11-26-1984 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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A-2308, Hennepin County Government Center, Minneapolis. Mr' 95487 • (612) 34841466 Minl,esot,? Prutcrt on Corpo, I.-. . 706 First Bank Place West, Minneapolis, MN 55402 • (612) October, 1984 P61:TY�Q=FQRQ146v' Dear Business and Community Leader: A critical social issue is before us: How can we provide for the long-term care of the very old in the years ahead? Minnesota's elderly population is expanding dramatically, while the cost of caring for the very old has become staggering. An overreliance upon nursing homes has pushed expenditures beyond reasonable limits for families and government alike. Fundamental changes in the long-term care system are essential. Take a look at the facts: -- Minnesota now has 53,000 elderly over age 85. By the year 2010, ';:lie number of elderly over age 85 will more than double --to 112,5006 -- The elderly, especially those age 85 and over, are the most likely to ^.ffer from chronic and degenerative diseases that require long-term care. -- Traditional nursing home care is costly, presently exceeding S839 million annually and consuming over two-thirds of Minnesota's Medicaid budget. ,ennepin County and the Minnesota Project on Corporate Rc risibility have formed a urique public/private partnership to focus community attention on these concerns. The enclosed report, 85 And Beyond: The Challenge of Minnesota's Elderly, minates the first phase of the partnership. This report outlines the present situation and issues a challenge to community leaders such as yourself to work together to forge new directions offering mnre options for long-term t'sr-e in the future. Maintaining quality care developing programs and products that promote self-sufficiency and self-responsihi1 lty can became a reality when business, government and elderly consumers and their families work in concert. Our public/private partnership is weale.axploring specific ways W .evelop and promote practical alternatives for meeting t-he needs of our community's growing elderly population. As you read 85 And Beyond, we hope you will the information of interest, and that you will look for onportunities to part ce in the shapinq of our community's long-term care system. your leadership is Cal to the successful resolution of this critical social issue. Since--ly, Dale Olseth Commissioner Richaru E. Kremer Minnpsota Project on Corporate Hennepin Warty Board of Resc,nsihillty Commissioners