Senior Support Services Program at Minot's Milton Young Towers

Minot Housing Authority (MHA) had a mission - provide quality, affordable housing, and promote maximum independence for the community's lower income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. MHA strived to make living conditions at Milton Young Towers as comfortable, accessible, friendly and helpful as possible. But, despite their efforts, residents who expressed satisfaction with their living conditions were moving because they needed more help than a housing authority normally can provide.

In May 2002, MHA service coordinator, Brenda Boelher conducted a resident survey. She found that many elderly residents preferred to remain in their apartments at Milton Young Towers rather than move into a nursing home or foster care for the services they needed to remain living independently. In fact, three residents moved to receive needed services during the survey period.

The MHA staff decided to write a Resident Service Delivery Model grant and to start a program to meet the unmet needs of their residents. The Senior Support Services program fills the gap in services offered by the Medicaid and other programs offered through the state and county. MHA contracted with Easter Seals to provide experienced professionals to help with daily living skills. The program helps make the difference between a resident's independence and their need to move. One resident stated, ''If it wasn't for this program I could never afford to remain in my own apartment and receive the help I get.'' Another resident stated, ''The workers are so friendly and helpful!''

''We are happy to be able to meet the needs of our residents and assure them a safe independent living environment with friendly, knowledgeable staff,'' stated Ms. Boelher. Agreements with other agencies supplement the services provided by the grant. A local foundation has provided funds to buy twelve emergency call units for frail tenants who are at risk of falling. They are able to call for help and receive it immediately. The program is serving 8 elderly residents, six hours each day, seven days a week.