Home Care in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis has a population of over 400,000 people, with roughly 10% aged 65 and older. Minneapolis is a nature lover’s paradise, with over 20 lakes and more than 100 parks. The Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the city’s largest park, with over 740 acres of land for you to explore. If parks and lakes aren’t enough, you can explore the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, home to over 500 plant and 130 bird species. Mall of America, the largest shopping complex in the United States, is a perfect destination for shoppers as it has over 520 stores.

While Minneapolis has a wide array of recreational activities for you to enjoy, it also boasts the nationally ranked Abbott Northwestern Hospital, which is a high performer in geriatrics, and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

The city is a designated Age-Friendly Community by the AARP. According to the AARP Livability Index for midsize communities, Minneapolis ranked in the top five for livability. With Minneapolis taking active steps to ensure it’s a safe and comfortable place for seniors and the many resources available to older adults, the city remains an excellent retirement option.

According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020, home care in Minneapolis costs an average of $6,292 per month, while home health care averages $6,483 per month. This cost is based on an assumption of 44 hours of care per week. What you pay for in-home care can vary depending on your needs and how many hours of care you need. Minneapolis’ hourly rates break down to $33 for home care and $34 for home health care. Sometimes home health care costs more than home care because it offers both personal care and skilled nursing services. However, this price difference can vary depending on the city.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

The average home care costs in Minneapolis are pricier than both the state and national numbers. Minneapolis costs are $190-$400 more than Minnesota and $1,800-$1,900 more than the United States average. Minneapolis also has the most expensive option for both types of in-home care in the state. St. Cloud has the least costly home care cost in Minnesota, with seniors paying $1,000 less than those in Minneapolis, followed by Rochester, at a couple of hundred dollars more. Meanwhile, Mankato has a more affordable home health care option, costing over $700 less than Minneapolis.

Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.

Rebuilding Together Home Repairs

What You Should Know
Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization that repairs homes for low-income homeowners who are seniors, living with a disability, veterans and families in need. The Safe at Home Program helps eligible individuals continue to live independently at home by providing home safety and fall prevention modifications. The organization also offers the Home Repair Program, where volunteers deliver safe housing repairs that can include interior improvements, landscaping and replacement of essential home systems (HVAC and electrical).

Who Is Eligible?
For both the Safe at Home and Home Repair program, you must own and live in the home and be up-to-date with mortgage and tax payments. You must also reside within the service area, remain in the home for at least two to five years and have a household income that’s at or below 50% of the area’s median income. The house must also have a resident who is 55 years and older or living with a disability.

How to Get Started
If you want to apply for Rebuilding Together’s programs, you can call (651) 776-4273 or email [email protected] to have an application mailed to you. Once you’ve completed an application, you can fax it to (612) 767-8578 or mail it to 1050 SE 33rd Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Meals on Wheels

What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels offers home-delivered meals and friendly visits from volunteers. All meals are made locally without preservatives and include an entree, vegetables, bread or grain, fruit or dessert and a drink. Meals on Wheels also offers alternatives to meet your dietary requirements, such as low-sugar, vegetarian and halal options. The organization asks for a modest contribution for the meals, but prices may vary depending on your situation. Subsidy programs or the state’s Medicaid waiver program can help cover the cost of Meals on Wheels.

Who Is Eligible?
Anyone can receive Meals on Wheels on a permanent or temporary basis.

How to Get Started
You can apply to get home-delivered meals online or call (612) 623-3363 to get started or ask additional questions.

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly

What You Should Know
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly is a nonprofit organization aiming to prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness among older adults. Every year, the organization connects over 1,000 participants to volunteers through its companionship programs. Coffee Talk is a free and confidential drop-in phone line that seniors can call as often as they like. Volunteers lend a friendly ear to any seniors seeking social connections. They can also direct seniors to other essential resources if needed. Older adults who are homebound can participate in the Friendship and Flowers program, where volunteers make home visits to bring flowers and engage seniors in friendly conversation. The program’s goal is to help reduce feelings of isolation for those who lack social or family interaction. All of the organization’s services are free.

Who Is Eligible?
For the Friendship and Flowers program, you must be 65 years and older and either homebound or living in a nursing facility.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the programs Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly offers, call (612) 721-6215. You can contact the Coffee Talk line at (612) 746-0728.

Metro Mobility Transportation Service

What You Should Know
Metro Mobility offers transportation for individuals who cannot use fixed bus routes due to a health condition or disability. The door-through-door service provides rides for any purpose, whether it’s for medical appointments or to go shopping. Personal care attendants can accompany riders free of charge. Metro Mobility also offers additional services when you need to take another mode of transportation to get home. One such service enables eligible riders to take a taxi trip at a discounted rate. Metro Mobility customers can also ride the regular-route transit for a reduced fare of $0.75.

Who Is Eligible?
Metro Mobility determines eligibility using guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act. In general, you may qualify if you cannot use the fixed-route bus.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the program and whether you qualify, call (651) 602-1111 or email [email protected].

Elderly Waiver Program

What You Should Know
Seniors who need a nursing home level of care but want to remain in their home or community can apply for the Elderly Waiver Program. The program’s home and community-based services include home health aides, companion services, medical supplies and equipment, transportation and chore services. The program also allows you to self-direct your care and hire your choice of personal care provider.

Who Is Eligible?
You must be 65 years or older, eligible for Medical Assistance and require a nursing home level of care.

How to Get Started
To apply, you can contact the Hennepin County Social Services at (612) 348-4111 or the Senior LinkAge Line at (800) 333-2433.