Dancing Sky works with rural communities to help older adults stay in control of their choices.
Together, older adults and communities thrive.
Aging & Older Adults
Dancing Sky is 1 of 7 Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging. We provide connections, innovation, and education to help older adults aging in rural Minnesota stay in control of their choices. We are committed to uplifting the beauty of aging in rural communities while facing head-on the disparities that often present for those aging in place. Together, older adults and communities thrive.
Funding Partners
Minnesota Board on Aging
Department of Human Services
Partnering Counties
Service Area
Proudly serving the counties of Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Clearwater, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Roseau, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin.
Funded Services
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Senior Nutrition
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Senior Housing & Home Modification
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Assisted Transportation
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Legal Services
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Housekeeping & Chore Services
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Medication Management
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Caregiver Support
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Evidence-based Classes
Dancing Sky offers a variety of community classes, education, presentations and monthly webinars.
Background
In 1973 Amendments to the Older Americans Act created Area Agencies on Aging to allow local senior citizen participation in the administration of OAA funds. The Older Americans Act is a landmark law that provides critical funding and has transformed the landscape of aging services. Annually, Dancing Sky administers funding to our planning and service area to enrich the lives of older adults and their caregivers. With our partners, Older Americans Act funding is utilized to if fullest capacity. Creating more than just a unit of service or support, but rather a network of lifelines to support our rural older adults.
Planning & Grant Funding
Identification of needs, setting priorities, developing a plan and providing grant funds to agencies for the provision of services to meet priority needs. Administration of grants involves quarterly and annual monitoring, technical assistance and coordination.
Dancing Sky provides funding to providers for services that enrich the lives of older adults and their family caregivers. Such as State Congregate Nutrition and Home Delivered Meals.
To help accomplish this goal, Dancing Sky awards Older American Act funding (authorized under Title III of the Act) to agencies and organizations that provide direct services for people age 60+ and their caregivers.
We also receive local support through the Northwest Regional Development Commission tax levy and other means of county financial support.
Older Adults, Caregivers, Service Providers & Community Members
NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation, with the assistance of Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, is assessing the needs of older adults, caregivers, service providers, and community members across the
12-county service area of the Foundation.
Please assist this process by completing the survey. The NW MN Foundation serves the 12 counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau.
If you have any questions regarding the survey please contact:
Amy Dallmann
Program Development Supervisor
(218) 745-9117
Program Development
Dancing Sky provides technical support including information, training to service providing, community groups and municipalities interested in providing services to older adults.
SERVICES
Developing Service Programs
Developing organization plans for sustainability
Providing information on aging demographic
Conducting Community needs assessments, asset mapping and opportunities
Provide educational opportunities for Older adults
Fall Prevention
Matter of Balance
Stay Active Independent for Life (SAIL)
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
Chronic Disease Prevention
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
Living Well with Diabetes
Living Well with Chronic Pain
Caregiver Support
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Minnesota Aging Pathways
Minnesota Aging Pathways strives to develop community partnerships and serve older adults.
SERVICE AREAS
Resource Specialists
Pre-Admission Screening Specialists
Resource Coordinator
Senior Outreach Specialists
This is a free information and assistance service — offered by the State of Minnesota — which makes it easy for older adults and their families to find community services or plan for their future.
They help simplify the complex issues and decisions you face every day. They offer support with understanding benefits, forms assistance, lowering prescription drug costs, researching support services in your area, and planning for your future. In-person personalized help can be available from our Resource Coordinators; be sure to submit a referral.
Just one phone call away – (800) 333-2433
Advocacy
Connection through action. We believe that all older adults have the right to age well. We serve as a voice for many rural communities. Dancing Sky works collaboratively across the state with stakeholders to advance healthy aging for older adults, even in the most rural communities. We take an active stance on building Age-Friendly and Dementia Friendly communities.
