10/01/2026
Public Comment Needed by TODAY Friday 10/2/2026
Hello Community Partners,
We are writing to share that there is an active proposal to eliminate the Eldercare Development Program (EDP) and Live Well at Home (LWAH) grant programs beginning July 1, 2027. These proposed reductions would significantly impact services and support that help older adults remain healthy, safe, and independent in their homes and communities.
Why This Matters
The Minnesota Legislature created the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Advisory Council and charged it with identifying $177.5 million in cost savings recommendations by December 1. Among the recommendations currently under consideration are the elimination of the Eldercare Development Program and Live Well at Home grant
These are not simply funding reductions. They are investments that help communities develop and sustain services for older adults, caregivers, and individuals needing long-term supports.
Impact on Northwestern Minnesota Communities
Funding for the Eldercare Development Partnership program is also at risk through this proposal.
The Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging (DSAAA) serves as the regional partner connecting county social services, public health agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and other community organizations working to support older adults. Through the Eldercare Development Program, regional staff work directly with communities across northwestern Minnesota to identify needs, build partnerships, secure resources, develop innovative programs, and help older adults and caregivers access critical supports.
While much of their work occurs behind the scenes, the impact is visible every day through stronger community partnerships, expanded services, new program development, and increased access to resources for seniors and caregivers. Eliminating EDP funding would reduce communities' ability to address local aging needs, limit resources available to caregivers, and diminish capacity to respond to the growing demands of an aging population.
In addition, the proposed reductions would eliminate Live Well at Home grants and affect other community-based initiatives that support caregiver services, dementia-friendly communities, healthy aging programs, transportation services, nutrition programs, and other resources that allow older adults to remain safely and independently in their homes.
The LTTS Advisory Council only take public comment through Tomorrow Friday October 1st. We became aware of this issue a week ago and have been working with other Living at Home providers To strategize how to address the issue and advocate in the best way possible. The LL TTF Advisory Council we'll meet on 9/21/26 to go over findings and prepared just send recommendations to legislature on December 1st.
Barnesville Area Helpers receives both EDP and Living At Home Network funding which are being proposed to be eliminated. On behalf the Barnesville Area Helpers, the board and staff, but most of all those that we serve and the volunteers who serve them, I ask you to take the time, though it is short, to fill out the comments online.
Submit Comments by October 2
The LTSS Advisory Council needs to hear directly from providers, community organizations, caregivers, and local partners.
Submit Comments Here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wxCx2SVMeUO5euJIk4zBe1diuq4PiGxEpOf3fCBvoihUM0FYS1UzWVc3MFFCRzFZTTBaTlVPTk9SUi4u&route=shorturl
This online comment form is the only way to provide feedback. There will be no public hearings, virtual meetings, or opportunity to submit written letters separately.
Once you are at the form it will ask:
Page 1- For your information
What community partner group (s) do you represent?
If you are part of the Barnesville Community at large- select Individuals receiving LTSS
Why? Barnesville Area Helpers programming, such as exercise classes, Medicare 101 and presentations by Clay County Historical Society, for example, are open to everyone. These programs, as well as others, are supported with grant funds.
If you are a Board member, former Board member, current or former staff, community partner- select LTSS provider leadership
If you are a current or past volunteer, select Direct Care Worker
Once you pass this section, other sections are optional.
All questions are optional. You may skip sections that do not apply to your organization. However, we encourage you to pay particular attention to:
1. Page 3: Elimination of DHS grant programs, including Live Well at Home and EDP grants
How to Make Your Comments Count
The written explanation is the most important part of your response. Numerical ratings without explanations provide limited information to the Council.
Start by Naming the Proposal
For comments on Page 3, begin each response with: "Regarding the proposed elimination of EDP and Live Well at Home grants..."
Page 3 addresses several DHS reduction proposals. Including this statement helps ensure your comments are associated with the correct proposal.
Be Specific
Specific examples are often more influential than general statements. Consider sharing actual impacts on your organization, clients, caregivers, staff, volunteers, or community.
Questions to Consider
Access to Services
• What services would older adults lose or experience delays accessing?
• What alternatives, if any, would be available?
Communities and Populations Served
• Which populations do you serve that may not be served elsewhere?
• Consider rural older adults, Tribal elders, culturally specific communities, caregivers, individuals living alone, and those with limited incomes.
Impact on Providers
• What programs, staffing, volunteer support, partnerships, or matching funds would be affected?
• How have LWAH-funded services helped older adults remain in their homes and avoid institutional care?
Impact on County, State, and Tribal Partners
• Could county, state, or Tribal agencies absorb these reductions?
• What additional pressures or service gaps might result?
Help Spread the Word
Please forward this message to board members, partner organizations, caregivers, community leaders, and others who would be affected by these proposed funding reductions. A broad range of voices and perspectives will help decision-makers better understand the local impact.
The bottom line, what’s your connections to the work of HELPERS? What are the stories you’ve seen or heard about?
Please share them. And thank you for your support.
Debra A. DeMuth
Program Director
Barnesville Area Helpers
218-354-7090
[email protected]
