Greta* was discouraged when she first spoke with Hannah, a community living specialist with the Return to Community team at Trellis. This group, a part of the Senior LinkAge Line® from the Minnesota Board on Aging, helps people remain at home or transition from a facility back home by serving as advocates and providing direction, resources and one-on-one assistance. Greta was looking for help to find a new home for her and her husband, John*, because of a rent increase. Disabled due to a serious car accident, Greta uses a wheelchair, so the couple’s goal for their next home was very specific: a one-level, accessible rental home in a specific geographic area.
Like many who contact the Senior LinkAge Line for help, Greta had needs that went beyond her most pressing need for housing. Greta shared with Hannah that the past few years had been tough for her and her husband. The car accident meant she lost some independence. Not only did she experience physical challenges, but she also suffered a traumatic brain injury. On top of this life-changing event, she and John were mourning the loss of their daughter. “My first conversation with Greta was quite emotional,” Hannah said. “She and her husband were dealing with many issues. She had a lot of worries.”
During that first call, Hannah, a licensed social worker who is knowledgeable about resources for older adults, listened to Greta’s concerns, goals and wishes. She completed an assessment of her situation, and from that assessment, they developed a support plan together that fit Greta’s specific needs and wants, starting with housing options.
A new home
After a few in-depth phone calls, Hannah sensed that Greta was feeling more hopeful and empowered with the information and resources Hannah had shared. Greta took the next step to make appointments to tour rental properties, based on the resources and online search options that Hannah had provided. Because the couple would soon be moving, Hannah also suggested that decluttering and moving services might be beneficial, so she gave Greta information about companies that specialize in working with senior adults. “She was very receptive to my ideas and suggestions,” Hannah said. “And she seemed more hopeful once she had made some plans.”
A desire for greater independence
As the two developed trust and a good rapport, Greta shared her desire to be more independent. They talked about options for services that could support her with transportation, shopping and chores. Hannah went a step further and suggested she contact her county office to see if she was eligible for financial help for those services.
The Senior LinkAge Line was also able to assist Greta with obtaining a motorized wheelchair to further support her independence. Hannah gave her names of medical supply retailers so she could explore models that would work for her, while Greta made plans to talk to her doctor about getting a prescription for the purchase. Hannah also encouraged her to reach out to Disability Hub Minnesota for additional resources and information. Hannah saw it as a good sign that Greta was feeling more positive about the future when she told her about her love of crafts and how, in the future, she’d like to sell her creations and start her own business.
Continuing support
Several weeks after their initial call, Greta is still receiving follow-up support from the Senior LinkAge Line staff, and she and John have moved into a new home. She thanked Hannah for her time and expertise, saying, “You really did a lot for me, and I appreciate it so much.”
* names changed to protect privacy
About “Return to Community”
In-depth, one-on-one support
Return to Community specialists provide in-depth, one-on-one assistance to help individuals navigate complex systems by serving as advocates and helping to coordinate care and find resources. Together with the individual, they develop and implement a person-centered support plan — complete with a cost comparison of services — based on the individual’s goals, needs and wishes.
Return to Community is a free service of the Minnesota Board on Aging, delivered by Trellis in the Twin Cities area.
Here are a few resources that the Return to Community team can help with:
- Caregiver support
- Financial or legal assistance
- Help around the house
- Home healthcare
- Home modification or repair
- Meal/grocery delivery
- Medicare
- Transportation and much more
Get started
Do you or someone you know need help? The first step is to complete a referral. A health care provider, caregiver, family member, neighbor, friend or the older adult themselves can complete the online form. Or call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 for help with the referral.
