WHAT PROGRAMS DO
Throughout Minnesota, urban and rural Living at Home Network programs respond to their communities’ needs and interests in helping seniors maintain a safe and healthy life at home. Many services and support for seniors are common across all programs, yet each program may have a service(s) that is specific to their community.
Common support for seniors services
Options to find help and support, offerings that make it easier to maintain life at home, and ways to stay involved in community life.
Additional services
Support for family and friend caregivers, household chores, and intergenerational activities.
Common Services
Finding help and support
Staff at local programs
- Can help identify risk factors (or concerns) seniors have for living at home and then identify resources from their program as well as from other agencies.
- Can also provide information on topics such as housing, food resources, and financial assistance.
Staying involved in community life
Local programs:
- Can offer visits from volunteers for companionship and social connection.
- Often host or sponsor social gatherings.
Making it easier to maintain life at home
Local programs:
- Offer both activities and services to help support for seniors and restore and maintain good health, including exercise programs, health education classes, home safety checks, blood pressure checks, access to affordable in-home nursing care and more.
- Use volunteer drivers to transport older neighbors to medical appointments and other destinations. Unlike the curb-to-curb service offered by a taxi or bus, these volunteers can ensure the rider is safely escorted from and to their home and appointment.
- Can offer grocery shopping and other similar errands.
- Can provide visits from volunteers for socializing and companionship.
Additional Services
Supporting family and friend caregivers
Local programs may provide information and support to family and friends who provide care for a senior, such as:
- Helping caregivers understand their role and its impact on their health and well-being
- Identifying supportive services for both the caregiver and the person they care for
- Helping with a care plan that includes on-going support
Assisting with household chores
Local programs may:
- Link volunteers with seniors and caregivers to help with outdoor chores like spring and fall yard clean-up
- Provide homemaking help for cleaning and household tasks
Other
Local programs may:
- Offer foot care/nail trimming
- Host intergenerational activities to connect older adults and youth.
Contact individual programs for information on service costs or suggested contributions.
