The Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging is 1 of 7 Area Agencies on Aging in Minnesota.
We serve a community which is made up of a unique and resilient group of older adults, caregivers, persons with disabilities and home- and community-based providers in 21 counties throughout Northwest and West Central Minnesota.
We believe that all older adults and caregivers are vital to the quality of place in each of our rural communities. While vital, our aging population must adapt to an ever-changing world while facing challenging economic barriers. Because of this, we recognize how important it is for older adults to have access to services regardless of where they live and for each of us to be empowered to live and age healthier, no matter our age.
Delivering services in our region, which makes up 28% of Minnesota’s land mass and has a low population density, can be challenging. Innovation in our communities and collaboration with key partners is essential to the future of our aging community.
In our region, we envision vibrant communities invested in their elders. We envision older adults and caregivers planning for the future. We envision that together, our communities and older adults thrive.
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As a state-designated Area Agency on Aging, Dancing Sky administers the Older Americans Act funds to local providers to carry out older adult services and programs. Dancing Sky is also responsible for the development and service coordination in the 21-county planning and service area of Northwest Minnesota. This program development builds a comprehensive system of services for older adults and their caregivers. Dancing Sky awards Older Americans Act funding to agencies and programs that provide various direct services.
2026 Minnesota Comprehensive Aging Survey
Help shape services for older adults in Minnesota
The 2026 Minnesota Comprehensive Aging Survey is a statewide effort to better understand the experiences and needs of Minnesotans aged 60 and older. The Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Board on Aging are working with Vital Research, an independent research company, to run this survey. Your answers will help the state improve services and supports for you and your community.
MN StoryCollective
The State of Minnesota wants to hear about a recent experience you have had.
Sharing stories can help inform program and services for older adults.
What is MN StoryCollective?
. A qualitative data collection initiative from the State of Minnesota .
. Built around a cycle of story collection, analysis, action, and adaptation .
. A way to bring lived experience into policymaking and program design .
At Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, we believe the real experiences of aging adults deserve to be heard, and by partnering with MN StoryCollective we help people share their stories so decisionmakers understand what aging is truly like in rural Minnesota and can build stronger services and communities where everyone can age with dignity, choice, and belonging.
Aging stories can be submitted by anyone, including older adults, caregivers, and service providers, helping to influence positive changes.
Proposed State Funding Cuts Could Impact Services for Older Adults
Public Comment Opportunity Open Through October 2
Minnesota residents have an opportunity to provide feedback on a proposal that would eliminate funding for the Eldercare Development Program (EDP) and Live Well at Home (LWAH) grant programs beginning July 1, 2027.
These programs help communities across Minnesota develop and expand services that allow older adults to remain safely, independently, and with dignity in their own homes and communities. Funding supports a wide range of initiatives, including caregiver support services, dementia-friendly programs, transportation options, nutrition services, healthy aging activities, community partnerships, and other resources that help older adults age in place.
Why This Matters
The proposed reductions are being considered as part of a broader effort by the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Advisory Council to identify state budget savings.
While these proposals do not directly reduce federal Older Americans Act funding, many local programs rely on state investments such as EDP and Live Well at Home grants to strengthen services, develop new programs, support caregivers, and meet the growing needs of Minnesota's aging population.
For rural communities especially, these investments help local organizations build partnerships, secure resources, develop innovative solutions, and respond to community needs that may otherwise go unmet.
Potential Impact on Communities
If approved, the proposed funding eliminations could affect:
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Family caregiver support services
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Dementia-friendly community initiatives
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Transportation services for older adults
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Nutrition and wellness programs
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Healthy aging activities
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Community-based services that help older adults remain at home
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Local efforts to address emerging aging and caregiving needs
These programs often serve individuals who may have limited access to other services, including older adults living in rural communities, caregivers, people with low incomes, and those at risk of social isolation.
Share Your Thoughts
The LTSS Advisory Council is seeking public input before making its final recommendations.
Comments must be submitted by October 2.
Submit Comments
This online form is the only method available for submitting comments. There will be no public hearings or separate written comment process.
What to Include in Your Comments
When sharing feedback, consider describing:
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How these programs have benefited you, your family, or your community.
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Services that may be reduced or lost if funding is eliminated.
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The impact on older adults, caregivers, and local organizations.
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Challenges faced by rural communities and vulnerable populations.
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Why aging services and community supports are important where you live.
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Specific examples and personal stories are especially valuable and help decision-makers better understand the potential impact of these proposals.
Help Spread the Word
Please share this information with family members, caregivers, older adults, community leaders, service providers, and anyone who may be affected by these proposed funding reductions.
Every comment helps decision-makers understand how these programs support older Minnesotans and the communities they call home.
Northwest Age-Friendly Exchange
Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging partnered with Age-Friendly Minnesota (AFMN) to co-host the Northwest Age-Friendly Exchange, one of six Regional Exchanges held around the state in fall 2025.
We're pleased to share two reports – a Northwest Age-Friendly Exchange overview and findings summary, and a statewide report that discusses themes across all six Regional Exchanges.
We are grateful for all who attended to learn, provide input, and strengthen the relationships needed to advance Age-Friendly work together.
These community priorities will be integrated into the ongoing work of the Multisector Blueprint for Aging, a plan that is grounded in community voices and evolves over time to address shifting priorities and circumstances.
Questions?
Contact us or visit Age-Friendly Minnesota
2026 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievements (AIA) Awards
Wrap-around Adult Protection Services (WRAPS) will be listed in the 2026 AIA Awards Showcase book and recognized at a General Session at the 2026 USAging Annual Conference and Tradeshow in San Diego, CA.
The WRAPS program was done in partnership with the county Adult Protection Units. Dancing Sky Severed almost 100 vulnerable clients and expended nearly $118,000 in direct service funds.
