As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across Minnesota in mid-March and many avenues for receiving services closed abruptly, m4a member AAAs went into action to ensure that people had access to information in the evolving situation with helpolderadultsMN.org.
As people isolated themselves to protect against the disease or lost jobs due to the hasty shutdown, many had an immediate need for home-delivered meals, grocery and prescription drug delivery, information about food shelves and more.
The AAAs worked collaboratively to create an interactive tool for finding services at helpolderadultsMN.org. Staff at each AAA took responsibility for gathering information in their region and adding it to the searchable database and for tracking and updating changes to the services offered. HelpolderadultsMN.org lists services across the state, including those provided to Native American elders.
As the pandemic moves into a new and seemingly more potent stage, there may be new challenges or needs that arise for older adults and their caregivers. HelpolderadultsMN.org strives to keep up with the changes and make information available to those who need it.
HelpolderadultsMN.org is a joint effort of the Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Minnesota Board on Aging.