The North Dakota Department of Human Services wants an Aging and Disability Resource Center to help people make decisions for senior citizens and the disabled.

"We know through research that people want to remain living in their homes or independently in their communities as long as possible," said department executive director Carol K. Olson. "The department and other public and private providers offer a variety of programs and services, however, when individuals experience a disabling health crisis or their abilities change, it can be difficult to obtain information about available in-home or community-based services."

The North Dakota Department of Human Services and Minot State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities spent two years creating a way to offer information for North Dakota's aging population. It was done through their Real Choice project.

With federal grant funding, the department and Minot State compiled information for seniors and people with disabilities. The center would provide a point of access for people seeking information on aging and disability issues.

"One of the key things we learned conducting research during this planning grant is that people don't know where to get information about the full range of long-term services," said Amy Armstrong, Minot State University grant project director.

Olson said the department intends to apply for federal funding to develop a resource center. Forty-three states have already received funding. However, Congress has not acted on the appropriations budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which would provide funding to all states.

"Federal funding will enable North Dakota to take the next step in improving access to consumers for all long-term care support options," Olson said. The state could receive $800,000 in federal funds to spend over two years. The federal funds require a 5 percent match by the state. A bill started in the Senate would appropriate $40,000 from the state general fund for the match.

The Senate bill passed unanimously, and has gone to the House. Research reports produced during the Real Choice project are posted on the N.D. Department of Human Service's Web site at www.nd.gov/humanservices/info/pubs/ltccontinuum.html.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)