September 2024

News from DHS archive

Minnesota grants use $4.4 million to fight dementia

Thirty-seven organizations across Minnesota will use $4.4 million in state grant funds to support creativity and innovation as they assist people suffering from dementia-related illness.

Increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are the focus of the competitive grants administered by the Minnesota Board on Aging.

“We celebrate the wonderful ideas offered by these grant applicants,” said Maureen Schneider, chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging. “Families dealing with dementia-related issues need our love and support. Sharing these funds with so many providers can make a difference for caregivers and those living with dementia.”

The Minnesota Legislature has appropriated $750,000 in dementia grant funding each year since 2015. Additional one-time funding was recently added to support the expansion and improvement of respite services across the state.

Grants are listed by region in the Minnesota Board on Aging news release.

Hearing loss resource fair set for Nov. 7-8 in St. Cloud

In social media: Summer EBT issued to 456,000+ kids

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Report card helps Minnesotans choose assisted living communities

Deciding it is time to move can be very difficult; and deciding where to move might be an even bigger decision.

You can use the Minnesota Assisted Living Report Card to help you make that decision by reviewing quality ratings and information about assisted living across the state.

Launched earlier this year, the report card allows you to compare assisted living in important areas of
quality:

• Resident quality of life 
• Family satisfaction
• Resident Health
• Safety
• Staffing

Report card ratings are built from surveys administered to assisted living residents and their family members, as well as from the
results of state inspections.

It is a work in progress. The report card will expand early next year, adding more facilities and ratings.

When you find an assisted living that might be right for you, visit in-person, if you can, and discuss it with the assisted living staff and your family. 

In the news

Helping People Achieve Recovery – However They Define It: Every individual in recovery deserves to be celebrated, no matter what their recovery looks like. In a column in The Phoenix Spirit, DHS Substance Use Disorder Services Deputy Director Jen Sather acknowledges that recovery is very personal, while explaining that Minnesota’s system of supports can help people live the life they want to live.

Bonuses announced for Minnesota direct support professionals: More than 200,000 long-term care workers may qualify for bonuses of up to $1,000 from the state. The Minnesota Care Force Incentive Program recognizes the essential work of direct support professionals. Funds will go to organizations that will pay bonuses to eligible employees in early 2025. Learn more in an Access Press article.

Rural Behavioral Health Clinic run by MSU Mankato to open this year: Minnesota State University, Mankato announced a five-year agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota to open a Rural Behavioral Health Clinic later this year. MSU Mankato is working with DHS on licensing the new facility. It is supported by state, federal and BCBS funding. Learn more in an MPR article.

Many people in jail have an opioid addiction, but less than half of jails offer medication, study shows: DHS is applying for a federal waiver that would allow the state to use Medicaid dollars to provide services, including substance use treatment, to people for up to 90 days before they are released from jail or prison. Learn more in a Minnesota Star Tribune article.