Trained advocates provide information and assistance services. Advocates assist individuals with: - Accessing services and programs - Advanced directives for health care - Caregiver support - Forms assistance - Health insurance counseling - Information and referral - Notary services Senior advocates make connections with other community services including: - Companionship - Home health and chore services - Housing - Legal services - Nutrition services - Transportation

Provides guardian and estate services to help individuals with their legal, medical, and financial affairs. Guardianship and Conservatorship: - Guardians are appointed to help individuals manage their living situation, health needs, and/or financial affairs. Guardians work with medical, social providers, and caregivers to ensure essential care for the individual. - Conservators are appointed to manage and preserve assets of the protected individual. Conservators secures assets, pays bills, and manages the individual's financial, real estate, and other assets. Health Care Agent: - Health care agents decide how to handle unanticipated medical situations if individuals are unable to communicate their needs. A health care directive may be completed by the health care agent to guide medical decisions on behalf of the individual. Personal Representative of the Estate: - A person or organization an individual chooses to settle their estate and carry out requests outlined in their will, wishes, and directives. Pooled Trust Services: - A financial investment tool used to preserve funds that enhance the quality of life for individuals living with a disability. Establishing a pooled trust can help protect eligibility for public benefits while still maintaining assets from other sources. Power of Attorney: - A written agreement that allows a person or organization an individual chooses to manage their legal and financial affairs. Services can be one-time specific such as handling the sale of a property, paying bills, balancing financial accounts, or preparing forms. Supported Decision Making: - A model of care for individuals with cognitive impairment that provides decision-making support to prevent unnecessary guardianship or to help support a restoration of rights for individuals already under guardianship. Decision-making support includes employment, finance, health care, legal matters, living arrangements, and relationships.

Provides information, resources, and referrals for services to older adults and their caregivers. Assistance may include application assistance with financial programs, homecare and support group resources, healthcare directive completion, food programs, issues related to caring for someone living with dementia and more. Advocates can assist by telephone, home visit, or a family meeting.

Deals only with civil law issues, does not cover criminal law: - Attorneys will only advise on wills and do not draw them up - High priority for seniors with "consumer questions" since so many seniors are victims of consumer fraud Topics include: - Housing - Medical assistance - Powers of attorney - Healthcare directives - Harassing creditor phone calls - Garnishments - Long-term care - Income and benefits issues

Helps people develop skills and knowledge to improve their lives and communities. Offers a variety of programs for learners of all ages. Class offerings include adult basic education, CDL training, child and babysitting safety programs, driving classes, estate, will, and trust planning, homework help, recreational sports (pickleball, skating etc.), walking track, and more.

Legal services may include: legal advice, review court papers, assist in drafting paperwork, mediate, negotiate, litigate, and/or represent at an administrative law or district court hearing LSNM assists people with low incomes and issues critical to daily life. Cases including: - Consumer: threats or harassment by a creditor or debt collector, paycheck or bank account being garnished, and utilities shut off - Education: children with a disability and need an Individualized Education Program (IEP), wrongfully disciplined, suspended or expelled of a child - Employment: criminal history, denied unemployment benefits - Family: custody, divorce, parenting time rights, understanding court papers, etc. - Housing: contract for deed, denied of subsidized housing, evictions, foreclosures, housing discrimination and accommodation, locked out, and repair issues - Protective orders: from physically harming or threatening to harm an individual or child and harassment - Public assistance and disability benefits: food support, medical assistance or other public assistance, denied necessary medical care and unable to work because of a disability - Senior issues: health care directive, power of attorney, and simple will

Provide a variety of events and classes for education and support. Classes may include: - Advance Care Planning - Pre-Diabetes classes - Pregnancy and infant loss support group

Private attorneys agree to take cases for clients who have been screened through the intake process and either need representation in a matter that is not an area of Legal Assistance of Olmsted County's expertise, or where there is a conflict of interest. Areas of available legal assistance may include: - Consumer/financial law - Elder law/wills - Employment law - Family law - Guardianship/conservatorship law - Immigration law - Landlord/tenant housing law - Property/real estate law

- Provides information and assistance completing the Advance Directives Booklet (also known as Advance Directives or Healthcare Power of Attorney) - Discharge planning to nursing home, assisted living, home care, and other services - Support through illness, recovery, and loss

Provides information, resources, and referrals for services to older adults and their caregivers. Assistance may include application assistance with financial programs, homecare and support group resources, healthcare directive completion, food programs, issues related to caring for someone living with dementia and more. Advocates can assist by telephone, home visit, or a family meeting.

Utilizes substitutive decision-making and, as necessary, decisions are made in the best interest of the protected person. Health care agents make medical decisions for individuals based on their health care directives when they become unable to communicate their wishes.

Provides legal information and advice to people dealing with cancer either their own or that of a family member. Assists with: Employment issues including time off from work and accommodations Social security disability Estate planning including wills, power of attorney, and health care directives Insurance coverage denials and billing issues Referrals to other organizations as needed depending on client situation Additional legal assistance dependent on situation, client income, and volunteer lawyer availability Does NOT provide any services whatsoever for criminal law issues or family law issues (divorce, child custody).

Deals only with civil law issues, does not cover criminal law: - Attorneys will only advise on wills and do not draw them up - High priority for seniors with "consumer questions" since so many seniors are victims of consumer fraud Topics include: - Housing - Medical assistance - Powers of attorney - Healthcare directives - Harassing creditor phone calls - Garnishments - Long-term care - Income and benefits issues

Legal services may include: legal advice, review court papers, assist in drafting paperwork, mediate, negotiate, litigate, and/or represent at an administrative law or district court hearing LSNM assists people with low incomes and issues critical to daily life. Cases including: - Consumer: threats or harassment by a creditor or debt collector, paycheck or bank account being garnished, and utilities shut off - Education: children with a disability and need an Individualized Education Program (IEP), wrongfully disciplined, suspended or expelled of a child - Employment: criminal history, denied unemployment benefits - Family: custody, divorce, parenting time rights, understanding court papers, etc. - Housing: contract for deed, denied of subsidized housing, evictions, foreclosures, housing discrimination and accommodation, locked out, and repair issues - Protective orders: from physically harming or threatening to harm an individual or child and harassment - Public assistance and disability benefits: food support, medical assistance or other public assistance, denied necessary medical care and unable to work because of a disability - Senior issues: health care directive, power of attorney, and simple will

Patient Call Center: (612)467-1100 Applying for and determining eligibility for VA health care benefits: Apply online or complete an Application for Health Care Benefits (Form 10-10EZ) and mail to Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Patient Access Center (17A1), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417. (877)-222-VETS, 7 am - 7 pm Monday - Friday. Visit website for more information https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/patients/eligibility.asp or https://www.choose.va.gov/health/ Scheduling Appointments: Visit website for detailed information on how to make an appointment by phone or online https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/patients/appointments.asp. AudioCare provides the option to cancel, confirm, or reschedule an existing appointment 24 hours/7 days a week, (855)560-1721. Access to Care website provides information to help decide the best VA location to receive care, https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/ Lodging Options: There are several choices in overnight accommodation and transportation for patients or families of military service members being treated at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. For assistance and complete information, call the Lodging Office (866)414-5058 ext. 4289 or (612)467-4289, 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. Visit website for more information https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/visitors/visi_lodging.asp Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC): The VHIC is issued only to veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA medical appointments. Veterans do not need a VA identification card to access VA health care. Visit the Eligibility & Enrollment Desk in the Flag Atrium near the main entrance, or call (877)222-8387. Advance Directives: A legal form that helps doctors and family members understand the patients wishes about medical and mental health care. Customer Service/Patient Advocates: Provides personal attention and works on behalf of veterans and their families and caregivers to address and resolve important issues related to individuals concerns and rights as a patient. Compliments, complaints or concerns about patient care quality and safety can be directed to Patient Advocates at (612)467-2106. Billing and Insurance: (866)347-2352 Release of Information: Processes requests for medical records and assists providers with completing forms for patients. The Release of Information Office is located in the basement between the center elevators and the outpatient elevators, room BR-105, across from the Blood Draw clinic, (612)467-1992, fax number is (612)467-2197. Caregiver Support Program: Caregiver Support Program (612)467-5405, Caregiver Support Line (855)260-3274, and Services For Family Caregivers of Veterans, Minneapolis (612)467-5405, Saint Cloud (320)252-1670 ext. 7283. Chaplain Service: Offers pastoral care and spiritual counseling to all patients, their families, and the hospital staff. Worships services are held every day of the week and Chaplains are available for individual visits, Chaplain Service Office, First Floor, Flag Atrium, (612)467-2027 ext. 31-2027, 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. Community Care: Provides Veterans with local care in the community through approved non-VA medical providers for the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and VA Clinics. Veterans may be able to go to a non-VA provider using VA coverage for certain types of health services that are not provided by the VA, (612)467-6565 or (877)881-7618, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday - Friday.

Deals only with civil law issues, does not cover criminal law: - Attorneys will only advise on wills and do not draw them up - High priority for seniors with "consumer questions" since so many seniors are victims of consumer fraud Topics include: - Housing - Medical assistance - Powers of attorney - Healthcare directives - Harassing creditor phone calls - Garnishments - Long-term care - Income and benefits issues

Child birth education, classes, events and support groups on a variety of topics - see website for full details: - Breast cancer support group - Cancer care support group - Grief support and education group - Health care directive class - Infant safety class (car seat safety and infant CPR) - Labor and delivery - Mental health skills development group - Perinatal loss grief support group - Postpartum physical therapy classes - Psychotherapy group for adults who identify as transgender

Provides free civil and criminal legal services to enrolled Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members. services available: - Answer questions - Go to court - Notary services - Provide legal services - Resolve cases on behalf of clients Program does not accept all cases and may deny services based on criteria of the case and the client. Cases accepted: - Child Protection (CHIPS) - Consumer law and debt collection - Criminal law - Domestic abuse - Elder law (health care directives, powers of attorney, estate planning, probate, guardianships, grandchild adoption/guardianship/custody, Indian trust land/accounts) - Estate planning - Family law (divorce and custody/visitation) - Housing - Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) - Juvenile delinquency - Probate - Public benefits (denial or termination of benefits such as Social Security) - Truancy cases Cannot accept cases such as: - 1st or 2nd degree drug possession - Bankruptcy - Commitments - Criminal or civil cases outside of the service area - Drug sales - Employment discrimination - Federal court cases - Personal injury - Suing other band members for money damages - Worker's compensation - Wrongful termination

Services include: - Care Coordinator: Partners in decision-making with individuals who may be alone and who may need help with contracting repairs or services in the home, scheduling appointments, and making payments to providers - Guardianship or Conservatorship: Manages the health and care of incapacitated individuals in the least restrictive manner possible and advocates in their best interest. Guardians and Conservators are appointed by the court. If an individual has no family or friends to assume the responsibility, LSS may be appointed. LSS staff gather information from individuals, caregivers, and medical personnel to make medical and care decisions. - Personal Representative of the Estate: Following court appointment, LSS completes probate requirements and handles the disposition of assets according to the individual's wishes - Pooled Trust: Protects the public benefits of people with disabilities of any age while maintaining resources that will be available for their special or supplemental needs. The creation of a pooled trust moves assets from being countable for purposes of Medicaid and Social Security eligibility to being non-countable assets. - Power of Attorney: Through a legally executed power of attorney, LSS is authorized to assist individuals in managing income and assets. Services may include check writing, checkbook balancing, assistance with financial and medical forms, assistance with retrofitting, maintenance, preparation for sale, the sale or purchase of property.

LSS Guardianship Option services include: Guardianship or Conservatorship: Manages the health and care of incapacitated individuals in the least restrictive manner possible and advocates in their best interest. Guardians and Conservators are appointed by the court. If an individual has no family or friends to assume the responsibility, LSS my be appointed. LSS staff gather information from individuals, caregivers and medical personnel to make medical and care decisions. Personal Representative of the Estate: Following court appointment, LSS completes probate requirements and handles disposition of assets according to the individual's wishes. Power of Attorney: Through a legally executed power of attorney, LSS is authorized to assist individuals in managing income and assets. Services may include check writing, checkbook balancing, assistance with financial and medical forms, assistance with retrofitting, maintenance, preparation for sale, the sale or purchase of property. Pooled Trust: Protects the public benefits of people with disabilities of any age while maintaining resources that will be available for their special or supplemental needs. The creation of a pooled trust moves assets from being countable for purposes of Medicaid and Social Security eligibility to being non-countable assets. Care Coordinator: Partners in decision making with individuals who may be alone and who may need help with contracting of repairs or services in the home, scheduling of appointments and making payments to providers.

Provides legal assistance and educational opportunities and resources. Legal issues covered include: - Debt collection - Divorce, parenting time, custody, or other family law issues - Employment - Impounded car - Landlord/tenant or property - Probate - Purchase or service contracts - Simple wills and health care directives - Any other civil legal issues

Provides information, resources, and referrals for services to older adults and their caregivers. Assistance may include application assistance with financial programs, homecare and support group resources, healthcare directive completion, food programs, issues related to caring for someone living with dementia and more. Advocates can assist by telephone, home visit, or a family meeting.

Senior Advocates can provide assistance with advanced health care directives, health insurance claims, landlord/tenant issues, Medicare appeals, and Medicare fraud. In addition, PEARLS counslient offers emotional support for depression. These are dementia-friendly programs and support services.

Provides information, resources, and referrals for services to older adults and their caregivers. Assistance may include application assistance with financial programs, homecare and support group resources, healthcare directive completion, food programs, issues related to caring for someone living with dementia and more. Advocates can assist by telephone, home visit, or a family meeting.

Legal services may include: legal advice, review court papers, assist in drafting paperwork, mediate, negotiate, litigate, and/or represent at an administrative law or district court hearing LSNM assists people with low incomes and issues critical to daily life. Cases including: - Consumer: threats or harassment by a creditor or debt collector, paycheck or bank account being garnished, and utilities shut off - Education: children with a disability and need an Individualized Education Program (IEP), wrongfully disciplined, suspended or expelled of a child - Employment: criminal history, denied unemployment benefits - Family: custody, divorce, parenting time rights, understanding court papers, etc. - Housing: contract for deed, denied of subsidized housing, evictions, foreclosures, housing discrimination and accommodation, locked out, and repair issues - Protective orders: from physically harming or threatening to harm an individual or child and harassment - Public assistance and disability benefits: food support, medical assistance or other public assistance, denied necessary medical care and unable to work because of a disability - Senior issues: health care directive, power of attorney, and simple will