Connected Communities Grant Project

The goal of a Connected Community is to help older adults age well by improving their physical, mental, and social health. The project involves creating an integrated and coordinated system of care across health care, social services, and aging services. It focuses on putting seniors and their families at the center of the system.

What it is: A Connected Community pilot project starts with convening community partners interested in making a radical shift in how people age in their local area. While the details are community-informed, each pilot agrees to address the following in their work:

• Community planning resulting in an easy to navigate network of resources and services.
• Care coordination focusing on health, preventive measures, and a fulfilled life.
• Improving quality of care through direct care workforce initiatives, caregiving support, and volunteer opportunities.
• Social engagement helping seniors reduce isolation, engage in activities, and feel purposeful as they age.

Where it is happening: There are currently three Connected Community pilots in Minnesota, funded by LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation acting as an intermediary grantor for a large regional foundation. Two new pilot communities may be added in 2024. Lead organization for all pilots must be members of LeadingAge Minnesota to be eligible.

• The Northeast Ottertail County pilot is called Elevate and is led by Perham Health.
• The Alexandria pilot is called Lakes Area Collaborative and is led by Vivie (Involves Douglas, Pope, Stevens, Grant, Traverse counties)
• The pilot in Southwest Care Connection in Redwood Falls and led by Vista Prairie-Garnette Gardens (Redwood and Renville counties)

How it is impacting local seniors: Marlene is an 82-year-old Perham area resident who used the Elevate health coach (Jean) to help coordinate her husband’s care after a health crisis. She was struggling to help him live at home again after being released from the hospital, following an episode of congestive heart and kidney failure.

Here is how she described her experience: “Jean was my life saver. I am an RN by training, but I was totally overwhelmed by having to manage Don’s meds, dealing with his limited mobility, finding incontinence products that fit, and so many other daily things,” she said. “I heard about the Elevate program through Perham Health and started talking regularly with Jean by phone.

“Thankfully, my husband and I have settled into a new normal. And, for the first time in more than two years, we were able to enjoy a pontoon ride on the lake again. We’re going on 59 ½ years of marriage and we feel like we’ve gotten over a bridge, with Jean’s help, to our next chapter. I’m telling everyone I know about the Elevate program.”

How can I learn more: If you have questions about Connected Communities, contact Lori Meyer.