UNDERSTANDING THE BAND'S SENIOR LIVING UNITS: HHS works to clarify services, safety, and support for Elders

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

For more than two decades, many community members have referred to the Mille Lacs Band Senior Living Units as "assisted living units." While the facilities have long provided housing, support, and community for Elders, Health and Human Services officials say the term has also created confusion about the level of medical care and services the facilities are designed to provide.

HHS leaders say the facilities are more accurately classified as independent senior living, meaning residents are able to live safely on their own while still accessing support services, community programming, meals, and outside healthcare resources when needed.

"Assisted Living Unit" (ALU) is an industry-specific term tied to licensure and the level of healthcare services provided within a facility, according to Curt Kalk Jr., Facilities Director for HHS. Licensed assisted living facilities typically provide services such as 24-hour nursing coverage and expanded healthcare support for residents.

Part of the confusion stems from the original vision for Elder-focused services. When the first Senior Living Units opened in District I in 2002, the facility was connected to the Ne-la-Shing Clinic. Community members regularly saw healthcare staff, nurses, and providers in the shared spaces of the building, helping create the perception that the facility functioned as a traditional assisted living center, Kalk explained.

However, the facility itself was not designed or licensed to provide the level of medical care associated with a true assisted living facility.

"If we cannot safely provide the level of care an Elder truly needs, then we are not serving them the way they deserve to be served," explained Jan Manary, Executive Director of Health Services. "As individuals age, their healthcare needs often become more complex, and those needs cannot be ignored."

HHS officials emphasized that the goal is not to reduce support for Elders, but to ensure Elders are living in environments that match their individual healthcare and safety needs.

"We are providing client-centered care," Manary explained. "That means Ne-la-Shing Clinic staff partner with individuals around the care they need in that moment, with the understanding that care planning is a partnership focused on making sure each person receives the quality care and support they deserve."

HHS staff say assessments and care planning are intended to help families, caregivers, and healthcare providers work together to support Elders as their needs change over time.

Before moving into a Senior Living Unit, an assessment is completed to ensure residents are able to live independently, explained Jenna Kuduk, Health Services Director. Applications and assessments are reviewed by a chartered board, and managers are assigned within each building to help support resident safety and daily operations.

Part of the application and assessment process also includes care planning, meaning residents, families, and healthcare providers work together to prepare for future healthcare needs should additional support become necessary over time. Kuduk explained that facility managers also serve as case managers and care coordinators within the buildings. Staff members are trained as senior living attendants and mandatory reporters, helping monitor resident well-being and report concerns or changes in health when needed

Senior Living Units continue to provide congregate dining services, including breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, helping create opportunities for residents to gather, socialize, and stay connected with one another. Elder Services staff are also onsite to provide life-enrichment activities such as crafts, outings, picnics, and community events that support social engagement and overall well-being.

In addition, staff can help residents connect with other Mille Lacs Band programs and services, answer questions, and assist Elders in accessing resources that may support their individual needs.

HHS officials say they are also continuing to enhance life safety measures within the facilities, including security cameras, controlled exterior access, and fencing or gated areas at some locations.

Ultimately, HHS leaders say the goal is to ensure Elders can continue living as independently, safely, and comfortably as possible while remaining connected to community, services, and support systems that help promote a healthy and fulfilling quality of life.