Why Internet is a Homecare Issue (Yes, Really)

When you think about homecare, things like personal care assistants, medical needs, and family support likely come to mind. But one of the biggest barriers to delivering high-quality homecare in Minnesota might surprise you: internet access.

Broadband is often treated as infrastructure or city planning concerns—but for thousands of Minnesotans, it’s one of the missing pieces that determine whether homecare is accessible, effective, or even possible.

The Digital Divide in Homecare

In rural areas or even underserved pockets of the Twin Cities, limited access to high-speed internet creates challenges for:

• Telehealth visits with doctors and therapists

• Online timekeeping and employer systems for PCAs

• Remote training and onboarding for caregivers

• Family members coordinating care remotely

For families using programs like PCA Choice or CFSS, fast and reliable internet is no longer optional—it’s essential. Yet, many homes still lack broadband access, especially those living on fixed incomes or in isolated communities.

Connecting Care Through Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

Thanks to advances in digital health tools, more patients are able to receive medical care from the comfort of their home. But these technologies rely on a stable internet connection.

For example, telehealth appointments allow nurses, doctors, and therapists to conduct virtual visits, saving time and improving access—especially for those in rural or underserved areas.

Remote monitoring devices like blood pressure cuffs, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters can transmit real-time data to care teams. Wearables and home sensors can also detect falls, monitor activity, and track changes in health, alerting providers to issues before they become emergencies.

All of these tools depend on consistent broadband access to function reliably.

Empowering Patients and Caregivers

Today’s patients want more control over their health—and the internet helps them get it.

Patient portals give users the ability to view lab results, schedule appointments, and communicate with providers. Medication tracking apps help ensure the right doses are taken at the right time. Broadband unlocks access to additional online resources that offer trusted information, educational videos, and even virtual support groups for caregivers and patients managing chronic illness.

For patients with mobility challenges or transportation barriers, these tools can be a lifeline.

Supporting the Workforce Behind Home Care

Internet connectivity doesn’t just help patients—it’s also a game-changer for the professionals who care for them.

• Mobile applications enable caregivers to track and submit their timesheets from their cellphones
• Mobile scheduling and routing software allows home care agencies to optimize visits and reduce missed appointments.

• Real-time documentation improves accuracy and speeds up billing and compliance processes.

• Online training modules help staff stay up to date on certifications, best practices, and new procedures.

In short, broadband makes life easier on caregivers, while streamlining all the administration of home care.

What’s at Stake?

When people can't access the infrastructure that supports homecare, the result isn’t just inconvenience—it’s reduced care, burnout, and preventable health crises.

As the new CFSS program rolls out across Minnesota, these structural issues will matter even more. More families will act as employers, more responsibilities will shift online, and the cost of poor infrastructure will fall hardest on those already navigating complex care needs.