- Consults on a wide range of topics from demographic changes and needs of older people to programs and services for a variety of organizations, individuals, and businesses - Leverages resources, grants or contract funds to local providers - Plans and develops with local partners a variety of home and community-based services for older people so that they can stay in their own homes and communities - Provides demographic and service need analysis that informs policymakers, the public, and the media

An independent state agency that works to preserve individual rights for all who are living in a long-term care community. Serves individuals needing or receiving long-term care through complaint investigation, advocacy, and education. Services provided: - Advocates for reform through state and federal legislation and the health care and social services system to better meet consumer needs - Investigates complaints and works to resolve disputes between consumers and nursing homes, boarding care homes, adult foster care, housing with services/assisted living residences, home care agencies, hospitals and government agencies through mediation, negotiation, education or referral to appropriate state or federal enforcement agencies or legal services - Provides information and education about consumers' rights, laws and regulations, and the financing of health care and long-term care services through written materials, individual consultation, or public speaking

Winona Senior Advocacy is a government program providing assistance to older adults. Advocates can provide assistance for older adults to help enable them to live independently in the community. Advocates will do home visits to assess needs. Services include information and referrals for housing, employment, Medicare and supplemental insurances, other government benefits, and transportation services. In addition, advocates can provide assistance with paperwork (i.e. medical claims, benefit applications, patient assistance programs, etc.) and with money management. All services are free and confidential.

Provides free workshops for individuals, families, organizations, community groups, and the general public on topics including: - Caregiving consultation and caregiving case plans; also provides personalized workshops for groups and individuals - Caregiving support groups - Caregiving workshops for families experiencing mental illness - Family Caregiving LifeSkills workshops: Designed for spouses/partners, families, and other caregivers of adults with disorders such as mental illness, cognitive/memory issues, dementia, Alzheimer's, stroke, brain injury, and other chronic debilitating health conditions

Staff and volunteers offer assistance with: - Decision-making - Assessments for services - Medical escorts for doctor appointments - Home safety assessments - Assistance with needed paperwork for application for services - Connection to programs and referrals - Checkbook balancing - Respite care - Friendly visitors - Transportation - Grocery assistance - Chore requests - Senior companion - Fall prevention education - Books to Go program

- Provides an opportunity for exchange of information on all aspects of adult day services - Promotes development of federal, state, and county policies supportive of adult day services - Provides specialized information and referral for adult day services

Care consultation provides adults age 60 or older, their caregivers, and families with knowledge, skills, tools, and resources to help older adults lives as independently as possible. Consultants work over the phone or in the home to identify services to meet needs. There are no income guidelines, and services can be provided for as long as needed, with no minimum or maximum visits required. Care Consultants can: - Advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the services you need - Connect clients to services that increase health and independence - Create customized action plans - Educate regarding chronic disease management and prevention - Provide family mediation - Fill out legal documents such as health care directives - Identify community resources - Identify risks in the home that compromise health and safety - Help with managing difficult family decisions - Help with planning for the future - Help with problem solving

- Case management and referrals for programs such as Meals on Wheels, social services - Door-to-door transportation mostly for health related appointments or for hair salons/barbershop appointments. Clients must be able to transfer into the car on their own. Escort services may also be available, but these requests must be made far in advance. - Homemaking, yard work and home maintenance services - Nursing care - Personal care - Senior exercise classes are offered daily; transportation available. - Social outings - Speakers on senior health topics - Support for caregivers of seniors who live in the service area, and for caregivers who live in the service area even if the cared-for senior lives elsewhere, including out of state.