Community-Based Resources in Minnesota: The Hidden Strength Behind Effective Homecare  

When a loved one needs care at home—whether it’s an aging parent, a child with a disability, or a partner with chronic health issues—families often focus first on finding the right homecare provider. However, the best homecare outcomes rarely come from professional caregivers alone.  

In Minnesota, a vast network of community-based resources exists to support the entire care experience, making it easier for families to manage day-to-day challenges while maintaining dignity, independence, and peace of mind. 

Community-based services are particularly important for individuals receiving long-term homecare. While personal care assistants (PCAs), home health aides, and nurses may assist with basic care needs, community programs address the broader picture, ensuring that people can live safely, stay connected, and receive emotional and practical support in their own homes. 

Why Community Resources Matter in Homecare

One of the most common misconceptions is that once homecare is in place, all support needs are automatically covered. In reality, homecare often addresses only a portion of what someone may need to stay well and safe at home. Community resources fill critical gaps and often make the difference between struggling and thriving. 

For example, many individuals receiving homecare may also need: 

• Meals delivered to their home 

• Transportation to medical appointments 

• Mental health support or peer connection 

• Help navigating public benefits like Medical Assistance (MA) or Social Security 

• A break for their caregiver or family member 

What makes Minnesota unique is its strong infrastructure of public and nonprofit programs available to meet these needs—many of which are low-cost or completely free. 

Who to Call: Your First Points of Contact

If you’re unsure where to start, these hotlines make it easy to get personalized help: 

• Senior LinkAge Line: 800-333-2433 — For older adults and their caregivers 

• Disability Hub MN: 866-333-2466 — For people with disabilities of any age 

• Veterans Linkage Line: 888-LinkVet (888-546-5838). For Veterans and family members. Connect with your Community Veterans Service Officer 

• United Way: Call 2-1-1 or 800-543-7709, or text your zip code to 898-211*. Get confidential help 24/7 in 180+ languages

These services connect you with trained specialists who can assess your situation and guide you to the right programs, including those offered through your local county, nonprofit organizations, or Medical Assistance waivers. 

United Way 2-1-1 can help you get connected to local food, housing, mental health, and transportation services based on your zip code.  

What Types of Support Are Available?

There is a wide variety of community-based resources in Minnesota. Here are just a few areas where families can find meaningful help: 

Nutrition & Meal Support

Not everyone receiving homecare has someone to cook or grocery shop for them. Nutrition programs help fill the gap: 

• Meals on Wheels delivers prepared meals directly to homes across the state. 

• Fare for All offers low-cost grocery packages at community sites. 

• Local food shelves and pantries often provide delivery for homebound individuals. 

• For people needing help accessing food programs, Minnesota Food Helpline could be a great start at 1-888-711-1151 or go to www.hungersolutions.org. 

Transportation

Getting to medical appointments or the grocery store can be a significant barrier to independence. Support may include: 

• Metro Mobility and county-based transit services. Low income and limited mobility options start at $1 per ride for people who qualify.  

• Volunteer driver programs in rural areas. 

• Non-emergency medical transportation covered by Medical Assistance 

Home Modifications & Equipment

Safety and accessibility can significantly impact someone’s ability to live at home. Resources include: 

• Ramps, grab bars, or widened doorways through Community Action Agencies, such as ConnectAbility of MN 

• Equipment loans from Minnesota’s System of Technology to Achieve Results program 

• In-home safety assessments from county or nonprofit partners 

Caregiver Respite & Support

When caregiving becomes a full-time responsibility, burnout is a real concern. Fortunately, caregivers in Minnesota can access: 

• Respite care to provide a short-term break 

• Peer support groups and classes on managing caregiver stress 

• Education on dementia care, lifting techniques, and benefits navigation 

Help for Culturally Diverse Families

Minnesota’s population includes a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions—and care should reflect that. Fortunately, several organizations offer culturally specific homecare support: 

• CLUES supports Latino individuals and families with language-accessible care navigation. 

• Hmong American Partnership offers multilingual services and connections to trusted providers. 

• SEWA-AIFW provides culturally sensitive support to South Asian communities. 

• Tribal health departments, like those with the White Earth Nation, provide holistic care grounded in Indigenous values. 

These organizations not only offer information but often serve as a trusted bridge between families and formal services, reducing stigma and increasing engagement. 

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

Living at home with health challenges can be isolating, and caregiving can take a toll emotionally. That’s why mental health support is an essential part of a sustainable care plan. 

Resources like FastTrackerMN.org make it easy to find mental health professionals who work with older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Organizations like NAMI Minnesota and Wilder Foundation offer free or low-cost caregiver support groups, as well as programs and resources to help clients cope with depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. 

If you’re in emotional crisis, you can also text “MN” to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor 24/7. 

Expanding Your Options Through Waiver Programs

Some of the most flexible forms of support come through Medical Assistance waiver programs, which offer additional services to help people remain in their homes instead of moving to institutions. These include: 

• Elderly Waiver (EW) – for people aged 65+ 

• CADI Waiver – for people with physical or cognitive disabilities who are less than 65 years old 

• Brain Injury (BI) Waiver – for people recovering from serious head injuries 

• Consumer-Directed Community Supports (CDCS) – which allows clients to hire family members as caregivers, use alternative therapies, or fund items not covered under traditional care 

If your loved one is receiving homecare and has Medical Assistance, ask your care coordinator or county worker about getting a waiver screening to explore these options. 

Care at Home Shouldn’t Mean Care Alone

Effective homecare is about more than checklists and medications—it’s about helping people live well, with dignity and support, in the place they call home. By tapping into Minnesota’s vast landscape of community resources, families can create a more holistic and sustainable care plan. 

At Accra, we believe in partnering with community organizations across Minnesota to provide our clients with the broadest, most compassionate network of support possible. Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been managing homecare for years, there’s help available.