Today Knute Nelson of Alexandria, MN welcomed the MN Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson to hear about their successful implementation of GrandCare technology into their home care service model.

Jesson announced $3.5M in grants to 27 home and community-based services, shining a spotlight on Knute Nelson, who received the largest amount of funding at $350,613.

“Home and community-based service providers are key to helping people with disabilities and older adults live independently, which is what most people prefer,” Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson said. “We have found that initiatives like this promote greater, lasting quality and efficiency and a better overall experience for people being served.”

MN Department of Human Services Press Release:

Alexandria site recognized for using technology to help for people with chronic diseases    July 01, 2014

ALEXANDRIA – Numerous providers of services to older Minnesotans, people with disabilities and the deaf and hard of hearing community will receive funding this summer to implement innovative projects designed to improve service quality.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services today announced $3.5 million in performance-improvement funding to 27 projects in 39 Minnesota counties. To be eligible for funding under the Home and Community-based Services Performance-based Incentive Payment Program, authorized by the 2013 Legislature, providers must put strategies in place to improve in a measurable way recipients’ quality of life and/or service quality, or deliver good, quality service more efficiently.

“Home and community-based service providers are key to helping people with disabilities and older adults live independently, which is what most people prefer,” Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson said. “We have found that initiatives like this promote greater, lasting quality and efficiency and a better overall experience for people being served.”

Jesson visited recipient Knute Nelon’s Grand Arbor senior housing facility in Alexandria today to announce the program and see a demonstration of the organization’s GrandCare technology. Knute Nelson Home Care is receiving $350,613 under the program to improve efficiency of services for people with chronic diseases living at home, including implementing GrandCare, an interactive touchscreen used as a communication portal between the client and family caregivers. Since 2012, Knute Nelson has used GrandCare to promote aging in place for older adults with support from a DHS Community Services/Services Development grant. 

• Knute Nelson Home Care, $350,613 to incorporate GrandCare technology, an interactive touchscreen used as a communication portal between the older person and family caregivers, for people with chronic diseases living at home in Douglas, Grant, Stevens, Traverse, Big Stone and 20 other neighboring counties.