RESOURCE

Caregiver AI Challenge

Applications are due by Friday, July 31, 2026, at 4 PM CT

ACL seeks to promote high-quality AI tools and minimize the potential for harmful, biased, or unsafe use of AI. This competition will support AI tools that best meet the following Caregiver Challenge AI principles, informed by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Home as a Health Care Hub initiative.

Are you seeking additional funding? Let your Program Developer know.

REST Train-the-Trainer Class

June 3 & June 4 | St. Paul, MN

REST (Respite Education and Support Tools) is a nationally-recognized, interactive, two-day Train-the-Trainer course that prepares those who will train respite care workers in their own communities.

Leading and Creating a Trauma-Informed Workplace

June 2 - June 4 | Virtual Zoom Training

Find a practical introduction to trauma-informed principles and how they can be applied in everyday workplace settings. You’ll learn how trauma impacts communication, relationships, and culture—and gain tools to respond to even the most challenging behaviors with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

Minnesota Aging Pathways connects older adults and their caregivers to the services and supports they need. We offer a variety of options, including help with housing, finding financial assistance, community support, Medicare assistance, and more.

Minnesota Aging and Disability Resources is a database of resources that serve Minnesotans. Using this online tool is a great way to increase your knowledge of programs and services available in your community. To learn more visit: Minnesota Aging and Disability Resources

Minnesota Aging Pathways connects older adults and their caregivers to the services and supports they need. We offer a variety of options from help with housing, finding financial assistance, community supports, Medicare help, and much more.

We also offer a variety of educational presentations including Medicare, fraud prevention and money-saving programs in-person and virtually. If you are interested in hosting a presentation you can request more information on our website: MN Aging Pathways Classes & Presentations | MN River Area Agency on Aging or by calling 800-333-2433. 

Effective Self Care for Brain Health

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for protecting brain health while caring. By building small, balanced habits across physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being, caregivers can reduce stress, boost focus, and stay resilient.

Prioritize your well-being. Learn to include self-care activities in your schedule to support balance and reduce stress. Click on the following link.

For 2026, we wanted to highlight and share groups or organizations around our 27 counties that are doing work to promote social connection, independence, and ways to engage older adults in their communities: 

Granite Falls Living at Home Block Nurse Program

They help seniors in Granite Falls and surrounding communities, 65 years of age or older, or living with a disability, to live well and safely in their own homes. They call on local volunteers to provide support services such as assisted transportation and friendly visits. They also offer information to help people navigate health changes in their lives. They sponsor programs and events to provide meaningful social interaction and educational programs to help manage chronic illness and other concerns related to aging.

One of their programs is Tech Support for Seniors, which offers Open Tech Help Hours every Thursday from 9 am – 4 pm and offers tech-related education events. This summer, they have a tech education event: Senior Tech EDU: Understanding AI, July 30^th, 1 pm - 2:30 pm. See flyer for more information

Minnesota Story Collective

Your Voice Matters! Consider sharing a life experience with MN Story Collective to help improve Minnesota services! Stories are confidential.

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Positive, everyday actions can make a difference in brain health, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer's and dementia. Incorporate some or all of these habits into your life to help maintain a healthy brain. Take charge of your brain health today — it's never too early or too late to start.

MN Comprehensive Aging Survey

The State of Minnesota has launched a statewide survey of Minnesotans aged 60+ to better understand their experiences and improve statewide aging services.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Board on Aging have partnered with Vital Research, an independent research firm, to conduct the survey.

Madalyn Iles

Development Specialist miles@mnraaa.org

Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging

ph: 507.387.1256 | fx: 507.387.6223

Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging | www.mnraaa.org