Southeastern Minnesota Area on Aging, Inc.

Live Well ~ Age Well

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

American Rescue Plan Supporting Older Adults in Significant Ways

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American Rescue plan was signed into law by the Biden administration on March 11th to provide relief and support to all Americans who continue to deal with the pandemic and its after effects. Through the advocacy efforts of partnering organizations like the National Council on Aging, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Representatives and many others, this bill has carved out substantial funding for older Americans and the programs that support them. Here is a quick overview of how this bill will support Older Americans in the coming months.

Older American Act Funding
Currently over 11 million older adults rely on Older American Act funding to remain independent. This bill earmarks an additional $1.43 billion dollars into OAA supports such as nutrition programs, transportation, caregiver supports, elder abuse protections and healthy aging programs.

Medicaid Home Care Services
States will receive a 10% boost in federal contributions to support Medicaid and Home Care Services through March 31st 2022. That’s $12.7 billion dollars invested in low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities so they can receive care at home with a loved one rather than in a nursing home.

COVID Related
$20 billion has been set aside to improve vaccine administration and distribution as well as $50 billion for testing, contract tracing and manufacturing of personal protective equipment. Along with this is an additional $500 million for nursing home strike teams to help manage COVID outbreaks and $200 million to further support infection control in nursing homes.

Elder Justice
This law includes $276 million per year for the next 2 years to support programs that combat elder abuse, support elder justice research and innovation, enhance adult protection services and provide additional protections for residents of long-term care facilities.

Infrastructure and Transportation
$20 billion is earmarked for states, tribes and territories to help cover some of the unforeseen costs of the pandemic-one of which is broadband expansion, as well as improving subways and bus systems, which many older adults rely on.

These are just some of the highlights of the American Rescue Plan. To learn more about this bill go to NCOA’s article. The Biden Administration also released the American Jobs Plan proposal on March 31st. This is still taking shape but includes funding for HCBS organizations, wage increases for home care workers, workforce support and equity investments like broadband, affordable housing, transportation and more.

BEYOND THE WORKDAY

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Finding Balance for Working Caregivers and Aging Adults

  • 1 in 5 people are caring for a loved one providing 24 hours of care per week, on average.
  • 60% of caregivers were employed in 2020 while also providing care.
  • 50% of working caregivers are reluctant to tell their supervisor about their caregiving responsibilities.

Being a working caregiver is a situation that will affect almost everyone at some point in life and employers are in a position to offer more meaningful supports and resources to help employees successfully navigate this time. Investing in the well-being of your staff is simply good for business and results in many positive returns for you as well. If you are interested in learning more about the challenges working caregivers face and want to understand how to support them better as an employer, contact Chersten Keillor with the SE MN Area Agency on Aging to learn more and schedule a presentation.

The theme of Older Americans Month (OAM) 2021 is Communities of Strength

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Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others.
In May, The Administration for Community Living (ACL) will celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.

There are many things we all can do to nurture ourselves, reinforce our strength, and continue to thrive. Connecting with others is one of the most important—it plays a vital role in our health and well-being, and in that of our communities. Visit OAM 2021

Fortune Cookies

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By Bonnie Dudovitz
Mona has a great idea! This vibrant octogenarian is determined to be the first to know if her recall is slipping beyond what can be considered normal age-related memory loss. An unexpected visit from her son reveals that she has cooked up a way to help herself and others be on the lookout for the early signs of dementia.

Join us for the third virtual event delivered by The Remember Project with funding support from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Dates will be announced in May.

In the Loop with Laurie

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As we continue to deal with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and all it brings, one of my favorite quotes comes to mind, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” This is so true right about now! I love reading about the many stories of generosity and examples of grace that are being shown in a time where life is a bit upside down.

SEMAAA was the recipient of CARES ACT funds to be used in the areas of supportive services and caregiver supports. In this addition we feature some of the wonderful projects that are being funded to help to connect seniors and their caregivers to technology to help combat social isolation and mental health support services to ensure the safety and well-being for older adults in our region. A big thanks to the collaborators for these projects that have stepped up to increase capacity and service provision in this time of need.

As we round out 2020, I would like to leave you with a few things that we are truly grateful for:

  • Resilient and giving staff!
  • Engaged Board Members who have stepped up to support our services.
  • Providers that truly care about the well-being of older adults.
  • MN Board on Aging for advocating for additional funds during the pandemic.
  • Older adults and caregivers in our region that have learned new skills and connected with the services they need to stay safe at home.

Finding Ways to Engage at Every Age,
Laurie
Executive Director

Funds Distribution Update

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Cares Act Funds originated with the Administration for Community Living, are sub-granted to the MN Board on Aging and are then allocated to the Area Agencies on Aging across the state, where we award them to local providers. These funds are to be used to address the needs of older adults and caregivers resulting form the COVID-19 pandemic.

SEMAAA CARES ACT GRANT

Title III B – Supportive Services

  • Winona Friendship Center – Continuing Connections Program to provide tablets and data plans to 25 older adults in Winona County. $22,850
  • Senior Resources of Freeborn County – Technology Program to provide tablets and data plans to 12 older adults in Freeborn County. $12,306
  • Family Services Rochester – Aging Well Program to address the isolation and counselling needs of older adults through 1:1 and group sessions in Olmsted, Rice, Steele and Mower Counties. Services will be offered both in-person and via telehealth. $25,000

Title III E – Caregiver Services

  • Elder Network (IIIE) – Technology Assistance Program (TAP) to develop a library of iPad’s that clients can rent in the Olmsted, Winona and Wabasha offices.

State Enhanced Home Care Grant

  • Enhanced Home Care funds may be used solely for the direct services of Chore and Homemaker services which includes delivery of goods such as groceries and prescription medication to eligible persons.
  • Family Service Rochester – Homemaker & Chore – Extending services to older adults in Steele and Olmsted Counties to individuals who have not been able to secure services. $49,715

COVID-19 STATE NUTRITON

SEMCAC, Three Rivers Community Action and 125 Live all received state nutrition funds to support nutrition programming for seniors.

CarFreeMe Program

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The University of MN is looking for families and individuals dealing with memory loss to take part in a new study. This program is aimed at providing support to families and their loved ones to help them navigate the transition to driving retirement. Dr. Joe Gaughler and a research team have a goal of working with 20 families to start this pilot and refine it. Eventually they hope to open it up to more families across the state.

Driving Retirement and Memory Loss Program

  • What: We are evaluating “CarFreeMe,” an 8 session educational program that takes place on a weekly basis. CarFreeMe has been developed to assist individuals with memory loss and their families consider driving retirement. This program includes web video conferencing and/or phone based conversations with a trained facilitator. Sessions include you and your family member and each session lasts about an hour.
  • For Whom: Individuals with memory concerns, who are considering retiring from driving or have retired from driving, and a supportive family care member.
  • When: There will be a series of weekly sessions with a trained study facilitator. There are a total of 8 sessions. The study lasts 3 months total.
  • What: We will ask participants to complete baseline, 1-month, and 3-month surveys. We will also ask participants to conduct a brief interview after 3 months to determine how useful the CarFreeMe program was to them.
  • Where: This is a phone or web-based video conferencing based program.
  • Why: Individuals with memory concerns, who would like to learn more about adjusting to driving retirement, and their supportive family members likely would benefit from education on dementia, local transportation resources, and strategies for transitioning to driving retirement.
  • Incentives: Each participant will be paid $25 after completion of each survey and postintervention interview for a total of $100.

INTERESTED OR HAVE QUESTIONS? TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE:
www.sph.umn.edu/research/projects/carfreeme or contact 612-626-9515 or via email at AT CARFREEME@UMN.EDU!

Combatting Social Isolation

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Senior Social Isolation and connectingSocial isolation is taking a toll on many of us and can feel especially difficult around the holidays.

It’s important to recognize the signs of loneliness and depression and be intentional about getting connected and finding the support you need. We are fortunate to have caring, proactive organizations stepping up to combat social isolation who find unique ways to assist seniors and connect them to community supports. There are virtual book clubs, exercise classes, friendly visiting opportunities and other ways to get involved. To read more about social isolation and how to take care of yourself this winter visit the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Follow these links to get connected to some of the providers we work with in SE MN and ask about their programs and supports.

Elder Network
Website: www.elder-network.org
Phone: 507-285-5272

Senior Resources of Freeborn County
Website: www.srofc.org
Phone: 507-377-7433

Family Service Rochester
Website: familyservicerochester.org
Phone: 507-287-2010

Neighbors in Action
Website: www.neighborsinaction.net
Phone: 507-895-8123

Mower County Senior Center
Website: www.mcs-inc.org
Phone: 507-433-2370

Winona Friendship Center
Website: www.cityofwinona.com
Phone: 507-454-5212

Three Rivers
Website:www.threeriverscap.org
Phone: 507-316-0610

SEMCAC
Website: www.semcac.org
Phone: call-507-864-7741

Aging Mastery Book Clubs Help Reduce Social Isolation

Local Organizations are currently offering Aging Mastery Book clubs via Zoom. This program was developed by the National Council on Aging and focuses on helping older adults take charge of their health, renew healthy habits and make better choices. Go to WellConnect or Juniper to see upcoming classes and register. You will receive a Starter Kit and instructions for how to join virtually. Participant’s who have taken part in this program have enjoyed the connection, sharing and learning as they move through the book content together!