the development of a coordinated and comprehensive system of services for older adults and their caregivers in Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Swift, Waseca, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine Counties. To accomplish this, MNRAAA awards Title III OAA funding to agencies and organizations that provide direct services for older adults (age 60+) and their caregivers.

Congress passed ARPA in 2021 to support older adults and caregivers who are struggling in the wake of COVID-19. Funding under ARPA follows the guidelines established by the OAA.

“MNRAAA is thrilled to announce, for the second year in a row, grants over $5 million! These organizations are assisting in building strong communities where older adults and caregivers can thrive,” MNRAAA Executive Director Jason W. Swanson stated. “The programs assist in keeping older adults and caregivers independent in their homes.”

The following grants have been awarded for 2024:

Title III-B Supportive Services

  1. Central Community Transit (Kandiyohi, Meeker, and Renville Counties)
    • CCT Senior Transportation Program for Transportation and Assisted Transportation
  2. City of Tyler (Lincoln County, City of Tyler only)
    • Tyler Senior Snow Removal for Chore
  3. City of Worthington/Center for Active Living (Nobles County)
    • The Good Life Project for Education/Training and Health Promotion – Non-Evidence Based
  1. Essential Senior Services (Nobles and Rock Counties)
    • Essential Senior Services Chore and Homemaker for Homemaker and Chore
  2. Generations Home Care Services (Sibley, Renville, and McLeod Counties)
    • Generations Homemaker/Assisted Transportation Program for Homemaker and Assisted Transportation
  3. Granite Falls Living at Home/Block Nurse Program (Chippewa, Renville, and Yellow Medicine Counties)
    • Connections for Better Living for Telephone Reassurance, Visiting, Outreach and Health Promotion – Non-Evidence Based
  4. Interfaith Caregivers (Faribault County)
    • Eldercare Program for Chore, Homemaker, Assisted Transportation, and Transportation
  5. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (Big Stone, Brown, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Sibley, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties)
    • LSS Older Adults Supportive Services Program for Counseling, Outreach, Telephone Reassurance, and Visiting
  6. Prairie Five Community Action Council (Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties)
    • Connections on the Prairie for Education/Training and Outreach
  7. Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (27 counties of MNRAAA service area)
    • Legal Advocacy for Older Persons for Legal Assistance and Legal Education
  8. United Community Action Partnership (Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock Counties)
    • Assisting Seniors on the Go for Assisted Transportation
  9. VINE Faith in Action (Blue Earth, Le Sueur, and Nicollet Counties)
    • VINE’s Helping Hands Outreach to Elders from Diverse Cultures for Special Access
  10. Waseca Area Caregiver Services (Waseca County)
    • Caring Hands for Homemaker, Chore, Education/Training and Visiting

Title III-C Congregate Meals and Home Delivered Meals (including Federal Title III-C and other funding)

  1. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties)
    • LSS Congregate and Home Delivered Meals Programs
  2. Prairie Five Community Action Council (Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties)
    • Prairie Five Congregate and Home Delivered Meals Programs

Title III-D Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Funding Recommendations

  1. A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota (Cottonwood, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock Counties)
    • A.C.E. Evidence-Based Programs for Evidence-Based Health Promotion Programs
  2. VINE Faith in Action (Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet, and Watonwan Counties)
    • Finding a Healthy Way through VINE’s Evidence-Based Programming for Evidence-based Health Promotion Programs

Title III-E National Family Caregiver Support Services

  1. A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota (Cottonwood, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock Counties)
    • A.C.E. Caregiver Support Services for Respite-In Home, Caregiver Counseling, Support Groups and Training
  2. Bethesda (Kandiyohi and Renville Counties)
    • Connect Caregiver Alliance Network for Caregiver Counseling, Support Groups, Training, Supplemental Services – Chore, Supplemental Services – Homemaker, Supplemental Services – Assisted Transportation, and Supplemental Services – Transportation
  3. Caregiver Response Effort & Service Team (CREST) (Martin County)
    • Care Team Support for Caregiver Support Groups, Counseling, Training, and Respite-In Home
  4. Interfaith Caregivers (Faribault County)
    • Caregiver Support and Respite Program for Caregiver Counseling, Training, Respite-In Home, and Respite-Out Home Day
  5. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Sibley, and Swift Counties)
    • LSS Caregiver Support and Respite Program for Respite-In Home, Respite-Out Home Day, Respite–other, Caregiver Counseling, Support Groups, and Training
  6. Madison Art Gallery (Lac qui Parle County)
    • Madison Caregiver Support Program for Caregiver Support Groups
  7. VINE Faith in Action (Blue Earth, Le Sueur, and Nicollet Counties)
    • Empowering Caregivers through Caregiver Counseling, Support Groups, and Training
  8. Waseca Area Caregiver Services (Waseca County)
    • Caring Hands for Caregivers for Caregiver Counseling, Support Groups, Respite-In Home, and Respite-Out of Home Day
  9. Wellspring Faith in Action (Watonwan County)
    • Family Caregiver Project for Caregiver Support Groups, Training and Respite-In Home

About the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging

MNRAAA’s vision is to assist older adults to thrive. MNRAAA provides advocacy, information, resources, and assistance so that older adults in southwest Minnesota can maintain the lifestyle of their choice. Learn more about MNRAAA at www.mnraaa.org.

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November is National Family Caregiver Month

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Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady recently passed away under the care of hospice. Wife to the 39th President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn used her role as the First Lady to raise awareness in several areas. These areas included, but were not limited to, mental health, women’s issues, and children’s wellbeing. She also focused on caregiving, which is what I will highlight here. A powerful quote from Rosalynn echoes in my mind, especially during the month of November; “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” She was ahead of her time on the caregiver front. We have seen the impact that a caregiver has on a care recipient. Unfortunately, we have also noticed the toll caring for a loved one can take on caregivers. In November, we highlighted caregivers as part of National Family Caregivers Month. President Joseph Biden has proclaimed November as National Family Caregiver Month. Governor Timothy Walz has proclaimed Family, Friends, and Neighbors Caregiving Month for November. Going back to Rosalynn’s quote, where do you fit in?

Many people do not identify themselves as a caregiver. When our team gives presentations, we sometimes ask those in attendance if they are or have been a caregiver. Usually, only a small number of people raise their hands, but that is incorrect. Everyone, at one point in their life, has been a caregiver. Have you ever helped someone (family, friend, stranger) by holding the door open for them, picking up groceries or prescriptions, or simply making a phone call? That is caregiving!

Now that we have identified you as a caregiver, how do you care for yourself? What is your self-care routine? Are you feeling burned out and needing help? That is where we can help. MNRAAA has been collaborating closely with providers to expand services to assist caregivers. Many of these services include support groups, training sessions, and respite (both in-home and out-of-home services). If you are a caregiver, thank you. If you know a caregiver, thank them. I want to know what we can do to support you in this endeavor.

For additional information or to find local support groups, contact the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 or online at https://www.sllreferral.org/. If you are interested in starting or getting additional information about supporting caregivers, please reach out to MNRAAA at www.mnraaa.org.

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Reflecting on Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

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This month, MNRAAA has been highlighting and raising awareness around Alzheimer’s and Brain Health. To assist in this effort, we had two individuals studying this topic provide updates and resources. Robyn Birkeland provided a great summary of Alzheimer’s disease and how it impacts the brain. Katie Louwagie followed the week after with an article about brain health. This included physical and mental activities to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other brain-related diseases.

Thank you to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health for participating in this endeavor. There is an ongoing association between the Area Agencies on Aging and the University of Minnesota to participate in events, fairs, and events to provide education, resources, and training. If you or your organization want someone to speak about Alzheimer’s or Brain Health, please get in touch with us at www.mnraaa.org.

As June (when we highlighted Alzheimer’s Disease) winds down, the disease will continue. Our awareness and our ability to learn and be proactive must continue. I encourage you to share the information in these articles with your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who will listen!

For additional information from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, visit the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation’s (CHAI) website at https://www.sph.umn.edu/research/centers/chai/. You can find a wealth of information from education and research to community engagement. The Alzheimer’s Association also features information about the disease and supports for caregivers. You can also search to see if there is a local chapter near you. Finally, you can search for services at www.mnhelp.org.

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Brain Health Activities

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Brain health encompasses cognitive, emotional, tactile, and motor functioning. While age-related changes and other illnesses may impact brain health, there are things we can do to reduce this risk.1

  • Physical Activity: Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week.1 In addition to reducing the risk for cognitive decline,2 exercise can improve your mood and impact your risk for other health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.1 Tips: You may consider starting with shorter exercise intervals (such as 10 minutes!) and increasing over time. You also may consider combining socialization with your physical activity, such as asking a friend to join you for a w3 In addition to formal exercise, you can strive for an active lifestyle by choosing to park a little further from a building entrance or taking the stairs instead of an elevator.3
  • Education: Seek activities that keep your mind engaged.2 Involvement in the arts, such as music, theater, or writing, appears promising for impacting cognitive health, in addition to supporting quality of life and well-being.4 Is there anything that you have always wanted to learn more about? You might consider signing up for a class at a local community center2 or library.
  • Stop smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce the associated risks of cognitive decline to that of non-smokers.2 To receive support, education, and referrals for smoking cessation, contact 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-786-8669).5
  • Protect your brain from injury: Ensuring safety through the use of seatbelts, helmets, and fall prevention can reduce the risk for brain injuries that impact cognitive functioning.2 Falls are the number one cause of injury to older adults in the U.S. You may reduce your risk for falls by managing medication side effects (like dizziness), maintaining strength and balance, wearing proper footwear, keeping up to date on eye exams, and ensuring home safety (removing throw rugs, installing grab bars, etc.).6
  • Healthy eating: A healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, may reduce the risk of physical as well as cognitive decline.1,2 In general, it is helpful to be mindful of portion size, get enough fluids, and reduce consumption of fat, sugar, and salt.1
  • Sleep hygiene: Lack of sleep can impact memory and cognition.2 Maintaining a consistent bed- and wake-time, as well as being mindful of the use of screens (computers or television), alcohol, and caffeine around bedtime can help to promote sleep hygiene.7
  • Manage stress: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions may influence cognitive functioning.2 Exercise, journaling, and relaxation techniques may help to combat stress.1 Seeking a therapist may offer additional support.
  • Socialization: Loneliness can increase the risk of cognitive impairment.1 Getting out with friends or family (meeting for coffee, visiting the local senior center, volunteering, etc.) can give you the opportunity to connect with others!

 

References

  1. Cognitive health and older adults. National Institute on Aging. October 1, 2020. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults.
  2. 10 ways to love your brain. Alzheimer’s Association. 2023. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain.
  3. Staying motivated to exercise: Tips for older adults. National Institute on Aging. April 3, 2020. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/staying-motivated-exercise-tips-older-adults.
  4. Participating in the arts creates paths to healthy aging. National Institute on Aging. February 15, 2019. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/participating-arts-creates-paths-healthy-aging.
  5. Quit smoking. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 6, 2023. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/index.htm.
  6. Take a stand on falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 22, 2017. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/features/older-adult-falls/index.html.
  7. Tips for better sleep. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 13, 2022. Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html.
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