Minnesota has an array of resources to keep in mind when gathering with family and friends during the holidays.
"As we spend more time together during this season, we may see changes in our loved ones we haven't noticed before," stated Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper in a news release. "This can be a good time to ask our friends and family members who are older or have disabilities about loneliness, struggles with daily tasks and safety. Fortunately, we have resources that can help address concerns."
The Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Board on Aging offer these helpful resources:
• Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 and by chat at www.seniorlinkageline.com provides help with a wide range of issues - from prescription drug coverage and health care options to supports that help older adults remain healthy and safe at home.
• Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466 and by chat at disabilityhubmn.com, a resource that helps people with disabilities and their families solve problems, navigate the service system and plan for their futures.
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• MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services and service providers rich in resources for all Minnesotans in need of help and information.
• LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet and linkvet.org is a Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs service line and website that provides support to veterans and their families.
The Minnesota Board on Aging website also has resources for people who are caregiving for family members and friends. These include The Caregiver Resource Guide, which includes checklists to plan for caregiving and tips for how people who are caregiving can take care of themselves.
The Own Your Future website includes resources to prepare and pay for your own long-term care.
Services are also available when maltreatment of a vulnerable adult is suspected. The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center is administered by the Department of Human Services and has a toll-free number at 1-844-880-1574 available 24/7 to report possible abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of a loved one. More information is available at mn.gov/dhs/adult-protection.
Vulnerable adults include any person 18 or older who:
• Has a physical or mental illness or other physical, mental or emotional impairment that affects the person's ability to care for themselves or protect themselves from maltreatment; and/or
• Is staying in a licensed facility, such as a hospital, nursing home or group home; and/or
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• Receives services from a licensed provider, such as a home care agency.
