Communities for a Lifetime Resources
To learn more about Dakota County’s Communities for a Lifetime Initiative, visit the Communities for a Lifetime homepage.
Dakota County Public Health maintains a comprehensive community resource guide for residents.
Dakota County City Profile Project
Dakota County's Communities for a Lifetime Initiative has completed city profiles for the 11 major cities in Dakota County. The profiles highlight key components that demonstrate an age-friendly community, including a city's changing population data, housing performance score, types of housing, transit options, land use, walkability score and other indicators. Learn more about the City Profiles Project.
Creating an age-friendly community
There are many ways to make your community more age-friendly. Explore the resources below to learn about how you can make your neighborhood, town, or city a great place for people of all ages:
- What Cities and Counties Can Do to Create Age-Friendly Communities
- Learn About Being a CFL Community Coordinator
- AARP Livable Communities
Aging in place assessment and resources
Many people want to continue living in their home as they get older. To do this, individuals and families must plan ahead to remain active, healthy and safe. Dakota County's Community Living Services provides free assessments by a social worker and/or public health nurse who will come to your home to discuss your health and long-term care options. To see if you qualify and schedule an assessment, contact Community Living Services at 651-554-6336 or clsintake@co.dakota.mn.us.
Below are additional resources to assist with aging in place:
- Use Aging in Place Checklists on your own or with a group
- Practical Guide to Universal Home Design
- Homes for a Lifetime - 10 Simple Universal Design Tips
Nutrition, physical, and mental health resources
Learn more about how older adults can receive assistance with healthy foods, fitness and mental health:
- See how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves older adults
- NAMI MN has information and resources on mental illness for older adults and their families
- Host a one-hour Dementia Friends Minnesota information session and learn the five key messages everyone should know about dementia
Videos
Take a minute to learn more about creating and benefiting from age-friendly communities with the videos below:
- Ideas in Action – Province of British Columbia
- The Big Idea in 4 Minutes – Coming of Age In Aging America
Additional community resources, supports and long-term care services
- Dakota County Community Resource Guide
- MinnesotaHelp.info
- Elderly Waiver (EW) and Alternative Care (AC) Program
- Home and Community Services
- Own Your Future: Long-term Care Planning Guide
- Veterans Services in Dakota County
- Minnesota Elder Justice Center
For more information, contact Jess Luce, Communities for a Lifetime project manager, at 651-554-6104.