Minnesota is a midwestern U.S. state bordering Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. The state contains more than 10,000 other lakes, including Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River’s primary source. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center, a modern art museum.

Saint Paul, in east-central Minnesota along the banks of the Mississippi River, has been Minnesota's capital city since 1849, first as capital of the Territory of Minnesota, and then as the state capital since 1858.

Saint Paul is adjacent to Minnesota's most populous city, Minneapolis; they and their suburbs are collectively known as the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the country's 16th-largest metropolitan area and home to about 55 percent of the state's population. The remainder of the state is known as "Greater Minnesota" or "Outstate Minnesota".

The state has 17 cities with populations above 50,000 as of the 2010 census. In descending order of population, they are Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Saint Cloud, Woodbury, Eagan, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Blaine, and Lakeville. Of these only Rochester, Duluth, and Saint Cloud are outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Minnesota's population continues to grow, primarily in the urban centers. The populations of metropolitan Sherburne and Scott counties doubled between 1980 and 2000, while 40 of the state's 87 counties lost residents over the same period.

The United States Navy has recognized multiple Minnesota communities.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Minnesota

The Cost of In-Home Care in Minnesota’s Top Cities

Comparing Costs Across Minnesota

Monthly in-home care costs in Minnesota’s cities span a range of about $830. At $5,815, the average rate is highest in Minneapolis, the largest metropolitan area. The lowest cost per month is found in Duluth, where in-home care averages $4,986. The average price in Rochester matches the statewide median of $5,529. Costs drop roughly $150 and $190 per month, respectively, in St. Cloud and Mankato, where the averages are $5,386 and $5,339.

 

Financial Assistance for In-Home Care in Minnesota

Seniors and their families who need services that help older persons remain in their homes may be interested in Minnesota's Alternative Care and Elderly Waiver programs.

These programs also provide services that help spouses and families care for their senior family members. The programs include a wide variety of services that help older adults, including home health aide services, home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and training, adult day care services, transportation, personal care assistants, medical supplies and equipment, companion services, and homemaker services. The Elderly Waiver also includes adult foster care services, customized living services, and more.

The Essential Community Supports program provides funding for some services that many seniors first find helpful such as homemaking or meals. If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please contact the groups listed on the right. When you call, county staff will talk with the caller about the senior's needs and abilities, and county staff will provide information about community resources.

For more information:

• Call your county's health or human services agency. Look in the phone book in the blue “government” pages for your county's listing.
• Call the Senior LinkAge Line® (800) 333-2433 for help in connecting to your county or senior services.
• Visit the DHS Web site at www.dhs.state.mn.us and look under “People We Serve/Seniors.”
• If you belong to a health plan, you may be referred to your care coordinator for assistance.

 

More Ways to Pay for In-Home Care

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more.

Free and Low-Cost In-Home Care Resources in Minnesota

People who live in Minnesota may qualify for Minnesota Health Care Programs. You must meet program eligibility rules including income limits to qualify.

• Learn basic eligibility rules for people who:
  • Are 65 years old or older
  • Need home care
  • Need help paying nursing home costs
  • Need help with Medicare costs
  • Have a disability or are blind
  • Are noncitizens
• Find out how to apply for coverage
  • Get answers to common questions from new applicants
  • Read your general appeal rights (PDF) and use this appeal form DHS-0033 if you disagree with an eligibility decision

Home-Delivered Meals

Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 to sign up. The senior nutrition program provides free home-delivered meals to seniors aged 60 and older.

Other Places to Get Low-Cost Care in Minnesota

• The state Health Department's Guide to Additional Health Care Resources has information on free or reduced cost health clinics and dental services.
• Bridge to Benefits also has a list of low-cost clinics and dental services in your area.
• Senior LinkAge Line specialists help people of all ages find ways to reduce prescription drug costs.
• MinnesotaHelp.info offers a comprehensive database of local community resources for consumers, caregivers and service providers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions