News

New Resource: Template EW Distribution Plan

On November 30, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

Providers must develop an Elderly Waiver (EW) distribution plan and share it with employees as part of the requirements tied to rate increases effective Jan. 1, 2024. LeadingAge Minnesota has developed a template that can serve as the framework for member distribution plans.

2024 Institute & Expo Registration is Open: Ignite

On November 30, 2023 by Sharon Hollister

The 2024 Institute & Expo is Feb. 7-8 in St. Paul and open for registration. The theme of this year’s conference is Ignite.

Join us and ignite your KNOWLEDGE, NETWORKS, and PASSION FOR SERVING SENIORS at Institute!

DHS Posts Updated Elderly Waiver Rates

On November 16, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) posted 2024 rates for Elderly Waiver (EW) services. The new rates reflect an average increase of almost 45% for customized living and nearly 30% for adult day services.

ICYMI: Participate in LeadingAge Minnesota Committees in 2024

On November 2, 2023 by Lori Meyer

We are actively recruiting members to participate in LeadingAge Minnesota committees in the coming year if you missed it.

DHS Releases Guidance on Spending Requirements for Increased EW Rates

On November 2, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) posted guidance on how Elderly Waiver (EW) providers should develop a distribution plan for the rate increase that starts Jan. 1, 2024.

$2.4 Billion Surplus Expected in State Budget

On October 26, 2023 by Kayla Khang

Minnesota is predicted to enter the 2024 legislative session with a $2.4 billion surplus based on state officials' most recent revenue report.

Counting Down This Week’s Top 7 Workforce Resources

On September 28, 2023 by Anna Mowry

As we near the end of Workforce Development month, we are counting down our top seven need-to-have LeadingAge Minnesota resources, upcoming must-attend events, and the latest data to support your recruitment, training, and workforce development initiatives.

Minnesota Human Services Tour Highlights Session Victories for Elderly Waiver

On August 31, 2023 by Erin Huppert

Members and staff of the House and Senate Human Services Committees went into the community last week to experience firsthand the care given by long-term care providers, see the impact of their legislative actions, and talk about priorities for 2024. Over a single day, they visited five providers of senior care and disability services.

New Resources! Background Checks, Cannabis, Education, and Staffing Tools for Members

On August 24, 2023 by Kari Everson

Four new resources requested by members are now available in LeadingAge Minnesota’s Resource Library related to cannabis, education requirements, staffing in assisted living, and background checks.

2023 Foundation Golf Tournament Raises More Than $62,000

On August 3, 2023 by Jenny Prosser

The 2023 LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Tournament helped raise funds for the next round of caregiver scholarships. Thanks to golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and ticket sales, the event raised over $62,000 before expenses.

2023 Legislative Report Spotlight – Legalization of Cannabis in Minnesota

On July 13, 2023 by Mark Schulz

This summer, we’ll regularly highlight some of the most significant issues summarized in the 2023 Legislative Report, a benefit of membership in LeadingAge Minnesota. This week’s topic: the impacts of legalized cannabis on aging services providers.

Workforce Technology Playbook – Resident Vital Signs Technology

On July 6, 2023 by Julie Apold

The Resident Vital Signs Machine Technology Playbook is the third in a series of workforce technology solution playbooks designed to assist you in identifying technology solutions to help address the workforce crisis.

Minnesota Dept. of Vets Affairs Names Eric Meittunen to Deputy Commissioner Role

On June 1, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

Eric Meittunen has joined the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs as Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. Eric will lead the Healthcare Division with responsibility for our five current and three new Veterans Homes, Adult Day Center, and Veteran Suicide Prevention initiative.

Annette Greely Named CEO of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest

On June 1, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM), an Eden Prairie, Minnesota, based not-for-profit provider of senior living and health care, is pleased to announce the appointment of Annette Greely as the new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mental Health Resources for You, Your Team, and Community

On June 1, 2023 by Anna Mowry

As Mental Health Awareness Month ends, don’t forget the mental health resources and tools you and your teams can revisit throughout the year.

ICYMI: Legislature Adjourns with Historic Funding for Aging Services

On May 25, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

As of Monday at midnight, the Minnesota Legislature has adjourned the 2023 legislative session. After months of tireless advocacy by seniors, their families, and their caregivers, we are proud to report that we have left the session with historic investments in aging services that will help ensure access to care for Minnesota seniors and support caregivers with the wages they deserve.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, Practice Self-Care Through Gratitude

On May 18, 2023 by Julie Apold

Have you ever noticed how it warmed your heart when someone appreciates you?  Research shows that expressing gratitude to someone who has done something to enrich your life (no matter how big or small) significantly impacts both the giver and the receiver.

Keys to Retaining Staff —Driver 2: Feeling Effective

On May 18, 2023 by LeadingAge

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is the second in a series of articles from contributor Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology, featuring tools to improve staff mental health.

In an overview article, I introduced three major factors that can improve staff retention when attended to deliberately by you and the leaders in your buildings—staff feeling valued, supported, and effective. This article focuses on feeling effective.

EEOC Reminds Employers to Review Employee PHE Accommodations

On May 18, 2023 by Mark Schulz

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has revised guidance for employers regarding the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. It reminds employers that they cannot automatically terminate reasonable accommodations provided due to pandemic-related circumstances.

Retention Grants Open for Certain HCBS Employees

On May 18, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Legislature has created a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) workforce development grant program to attract and retain direct care workers who provide HCBS services for people with disabilities and/or older adults.  Workers include those employed in assisted living, adult day services, home care, and other HCBS settings.