SF 839

1st Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 02:16am

A bill for an act
relating to human services; specifying criteria for communities for a lifetime;
requiring the Minnesota Board on Aging to develop a designation process and
funding sources for these communities; requiring a report; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2008, section 256.975, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 256.975, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Communities for a lifetime. new text end

new text begin (a) It is the policy of the state of Minnesota
to respect and value the past, current, and future contributions to society by our senior
residents. Further, the state of Minnesota recognizes the ongoing importance of seniors to
the state's economic development. In anticipation of the extensive growth in the number
of senior residents who will reside in Minnesota and in anticipation of their increasing
life expectancies, it is the policy of the state of Minnesota to develop communities for
a lifetime with the capacity to offer a welcoming environment to these senior residents,
recognizing them as assets to our state.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, "communities for a lifetime" means partnerships
of small cities, counties, municipalities, statutory or home rule charter cities, or towns,
whose citizens seek to affirmatively extend to persons ages 65 and older the opportunities,
supports, and services that will enable them to continue to be contributing, civically
engaged residents.
new text end

new text begin (c) The opportunities extended within a reasonable distance to senior residents by
communities for a lifetime must include, but are not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) the opportunity to contribute time and talents through volunteer community
service;
new text end

new text begin (2) the opportunity to participate in the paid workforce, with flexibility of hours
and scheduling;
new text end

new text begin (3) the opportunity for socializing, recreation, and wellness activities, including both
physical exercise and mental stimulation;
new text end

new text begin (4) the opportunity to "age in place" and choose among a variety of affordable,
accessible housing options, including single-family housing, independent congregate
senior housing, and senior housing with services;
new text end

new text begin (5) the opportunity to access quality long-term care in the setting of the senior's
own choice; and
new text end

new text begin (6) the opportunity for community-wide mobility and to access public transportation,
including door-to-door assistance and weekend and evening access.
new text end

new text begin (d) Communities for a lifetime must demonstrate the availability of supports and
services for senior residents that include, but are not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) an array of home and community-based services to support seniors' options to
remain in an independent living setting as they age and become more frail;
new text end

new text begin (2) access to contemporary remote medical technology for cost-effective home-based
monitoring of medical conditions;
new text end

new text begin (3) access to nutrition programs, including congregate meal and home-delivered
meal opportunities;
new text end

new text begin (4) access to a comprehensive caregiver support system for family member and
volunteer caregivers, including: (i) technological support for caregivers remaining in the
paid workforce to manage caregiver responsibilities effectively; and (ii) respite care that
offers temporary substitute care and supervision for frail seniors;
new text end

new text begin (5) personal assistance in accessing services and supports, and in seeking financing
for these services and supports;
new text end

new text begin (6) high-quality assisted living facilities within a senior's geographic setting of
choice;
new text end

new text begin (7) high-quality nursing care facilities within a senior's geographic setting of choice;
and
new text end

new text begin (8) the protection offered to vulnerable seniors by a publicly operated adult
protective service.
new text end

new text begin (e) Communities for a lifetime must also:
new text end

new text begin (1) establish an ongoing local commission to advise the community for a lifetime
on its provision of the opportunities, services, and supports identified in paragraphs (c)
and (d);
new text end

new text begin (2) offer training and learning opportunities for businesses, civic groups, fire and
police personnel, and others frequently interacting with seniors on appropriate methods of
interacting with seniors;
new text end

new text begin (3) incorporate into its local plan under sections 366.10, 394.232, and 462.353,
elements that address the forecast change in population age structure including, but
not limited to, land use, housing, public facilities, transportation, housing, and capital
improvement plans; provisions addressing the availability of the opportunities, supports,
and services identified in paragraphs (c) and (d); and strategies to develop physical
infrastructure responsive to the needs of the projected population.
new text end

new text begin (f) In implementing this subdivision, the Minnesota Board on Aging shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) consult with, and when appropriate, work through the area agencies on aging;
new text end

new text begin (2) consult with the commissioners of human services, health, and employment and
economic development, and the League of Minnesota Cities and other organizations
representing local units of government; and
new text end

new text begin (3) review models of senior-friendly community initiatives from other states and
organizations.
new text end

new text begin (g) The Board on Aging shall report to the legislature by February 28, 2010, with
recommendations on (1) a process for communities to request and receive the designation
of community for a lifetime, and (2) funding sources to implement these communities.
new text end