Elder Law: “Aging In Place: New Ideas and Innovations”

If you’re worried about being able to stay at home as you age for as long as possible, or if you know your parents wish to stay at home, and it’s getting harder to feel confident about their safety and care, you’ve already heard and thought about a number of traditional ways to stay at home longer – the term these days is “aging in place.”

This entry is about new ideas, some of which are available in parts of Minnesota already, some of which are making their way around the country and haven’t made it here yet. In any case, if you or your parents are thinking about ways to stay in your home as long as possible, it’s a good idea to stay current on new methods and opportunities.

This article from nextavenue.org outlines three new, innovative ideas, currently being vetted around the country.  Specialists, caregivers, investors and innovators, and non-profits are busy figuring out ways to keep costs down and independence up for seniors who wish to stay at home as long as possible. The article talks about three models gaining attention and hoping for more success:

http://www.nextavenue.org/blog/3-innovative-ways-age-place?utm_source=Next+Avenue+Email+Newsletter&utm_campaign=e786a79cd0-06_19_14_NextAvenue_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_056a405b5a-e786a79cd0-165014273

I’ve done a little research on whether these models are available yet in Minnesota – here’s what I’ve found:

The Technology Model     Although it doesn’t seem to have national support (yet, anyway) outside of Maine, I did notice that Minnesota has a number of agencies through which Full Circle America would like an opportunity to work (like the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, for example).

The Village Model     Apparently, there is a Village-to-Village Movement (see article) gaining some support and popularity. I noticed that Minneapolis has one downtown “village” and two more south of the Twin Cities considered “in development.”

The Purpose-Driven Model     Although it appears from the article that Generations of Hope (a non-profit group that pairs seniors and families) does not extend outside of Illinois, I suspect that other non-profits may pursue this opportunity in the future.

ALL READERS:   This blog is not, nor shall it be deemed to be, legal advice or counsel. This blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader.  It is designed to encourage thoughtful consideration of important legal issues with the expectation that readers will seek professional advice from a licensed attorney.