Trellis / Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging Inc

Funding to Community PartnersTrellis manages Older Americans Act funding and other federal and state funding that is awarded to community-based organizations that support older adults to live healthy and connected lives in their communities. The funding provides services such as home-delivered meals and group dining, caregiver support and respite care services, assisted transportation, health promotion, and chore and homemaker services. In 2023, 949,692 meals were provided in group settings and delivered to individuals in their homes; 27,554 units of counseling, support group, supplemental services, information services and respite were provided to caregivers of older adults; 17,962 hours of chores and homemaker services, including 115 home modification projects were completed; 30,723 rides were given to individuals who have difficulties (physical or cognitive) using other forms of transportation. Awarded community-based organizations also made 12,187 calls to isolated older adults; provided 282 hours of consultation; conducted 249 technology projects; provided 7,505 hours of legal assistance; and offered 166 health promotion classes that served 1,070 people taking steps to stay healthy, manage chronic conditions and prevent falls.Special AccessProvided 11,960 hours of services to individuals and 9,477 group services to overcome cultural/language barriers in making community and government services accessible.

JuniperThe Juniper network delivers evidence-based health and wellness classes to help Minnesotans improve their health and reduce disease and injury. The Juniper network is comprised of community organizations, healthcare organizations and class leaders. In 2023, Juniper completed 375 classes with 5,393 participants.

Information and AssistanceIn partnership with the Minnesota Board on Aging, Trellis provides Senior LinkAge Line services in the Twin Cities metro area. During 2023, we had 69,573 points of contact with older adults and caregivers providing information and resources on Medicare, assisted living and nursing homes, transportation, respite, chore help, income subsidies and other community services

Pension and Retirement RightsIn 2023, 55 new clients were assisted with pension and retirement plan legal matters and $812, 667 in retirement funds were recovered for clients. ElderCare Development PartnershipsTrellis' ElderCare Development Partnership team helps community organizations build capacity and sustainability so they can provide services that meet the needs of older adults. In 2023, ElderCare Development Partnership staff provided technical support to 22 organizations as they applied for Live Well at Home funding from the Department of Human Services.10 of the organizations received funding totaling $1.5 million. Dementia Friendly Community InitiativesTrellis leads three dementia friendly community initiatives: ACT on Alzheimer's, Dementia Friends Minnesota and The Remember Project. Each of these initiatives strives to make communities good places for people with cognitive impairment to live and thrive.In 2023, 1,059 individuals attended 19 events hosted by The Remember Project. 2,250 people became Dementia Friends by attending information sessions that help them understand how to be supportive of people with dementia and their caregivers. The ACT on Alzheimer's program launched a new topic guide on social isolation and loneliness as a risk factor for dementia.