December 2024
Featured News
Why We Recently Invested $1.8 Million In the Health and Well-Being of Seniors in Rural Minnesota
On December 4, 2024 by Gina DiMaggio
The holiday season provides a unique time for reflection. This year, as we gather with loved ones and reflect on all we’re grateful for, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is thankful for our elders and excited to help tackle challenges they face in rural areas of the state.
Supporting Rural Communities
With a recent $1.8 million dollar investment, dispersed among three distinct rural communities, the “Connected Communities” project will help improve the lives of older adults in rural Minnesota. This transformative funding will empower Guardian Angels Senior Living (Elk River), Bethesda (Willmar), and St. John’s Lutheran Community (Albert Lea) to further their respective missions to serve seniors by helping those outside of their communities age in place with enhanced well-being, connectivity, and support.
These three new communities join Vivie (Alexandria) and Perham Health (Perham) in developing more coordinated and holistic systems of support for older adults. Check out the map below to see where Connected Communities work is happening across Minnesota.
Unique Challenges
Aging in rural areas presents unique challenges, but the Connected Communities project seeks to transform this experience by creating cohesive community ecosystems that support older adults in every aspect of their lives—physically, emotionally, and socially. With this grant, each of these providers are poised to bridge gaps in healthcare, reducing social isolation, and streamlining communication across rural care services.
Each has developed innovative projects that will build a stronger, more supportive environment for seniors and their families, enabling them to enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling life surrounded by the community that values and appreciates them.
Kari Thurlow, President and CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is committed to honoring and supporting older adults, especially in rural communities where resources can be scarce. We’re grateful for our members’ pioneering leadership in collaborating with their community to create meaningful, systemic improvements for older adults, their families, and the community as a whole.”
Learn More
While the three recent grant recipients are pilot projects that are just getting underway, you can learn more about the Connected Communities work happening in Alexandria and Perham here. We’re excited to share more Connected Communities updates in forthcoming editions of the Aging Forward newsletter.
Notable News
$1 Million Grant Initiative to Bridge Pathways Between New Americans and Senior Care Employers
On December 4, 2024 by Anna Mowry
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is investing nearly $1 million to support new Americans in the aging services workforce with grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Grant, Equity, Access, and Research (GEAR) Division.
Through this transformative investment, we aim to strengthen a supportive bridge between the new Americans seeking meaningful careers and the senior care providers who are eager to employ and welcome them into their communities.
How to Get Involved
We’re in the process of developing resources for both new Americans and aging services employers. Translated training materials for English-language learners, employee assistance funds, and other supportive services will be provided to new Americans to ensure they can pursue meaningful roles and leadership within the aging services sector. In addition, senior care employers will benefit from new resources and collaborative learning opportunities to build capacity in recruiting and retaining diverse populations and foster inclusive, welcoming communities.
Exciting Announcement
While more information will be coming soon on how members can get involved in this work – including opportunities to serve on advisory groups, participate in new education and trainings, and much more – we’re excited to announce that we have hired a Program Manager to help us execute this work. We’re grateful to welcome Kirstan Ketter to our team, who’s first day was yesterday, Dec. 3. Kirstan brings extensive experience building and managing programs to support immigrants and marginalized communities. We are thrilled to have her lead this work. Welcome Kirstan!
Tackling Our Greatest Challenge
Minnesota’s aging population is booming—a historic demographic shift that will have far-reaching impacts on the state. By 2030, more than one in five Minnesotans will be over the age of 65. Further, between 2030 and 2050, the number of 85+ year olds will triple. Yet over 17,000 job openings in key caregiver positions remain vacant in senior care organizations across the state, limiting access to care and straining the healthcare system. To ensure access to quality care and services, we must prioritize innovative solutions and investments to expand efforts for foreign-born workers, new Americans, and refugees within our state to find meaningful careers and advancement opportunities.
The significant contributions of the foreign-born workers already within our aging services sector are undeniably impactful. When compared with other sectors, Minnesota’s senior care workforce is one of the most diverse in the state. According to a 2023 Lightcast report, nearly 1 in 3 nursing assistants and nearly 14% of Minnesota’s overall healthcare workforce are immigrants.
In 2023, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation partnered with PHI, a national leader in supporting direct care workers, to engage in in-depth research on DEIB opportunities for the senior care sector. In 2024, a group of Minnesota long-term care leaders and LeadingAge Minnesota staff traveled to Nairobi, Kenya. Under the leadership of Mohamud Noor, a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Kenya State Department for Diaspora Affairs, we celebrated achievements that will allow new pipelines of African nurses to explore opportunities to work abroad—ideally in our great state of Minnesota. Then in May, LeadingAge Minnesota partnered with Ebenezer Ridges Campus to host a special event to welcome Honorable Principal Secretary of Kenya Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, along with leaders from Kenya and Minnesota to further deepen these relationships.
These collaborations and the guidance of expert research will help drive the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation throughout the work of these new grant-funded initiatives, ultimately to improve the experience for our caregivers and the older adults and communities they serve.
Reflections on the Grantmakers in Aging Conference
On December 4, 2024 by Gina DiMaggio
About six weeks ago, I attended the Grantmakers in Aging (GIA) Conference in Detroit. It was an unforgettable experience packed with learning, networking, and inspiration.
The four-day event brought together individuals from across the country who are passionate about aging, caregiving, and innovative approaches to support older adults. My head is still buzzing with the incredible ideas I was exposed to.
Unique Insights
One of the standout features of the conference was the wealth of knowledge shared by aging services professionals from across the country. I had the chance to learn from people deeply immersed in their fields, representing various approaches and solutions for the challenges facing our aging population. It was humbling to be part of these conversations, and I’m already finding opportunities to apply some of these lessons in our state.
Minnesota Representation
I was especially proud of the strong representation from Minnesota, as many of my colleagues from the Finish Strong Funder Collaborative were present. It was encouraging to see the collaborative spirit that’s thriving in Minnesota’s aging space showcased on a national platform. Our state is doing some remarkable work, and this conference further fueled my pride in being part of it.
(Pictured - Left to Right: Mary Madill, Morgan Family Foundation; Gina DiMaggio, LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation; Jaime Renner, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Heidi Grandstrand, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Sara Whitehead, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Alice Hill, Stevens Square Foundation)
Initiatives from Around the Globe
Throughout the week, I encountered several groundbreaking initiatives happening across the globe. One that stood out was the Mirar en Grande project by the Fundación Navarro Viola in Argentina. This project captured authentic, beautiful images of aging, challenging stereotypes and embracing the dignity of growing older. It was truly inspiring to see how other countries are approaching the subject of aging and elevating the conversation through creative expression.
Closer to home, I learned about the Village Movement California, which is creating sustainable communities for older adults to age in place, including efforts to better support caregivers, a critical but often overlooked aspect of the aging journey.
Perhaps the highlight of the week was a site visit to the Thome Rivertown Neighborhood in Detroit, a neighborhood revitalization project that blends affordable housing with healthcare for older adults. Seeing firsthand how this development is improving lives while bringing revitalization to a neighborhood in Detroit was both heartwarming and thought-provoking. It demonstrated the power of cross-sector collaboration in creating environments where older adults can thrive.
There’s no doubt the Grantmakers in Aging conference will leave a lasting impact on my work in Minnesota and the broader aging community throughout the nation.
2024 Foundation Scholarships: Investing in Employees to Strengthen the Aging Services Workforce
On December 4, 2024 by Ben Hansen
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is dedicated to advancing the professional development of caregivers and employees within the aging services sector.
Each year, we offer educational scholarships to help individuals achieve their higher education goals and advance their careers in the aging services field.
2024 Scholarships
We’re proud to announce that in 2024, we awarded a record-breaking $34,500 in scholarships. These funds we’re distributed to 22 dedicated caregivers who work tirelessly each day to help Minnesota’s older adults age with dignity. This investment will support the strengthening of Minnesota’s aging services workforce, enabling these individuals to pursue further education and enhanced certifications.
One scholarship recipient, who has longed to be a nurse since she was a little girl, is using the funding to pursue her nursing degree. Here’s some of what she said:
“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a nurse. When I was a toddler, I’d frequently pretend to be a nurse, making my dolls and even family members be my pretend patients. I gained an interest in working with older adults when I started to care for my grandmother in my teenage years. When it comes to what motivates me to become a nurse, the answer is simple: I want to care for others and devote my life to making someone’s day a little better.”
Continued Investment
We’re excited to continue investing in our members in 2025. Thanks to record-setting participation in our Foundation Golf Tournament earlier this year, we’ll be able to award over $54,000 in scholarships next year. Stay tuned for more information in coming newsletters on this. A heartfelt thank you to all our generous donors for making this great work possible!
OnTrack: Innovating & Elevating for Professional Caregivers Across Minnesota
On December 4, 2024 by Anna Mowry
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation’s OnTrack program, powered by EduCare, continues to revolutionize nursing assistant training for aging services.
This hybrid online model is tailored to meet the evolving needs of professional caregivers and the older adults they serve. Since its inception in 2018, OnTrack has empowered over 8,600 nursing assistants, fostering a stronger caregiving workforce across Minnesota.
With nearly 130 programs statewide, OnTrack has become a trusted partner for healthcare providers, colleges, universities, high schools, non-profit organizations, and private training programs. In 2023 alone, the program celebrated a significant milestone: enrolling over 2,000 nursing assistants—a testament to its growing impact.
As 2024 comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the OnTrack programs and partners who are shaping the future of caregiving in Minnesota. Together, we’re making strides to ensure every senior receives compassionate, qualified care—and we’re just getting started.
Expanding Solutions to Workforce Challenges
OnTrack has proven to be a vital solution in addressing the demand for skilled nursing assistants, and its success has inspired new initiatives. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re exploring ways to train other in-demand professional roles, such as medication aides, while maintaining our commitment to accessible and innovative learning.
Our dedication to innovation includes exciting advancements like integrating virtual reality (VR) into our curriculum, enhancing learner engagement and providing hands-on experience in a virtual environment. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we aim to support learners from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, ensuring they’re equipped to succeed in their roles.
From Minnesota to the World: Broadening OnTrack’s Reach
OnTrack’s impact is reaching beyond Minnesota. As healthcare employers embrace international recruitment to address workforce shortages, OnTrack is preparing to provide training for international candidates before they arrive in Minnesota. This ensures seamless integration into their workplaces, enhancing teams with global perspectives and skills.
Locally, we are also prioritizing support for learners from Minnesota’s vibrant immigrant communities. Thanks to funding from New Americans grants, key components of the OnTrack Nursing Assistant curriculum will soon be available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. By offering multilingual resources, we are committed to improving learning outcomes and building a workforce that reflects Minnesota’s rich cultural diversity.
Why OnTrack? The Benefits Speak for Themselves
- Above-average state exam pass rates
- Hybrid, flexible training available anytime, anywhere
- No enrollment minimums or class cancellations
- 1:1 support for setup and ongoing success
- Discounted rates for LeadingAge Minnesota members
OnTrack isn’t just a training program—it’s a workforce solution that impacts 1 in 5 nursing assistants statewide, empowering caregivers and enriching communities.
Learn More and Get Started Today
Stay informed about OnTrack’s innovative solutions and learn how your organization can join this transformative movement. Visit ontracknatraining.com for more information.
Ready to enroll or have questions? Email ontracktrainingonline@gmail.com or call 651-425-1110. Let’s build the future of caregiving together—one learner at a time.
Member Resource
Member-Only Content: Workforce Technology Solution Playbooks
On December 4, 2024 by Julie Apold
As part of our commitment to helping senior care providers enhance their ability to care for older adults in Minnesota, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation developed a suite of resources designed to assist providers in identifying technology solutions to help address the workforce crisis.
These resources, which we call our Workforce Technology Solution Playbooks, can help streamline the search for effective technology solutions.
One of the primary barriers keeping our members from identifying and implementing technology solutions was a lack of time to research and compare potential vendors/software. The playbooks are designed to address this barrier by providing key product information, including:
- Vendor matrix to compare products and key features
- Cost information
- Infrastructure and space requirements
- Product capabilities and limitations
- Implementation strategies
To date, we’ve developed eight playbooks designed to help you identify unique technology solutions. The following playbooks are currently available:
- Elopement Management Playbook
- Bidet Playbook
- Earned Wages Access Solutions
- Fingerprinting Equipment for Background Studies
- Scheduling Software Solutions Playbook
- Robotic Dining Solutions Playbook
- Robotic Cleaning Solutions Playbook
- Resident Vitals & Monitoring Solutions Playbook