Located in St Anthony, Minnesota at 2817 Anthony Lane S Ste 301, Provident Home Healthcare is a senior home health care company that offers in-home health care and in-home care. For almost 5 years, they have been providing care to ...
Home Care in Minnesota
- Home Care Directory for Minnesota
- Home Care Costs in Minnesota
- Financial Assistance for Home Care in Minnesota
- Minnesota Home Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Home Care Resources in Minnesota
Older Minnesotans have been found to live healthier and longer lives than those in most other states in the country, making the North Star State an ideal place to retire. In addition to Minnesota ranking third nationwide in terms of standard of living, age-friendly Minnesota continues to satisfy the needs of an older society as baby boomers start turning 85 by 2030. With about 16% or more than 900,000 Minnesotans aged 65 and older, the state’s Live Well at Home program benefits a larger portion of this population with an expanded capacity for long-term services and supports.
Calculated using over 100 data points from government and private sources, Minnesota’s SeniorScore of 72 is on par with the U.S. average. With a Health & Safety score of 67, the Land of 10,000 Lakes boasts three nationally ranked hospitals, including the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Recreation & Leisure and General Quality of Life are similarly rated at 64 for the state’s continental climate and varied outdoor recreation options, accessible state parks and famous attractions such as the Guthrie Theater, Mall of America and well-attended hockey games. Minnesota’s Finances has a SeniorScore of 61, taking into account an average cost of living and average property tax rates despite the non-exemption of all forms of retirement income.
This guide informs seniors and their families about home care in Minnesota, particularly its estimated costs, financial support programs, governing state laws and free resources.
Top Home Care Agencies in Minnesota
Located at 2356 University Av W Suite 220 in St Paul, Minnesota, Caring Professionals Homecare is a senior home health care provider that offers personal care services and also in-home medical care. For almost 7 years, they have been serving ...
Home Instead Senior Care is a home care service provider based in Burnsville, MN at 1601 Highway 13 E Ste 108. They provide in-home health services as well as in-home personal care to seniors. They offer different medical services ...
International Quality Homecare Corporation is a senior home health care company located in Rochester, Minnesota at 3261 19th St NW. They provide in-home nursing services and also personal care services for senior clientele. They have been serving customers in ...
Located in Ely, MN at 328 West Conan St, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital is a senior home health care service provider that offers personal care services as well as in-home health care. For nearly 34 years, they have been providing care ...
Located in Eagan, MN at 2260 Cliff Rd, Alliance Health Services Inc is a senior home healthcare provider that offers home healthcare as well as home care services. Since 1993, they have been serving seniors in the Eagan area. ...
Located at 3008 University Ave SE in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Best Care Home Health Inc is an in-home care provider offering home health services along with personal care services. For nearly 25 years, they have been providing care to customers throughout ...
Located in Golden Valley, Minnesota at 800 Boone Avenue North Suite 200, Home Health Care, Inc. is a home healthcare service provider that offers personal care services and also in-home health services. For nearly 22 years, they have been providing ...
Located in Brooklyn Park, MN at 8590 Edinburgh Center Drive, Suite 350, Hennepin Home Health Care is a senior home health care company offering personal care services and in-home health care. For nearly 24 years, they have been helping customers ...
Located at 412 Ridgewood Avenue South in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bristol Place Home Health Services is a senior home health care service provider that offers home health care and also personal home care. They have been in business in Minneapolis for ...
Located in Golden Valley, Minnesota at 800 Boone Avenue Norht Suite 175, Home Health Care, Inc. is a senior in-home care provider that offers home healthcare and also personal care services. Since 2005, they have been helping clients throughout the ...
Located in Minneapolis, MN at 2010 East Hennepin Avenue Box 051, Mils Home Health Care Agency is a senior home health care provider offering in-home nursing as well as home care services. They have been serving clients in Minnesota for ...
Located at 322 SW 2nd St in Willmar, MN, Divine Home Care is a home health care service provider offering in-home personal care services along with in-home medical care. They have been serving customers in Willmar for 14 years. They ...
Located at 2746 Superior Dr NW in Rochester, MN, Stanley Jones and Associates, Inc is a in-home care provider offering home healthcare as well as in-home care. They have been operating in Minnesota since 1985. They can provide various personal ...
Located in Willmar, Minnesota at 1010 Benson Avenue Southwest, PO Box 1467, Quality Quest Health Care Inc is a home care service provider offering in-home care as well as home health services. Since 1995, they have been providing care to ...
Good Samaritan Society - Home Care (Brainerd Lakes) is a home healthcare provider located in Nisswa, MN at 24090 Smiley Road Suite 200. They provide in-home personal care and in-home nursing care to senior clientele. They have been providing ...
Located at 8115 Bryant Avenue South in Bloomington, Minnesota, Utmost Care Health Services is a senior home care provider offering in-home medical care and personal care. Since 2010, they have been helping seniors in the Bloomington area. They offer ...
Located at 1407 West 4th St in Red Wing, MN, Mayo Clinic Health System - Red Wing Home Care is a in-home care provider offering in-home care and also in-home health care. For nearly 34 years, they have been serving ...
Located at 403 Main St in Elk River, MN, Guardian Angels Elim Home Care & Hospice in Elk River is an in-home care service provider offering home care services as well as in-home medical care. Since 1991, they have been ...
Located in St Paul, MN at 2429 University Ave West #200, Carefocus Corporation is a senior in-home care company offering personal care services and in-home medical care. Since 1993, they have been helping customers throughout the St Paul area. ...
The Cost of Home Care in Minnesota
Minnesota’s home care costs are on the steep side, as shown in Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2019. Its monthly in-home care cost is $5,529, over $1,200 higher than the U.S. average of $4,290. This nonmedical type of care primarily provides assistance with daily living activities, while home health care includes skilled nursing in addition to in-home care services. The state’s home health care cost of $5,815 is about $1,400 more than the national median of $4,385.
The Cost of Home Care in Minnesota Compared to Nearby States
Throughout the Midwest region, Minnesota is the most expensive state when it comes to home care. Its respective average in-home care and home health care costs of $5,529 and $5,815 per month are approximately $800 to $1,000 more than Iowa’s and Wisconsin’s home care costs of $4,767. These two states are the most affordable nearby areas outside Minnesota. South Dakota’s similar in-home care and home health care costs at $5,339 are about $200 to $500 less costly than the North Star State's. North Dakota has respective in-home care and home health care costs of $5,148 and $5,331 per month, saving seniors approximately $400 to $500 compared to Minnesota.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Minnesota | $5,529 | $5,815 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
North Dakota | $5,148 | $5,331 |
South Dakota | $5,339 | $5,339 |
Wisconsin | $4,767 | $4,767 |
Iowa | $4,767 | $4,767 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Minnesota
In-home and home health care in Minnesota are among several senior care options for those who wish to age comfortably. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,829 per month, offering seniors recreational and social opportunities outside their homes, in addition to daily personal care services. Assisted living is affordable and cost-saving, as its average monthly cost of $3,800 covers accommodations, meals and round-the-clock support while saving seniors roughly $1,700 to $2,000 per month compared to home care. For seniors who require certain skilled nursing services, home health care may be a more economical option, as it’s $4,300 less expensive than nursing home care, which costs $10,076 per month.
- In-Home Care: $5,529
- Home Health Care: $5,815
- Adult Day Care: $1,829
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,800
- Nursing Home Care: $10,076
The Cost of Home Care in Minnesota's Top Cities
Seniors can expect to pay the highest monthly prices for home care in Minnesota's biggest metropolitan areas. The Minneapolis area is the state’s most expensive location for in-home care at $5,815 per month, while Rochester has the steepest home health care cost at $6,292. Home health care in Minneapolis is close to the Rochester average, while Rochester’s in-home care cost is similar to the state median. Duluth and the Mankato area are the least expensive options for both types of home care, ranging from $5,000 to $5,800 monthly. For seniors who prefer a less costly area that’s not too far from the Twin Cities, St. Cloud may be an economical option for home care.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Minnesota | $5,529 | $5,815 |
Minneapolis Area | $5,815 | $6,244 |
Rochester | $5,529 | $6,292 |
Duluth | $4,986 | $5,768 |
St. Cloud | $5,386 | $5,863 |
Mankato Area | $5,339 | $5,339 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Minnesota
Elderly Waiver
The Elderly Waiver is a home and community-based services program for seniors living in their residential settings of choice. Services covered include case management, adult day care, home health aides, home-delivered meals and specialized equipment and supplies. Eligible EW participants must be 65 and older, meet nursing home level of care and be financially qualified based on the maximum income and asset requirements of Minnesota Medicaid’s Medical Assistance program. An applicant’s clinical eligibility is assessed by a Long-Term Care Consultation representative, and a spend-down system may qualify those who earn above the program’s required income limit.
Contact Information
Seniors may contact a Long-Term Care Consultation in their county or call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 to apply for the EW program.
Alternative Care
Alternative Care is a state-funded program for low-income seniors 65 and older who require a nursing home level of care but are not eligible for Minnesota Medicaid’s Medical Assistance program. Similar to the EW program, it provides a similar range of home and community-based services, including personal care assistance, skilled nursing visits, respite care and home and vehicle modifications. AC program applicants must undergo LTCC assessments for clinical eligibility, while financial eligibility is based on the inability to pay for nursing home stays longer than 135 days and a lack of funds to pay for AC services.
Contact Information
Interested AC participants may call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 or visit their nearest county Long-Term Care Consultation contacts.
Consumer-Directed Community Supports
CDCS is a flexible care option for seniors enrolled in Minnesota’s HCBS waiver programs such as EW and AC. It gives them the freedom to choose the services and supports they need, when to receive them and the person/s who would provide them. CDCS recipients may decide on how to spend their budget allowances and hire care providers, including family members, and take full responsibilities as employers managing employees. An online CDCS Community Support Plan template and professional CDCS support planners certified by the Department of Human Services are available to aid participants with care planning.
Contact Information
HCBS waiver applicants may inquire about CDCS through their local county or tribal DHS offices. Those enrolled under Minnesota Senior Health Options can contact their MSHO health plan providers.
Essential Community Supports
The ECS program provides HCBS services to seniors who do not or no longer require a nursing home level of care and are not eligible for Medicaid’s MA program. These services include case management or service coordination, homemaker and adult day services, caregiver training and education, home-delivered meals and personal emergency response systems. ECS participants must live in their own homes, meet the financial eligibility criteria of the AC program and need at least one of the services covered in ECS. Previous nursing home residents transitioning to their homes and former HCBS waiver recipients who lost their eligibility may also qualify for this program.
Contact Information
Older Minnesotans can apply for ECS by calling the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Minnesota Home Care Rules and Regulations
Functioning under the Health Regulation Division of the Minnesota Department of Health, the Home Care and Assisted Living Program regulates home care providers in compliance with the state’s home care statutes. In-home care providers in Minnesota must operate with a basic home care license, while home health care agencies have comprehensive home care licenses. HCALP also oversees registered home management providers that should only offer housekeeping, meal preparation and shopping services for the elderly and the disabled.
Scope of Care | Basic home care providers can perform the following:
In addition to basic home care services, comprehensive home care providers can deliver the following:
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Care Plan Requirements | A home care recipient’s written service plan must include:
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Medication Management Requirements | Only licensed comprehensive home care providers can perform medication management services. Medication administration may be done by a nurse, physician or another authorized licensed health practitioner. Unlicensed personnel may only administer medications upon written delegation by a registered nurse. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All prospective home care agency employees, contractors and volunteers must undergo criminal background checks to be conducted by the DHS. For individuals residing outside Minnesota, their checks must include a National Crime Information Center database search and the checking of records on maltreatment of adults and children in their states of residence. |
Staff Training Requirements | All home care staff and supervisors must complete initial orientation on home care licensing requirements. Direct care staff are required to undergo orientation specific to each individual client and the services to be provided, and they must have at least eight hours of annual training. Additional specialized training is required for home care providers that serve clients with Alzheimer’s or dementia. |
Medicaid Coverage | Minnesota Medicaid lets eligible home and community-based waiver enrollees receive home care services. These services shall be provided by licensed home care providers with HCBS designation. |
Reporting Abuse | All home care providers must immediately make oral reports on suspected incidents of abuse, neglect, exploitation and other similar forms of maltreatment of vulnerable adults. The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center may be contacted at 1-844-880-1574, and written online reports may be submitted when necessary. |
Free Home Care Resources in Minnesota
Seniors in Minnesota have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Minnesota Board on Aging
As Minnesota’s state aging agency, the MBA administers comprehensive senior services in partnership with the state’s Area Agencies on Aging. Its Live Well at Home grants program supports providers of home and community-based services that are accessible to low-income homebound seniors. Other direct service programs by the MBA include the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and Indian Elder Coordination.
Contact Information
Established by the MBA, the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 serves as the statewide access point for free information and referrals on various senior services, programs and resources.
DHS Aging and Adult Services
The Aging and Adult Services unit of the Minnesota Department of Human Services offers various health care programs, economic assistance and home and community-based services that support the independence of seniors. Some of these services include food stamps, housing assistance, supplemental aid and essential community supports.
Contact Information
Seniors may call the Senior LinkAge Line or contact their county, tribe or regional DHS offices for information on available local human and social services.
Area Agencies on Aging
The seven AAAs of Minnesota contract with public and private organizations that provide community supports for seniors and their caregivers. Services vary by region and usually include senior center activities, health and nutrition programs, transportation, Medicare counseling and caregiver support.
Contact Information
Minnesota’s AAAs provide free information and assistance through the Senior LinkAge Line, connecting seniors and their families to available local services and programs that fit their needs.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
The MDVA provides a range of programs and services that support the welfare of veterans and their dependents. Its C.O.R.E. (Case Management, Outreach, Referral and Education) program offers free in-home counseling, financial counseling, support groups and other community-based services. Eligible veterans may also receive financial assistance, housing support, dental and optical services and VA health care services. The department’s certified Veterans Service Officers provide professional assistance in filing claims for state and federal benefits.
Contact Information
Veterans may contact their local County VSOs or Tribal VSOs for inquiries and assistance in availing VA benefits and state and local programs.
MinnesotaHelp.info
MinnesotaHelp.info provides a comprehensive online resource database for individuals, families and caregivers. Its Long-Term Care Choices Navigator tool helps seniors build a plan of care based on their needs and available service options, while the dedicated Focus on Seniors page presents an organized directory of various government, nonprofit and for-profit programs. These resources include senior centers, adult day care services, affordable housing, prescription drug assistance, assistive technology and financial help.
Contact Information
Seniors and caregivers may call the Senior LinkAge Line for further questions on available resources and for assistance in using the LTCC Navigator tool.
Property Tax Relief Programs for Seniors
The Property Tax Deferral Program for Senior Citizens allows qualified elderly homeowners to defer a portion of the property taxes they owe, subject to eligibility based on age, income, homeownership and liens. Some eligible seniors claiming Renter’s Property Tax Refund and Homestead Credit Refund (for homeowners) may also qualify for subtractions to reduce their household incomes and increase the amount for property tax refunds.
Contact Information
The Minnesota Department of Revenue may be contacted at (651) 556-6091 for property tax deferral inquiries and at (651) 296-3781 for information on subtraction for property tax refunds.
Weatherization and Energy Assistance Programs
Income-eligible seniors and families may take advantage of free home energy upgrades under the Weatherization Assistance Program as well as reductions in energy bills and free heating repairs through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Renters and homeowners must have household incomes of, at most, 50% of the state median income.
Contact Information
Applicants may contact their local service providers to directly apply for both programs. To locate a local provider, the Commerce Energy Information Center can be contacted at (800) 657-3710 or [email protected].
Minnesota Seniors
Minnesota Seniors is a free online resource service for older Minnesotans and their families. Its range of directories provides organized contact lists of government and nonprofit programs as well as private service providers. General categories include senior housing, aging in place, health care, entertainment and businesses.
Contact Information
Seniors may call Minnesota Seniors at (763) 780-8309 for questions, comments and suggestions.
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