10/01/2026
Hello Community Members,
We are writing to share that there is an active proposal to eliminate the Eldercare Development Program (EDP) and Live Well at Home (LWAH) grant programs beginning July 1, 2027. These proposed reductions would significantly impact services and supports that help older adults remain healthy, safe, and independent in their homes and communities.
PARTNERS would be directly affected by this proposal. We are able to function in large part due to these grants with limited employees, volunteers at PARTNERS and The Attic Thrift Store, donations, and our local churches as they allow us to use their spaces for functions. With these grants, we are able to help people 60+ stay in their homes and in our community for as long as possible while providing needed services for our aging population. We provide regularly scheduled foot care in Rothsay, Elizabeth, and Foxhome, as well as blood pressure checks as needed in our office. PARTNERS also acts as a social club for our community, offering many opportunities throughout the month to connect with others. We host a book club, monthly movie, men’s coffee, BINGO, parties and special outings. We don’t have a senior center in Rothsay, so we strive to fulfill the needs of one within our capacity. PARTNERS also offers rides to medical appointments anywhere in the area. We now partner with the Lions Club as well, to provide yard clean up twice a year. Exercise is offered four days a week at New Life Church, open to all.
Consider the impact our state would face if rural programs such as PARTNERS were forced to close their doors. We would appreciate it if you would spread the word and fill out this linked form (it is pretty short). We just learned of this last week and the deadline for this feedback is tomorrow, Oct 2. There will be no other way to make our voices heard other than filling out the attached form online. Thank you for your time and consideration!
Why This Matters
The Minnesota Legislature created the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Advisory Council and charged it with identifying $177.5 million in cost savings recommendations by December 1. Among the recommendations currently under consideration are the elimination of the Eldercare Development Program and Live Well at Home grants.
These are not simply funding reductions. They are investments that help communities develop and sustain services for older adults, caregivers, and individuals needing long-term supports.
Impact on Northwestern Minnesota Communities
The Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging (DSAAA) serves as the regional partner connecting county social services, public health agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and other community organizations working to support older adults. Through the Eldercare Development Program, regional staff work directly with communities across northwestern Minnesota to identify needs, build partnerships, secure resources, develop innovative programs, and help older adults and caregivers access critical supports.
In addition, the proposed reductions would eliminate Live Well at Home grants and affect other community-based initiatives that support caregiver services, dementia-friendly communities, healthy aging programs, transportation services, nutrition programs, and other resources that allow older adults to remain safely and independently in their homes.
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