Bill Summary

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Communities for a lifetime.  Amends § 256.975, by adding subd. 10.  (a) Provides a policy statement related to Minnesota senior residents.

(b) Defines “communities for a lifetime” as partnerships of small cities, counties, municipalities, cities, or towns, whose citizens extend to persons age 65 and older opportunities, supports, and services that will enable them to be contributing, civically engaged residents.

(c) Specifies that communities for a lifetime must extend, within a reasonable distance,  to senior residents the opportunity:

(1) to contribute through volunteer service;

(2) to participate in the paid workforce;

(3) for socializing, recreation, and wellness activities;

(4) to age in place and choose among affordable and accessible housing options;

(5) to access quality long-term care; and

(6) for community-wide mobility and access to public transportation.

(d) Requires communities for a lifetime to demonstrate the availability of supports and services for seniors that include, but are not limited to:

(1) home and community-based services;

(2) access to remote medical technology;

(3) access to nutrition programs;

(4) access to a comprehensive caregiver support system;

(5) personal assistance in accessing and seeking financing for services and supports;

(6) high-quality assisted living facilities;

(7) high-quality nursing facilities; and

(8) the protection of a publicly operated adult protective service.

(e) Also requires communities for a lifetime to:

(1) establish an ongoing local commission to provide advice on the opportunities, services, and supports identified in paragraphs (c) and (d);

(2) offer training and learning opportunities on methods of interacting with seniors; and

(3) incorporate into their local plans elements that address the impact of forecasted changes in age structure on specified planning areas, provisions that address the availability of opportunities, supports, and services identified in paragraphs (c) and (d), and strategies to develop a responsive physical infrastructure.

(f) Requires the Minnesota Board on Aging, in implementing this subdivision, to:

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

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

(3) review senior-friendly community initiatives of other states and organizations.

Requires the board to report recommendations for a process for communities to request and receive designation as a community for a lifetime, along with comments and resources necessary for implementation, to the legislature by February 28, 2010.