$3M grant for project to improve for senior citizen care in rural areas

A pilot project to improve care for senior citizens in rural areas is being developed by a Minnesota-based senior housing and care services company.

A $3 million grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation will pay for a new facility in Detroit Lakes where elderly residents can access services from telemedicine to exercise programs in one location, says Kathryn Roberts, CEO of Ecumen. The new facility will be open sometime next year.

The goal is to keep seniors independent and out of nursing homes. If successful, Roberts said it could provide a new model for rural communities.

"If we can determine that people actually stay healthier and have a benefit from using coordinated services in one location, then we'd love to replicate it," Roberts said. "The issue is really how we can impact services in rural communities. It's easier in metropolitan areas. It's hard in rural communities."

Roberts said services in rural areas are often fragmented and more difficult for people to access.

A Minnesota company is using a three million dollar grant on a pilot project to improve care for senior citizens in rural communities. Dan Gunderson reports.