Here are comprehensive, user-friendly resources for information on local and regional services for aging well and living with disabilities.
Most provide personalized help to match appropriate services to your specific needs.
You can click on each title to link directly to the site.
Senior LinkAge Line (800-333-2433)
With a single call to 1-800-333-2433 you will get assistance to determine what services might be helpful for your specific situation and needs.
Senior Linkage Line provides expert over-the-phone help with information, personalized assistance, and connection to services in your community to help you make good decisions.
Senior LinkAge Line can connect you with many services, including:
- Transportation
- Housing
- Home Health Care
- Housework
- Caregiver Support
- Personal Care Services
- Financial Assistance
- Legal Assistance
- Prescription Drug Help
- Assisted Living
- Nursing Homes
- Respite Care
- Hospice
- Home-delivered Meals
- Snow/Lawn Care
Senior LinkAge Line is answered from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Disability Linkage Line (866-333-2466)
This free, statewide service provides information, referral and assistance to help people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, and their representatives, connect to community services. Resource specialists provide one-to-one assistance to help you learn about your options and connect with the supports and services you choose.
Common requests include information and referrals on disability benefits programs, home modifications, assistive technology, personal assistance services, transition services, accessible housing, employment, social activities and disability rights.
For people who are looking for resources over the Internet, Disability Linkage Line is a partner in the statewide resource database found at MinnesotaHelp.info.
Disability Linkage Line is answered from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
MNHelp.info
This is the State of Minnesota’s database of resources, designed to connect people with services in their communities. Resources are searchable by topic and geography. There is a section for Seniors, and a section for People with Disabilities.
Live, one-to-one online chat with a resource specialist is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Family Caregiver and Senior Advocate Program (800-277-8418)
This program from Three Rivers Community Action provides seniors and their caregivers with information, resources and referrals for services to reduce caregiver stress and help seniors "age in place" successfully. Advocates provide personalized assistance, including help with new Medicare laws, financial assistance, nutrition assistance, information on healthcare directives, fall prevention, emergency preparedness, and food programs.
Advocates also meet with family members and caregivers to identify and assess their needs and help them develop a plan to meet those needs. The program provides a free “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class.
Caregivers must be caring for a person over the age of 60 or be over the age of 60 and caring for a grandchild. One person within the caregiving/senior circle must live within Goodhue, Rice or Wabasha Counties.
Carla Pearson, Senior Programs Coordinator
507-732-8528 OR 800-277-8418, ext. 328
Randi Callahan, Family Advocacy Services Specialist
507-732-8512 OR 800-277-8418, ext. 112
Dakota County Aging & Disability Services (651-554-6336 or clsintake@co.dakota.mn.us)
Dakota County's Community Living Services unit can help residents find solutions to live as independently as possible. Topics include housing with service options; help to stay at home; preventing falls; and developmental diability services.
Service begins with an assessment: A social worker or public health nurse visits the home to gather information about health and independence at home. They use the assessment to provide tailored information about long-term care options and programs. Contact Community Living Services to schedule an assesment.
National service that helps families recognize the need to plan for long-term care, find resources, and implement long-term care. The most comprehensive resource for eldercare, senior services and care planning. A wide range of senior services and eldercare providers are searchable by geography.
Vial of Life
Vial of Life is a packet of information you keep in your home with important medical information to help first responders give you the proper medical treatment in case of emergency.
Here’s how it works: Fill out the Vial of Life form with your medical information. Place it in an envelope with the Vial of Life sticker, then tape it to your refrigerator. Put the matching decal on your front door where first responders can see it.
Vial of Life kits are available through Northfield Hospital (call 507-646-1444) and at VialofLife.com.