West St. Paul action plan addresses ways to
help seniors thrive in their own homes

West St. Paul action plan to help seniors thrive in their homes
By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | October 2025

Local nonprofit Living Longer and Stronger in West St. Paul (LLS) has been on a mission since 2009 to help seniors live independently in the comfort of their own homes and to support the aging population in general. The group recently updated its action plan for West St. Paul, laying out new ways to help seniors overcome housing and transportation challenges, and to increase social opportunities. It draws on the results of a 2024 survey held in partnership with Dakota County’s Communities for a Lifetime program. Approximately 20% of the residents in West St. Paul are age 65 or older.

“The area with the largest need is supporting older adults in their homes as they age,” said Jess Luce, program manager for the county program. “Most of us want to age where we currently reside and feel most comfortable…. It is far cheaper to stay in one’s home than to move to an independent or assisted living facility.”

Just over 40% of the 200-plus survey respondents reported that they or their partner has a disability. That is why the top priority in the action plan is to better promote existing programs that assist disabled people with moving into an accessible living space or modifying their home to meet their needs. An LLS resource guide highlighting those programs is currently being updated, and a new presentation outlining senior housing options in the city is in the works as well. The action plan also calls for LLS to encourage the City of West St. Paul use federal community development block grant dollars for senior housing rehabilitation.

Three years ago West St. Paul was formally designated as an age-friendly community by AARP. The designation means that local leaders and residents engage in a five-year cycle to assess their community’s current state of services, develop an action plan and implement improvements for people of all ages. Dakota County’s Communities for a Lifetime Initiative has also been involved with groups in Apple Valley, Eagan and Lakeville, but West St. Paul’s is the only group that’s been formally recognized by AARP.

Educating older adults about public transportation options – including senior-only busing and rideshare services – is also at the top of the plan. At an event held at Augustana Lutheran Church in August, more than 50 seniors were trained to use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and similar opportunities are expected to be offered in the future. Attendees were given $50 in rideshare credits after receiving the training. Dakota County’s GoDakota program also offers free one-hour virtual sessions to learn about transportation options countywide. The next program is 1-2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14. For more information, visit co.dakota.mn.us.

“Helping communities diversify their transportation options is key so that people can continue to get around when they can no longer drive safely,” said Luce.

Other top priorities in the action plan include providing more opportunities for social interaction among seniors and increasing awareness of in-home healthcare options. While local residents have spearheaded social gatherings in the past, Luce said LLS is now seeking area organizations to sponsor and organize gatherings to help ensure consistency. Likewise, educational classes on in-home healthcare services, the state of Medicaid, balancing family and professional caregiving, and other topics are anticipated to be offered at community centers, such as the Thompson Park Activity Center.

People who live or work in West St. Paul are invited to participate in LLS virtual meetings to share ideas on ways to support seniors. Meetings are held 1-2 p.m., the third Thursday of each month. For more details, contact Jess Luce at jess.luce@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-6104. For more information on LLS, visit dakotacounty.us and search “living longer and stronger.”

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