Request for Public Review and Comment on 2019 Older Americans Act Funding Proposal

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In accordance with the Older Americans Act (Section 315(c)(1)), the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging is soliciting the views of older adults, providers and other stakeholders on two parts of its 2019 funding proposal to the Minnesota Board on Aging.

  • Plans for Program Development and Coordination Activities funded under Title III-B (Supportive Services.)  Download summary.
  • Strategy for cost-sharing related to supportive, health promotion and caregiver support services.  Download summary.

Written Comments
Written comments are encouraged and will be accepted until September 21, 2018.  Please send written comments via email to lgiersdorf@mnraaa.org or by mail to the following address:

Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
Attn: Linda Giersdorf
201 N Board Street, Suite 102
Mankato, MN 56001

Public Hearing
Individuals may give oral testimony at the Public Hearing to be held at the Redwood Area Community Center, Room 3A, 901 Cook Street, Redwood Falls, MN on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 9:00 AM.  Testimony is limited to five minutes per person.  RSVP to eschott@mnraaa.org by 4:00 PM on September 18, 2018 to register your attendance and if desired, your intent to speak at the hearing.

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Every Vote Counts

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Welcome to the Summer Edition of MNRAAA news. I hope you will enjoy reading about recent “happenings” at MNRAAA as well as upcoming opportunities and events.

A significant opportunity will be voting in the upcoming elections. 2018 will be the first election in Minnesota since 1978 that both U.S. Senate seats and the governorship will be on the ballot in the same year. In addition to the Senate seats, Governor and Lt. Governor, Minnesotans will be voting for their member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Secretary of State, State Auditor, Attorney General, State Representative, and Judicial offices. Some Minnesotans will also be voting for their local county officers, city officers, school board members, township officers, et al.

There are several significant dates before we reach General Election Day:

August 14 – PRIMARY ELECTION

  • Vote early by mail or in person from June 29 – August 13
  • Register in advance by July 24 to save time on Primary Election Day

November 6 – GENERAL ELECTION DAY

  • Vote early by mail or in person from September 21 – November 5
  • Register in advance by October 16 to save time on Election Day

To learn about how you can vote early by mail or in person, or who qualifies to have an agent pick up their ballot; how to track your absentee ballot; how to view a sample ballot; where to vote on election day; and a multitude of other election-related information go to the Secretary of State’s website at sos.state.mn.us and click on “Elections and Voting”. If you are unable to access the website, you can call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 1-800-333-2433 for additional information.

To quote the Dalai Lama “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito”. Every vote counts!

Warm Regards,

Linda

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Falls Prevention Day: September 22

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Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ fall every year? Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls are costly – in dollars and in quality of life. However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging.

Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs, and community partnerships, the number of falls among older adults can be reduced substantially.

The 11th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on September 22, 2018 – the first day of fall.

The annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. National, state, and local partners collaborate to educate others about the impact of falls, share fall prevention strategies, and advocate for the expansion of evidence-based community fall prevention programs.

Programs such as A Matter of Balance, Tai Ji Quan – Moving for Better Balance, Stepping On and Stay Active and Independent for Life are available throughout Minnesota.

To learn more about evidence-based falls prevention programs in your area, visit yourjuniper.org/Programs.

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Spotlight on Title III Services: CCT Senior Transportation Program

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Central Community Transit’s (CCT) mission is to cost effectively meet the many transportation needs of the residents of Kandiyohi, Renville and Meeker Counties by providing safe, cost-effective transportation through the many bus and volunteer driver services it provides.

MNRAAA contracts with CCT under Title III-B of the Older Americans Act for Transportation and Assisted Transportation Services to expand their services for persons 60 years of age and older in their service area. Under Title III-B, Transportation services provide a ride, typically via volunteer driver, for older persons to get from one location to another for purposes such as medical, dental and hair appointments, shopping, etc. Assisted Transportation services go beyond a ride and provide assistance to older persons who have physical and/or cognitive difficulties using private or public transportation. The service can include assistance with preparation for the trip, assistance to the vehicle at the person’s residence and from the vehicle at the destination, remaining with the person at the destination, carrying packages into the residence, etc.

“CCT is very proud of the Senior Transportation and the services it provides”, said Tiffany Collins, CCT Transit Director. “The volunteer drivers provide a very high level of service and are vitally important to the success of the program. We are able to provide a very safe, reliable, cost-effective service by using volunteers and serving seniors who have very limited access to other means of transportation. Many of the users of the program do not qualify for or have other options for transportation. This service enables seniors to stay in their homes and communities.”

To learn more about the program or to schedule a ride contact CCT in Willmar: 320.235.8413; Olivia: 320.523.3589; Litchfield: 320.693.7794; or cctbus.org.

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