Bloomington Minnesota Home Care: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask
Bloomington is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, on the north bank of the Minnesota River, above its confluence with the Mississippi River, 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. At the 2020 census, the city’s population was 89,987, making it Minnesota’s fourth-largest city. Minnesota is home to western prairies, agriculture, forests, and the North Woods which is used for recreation. About one third of the state is covered in forests and it is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for having over 14,000 bodies of fresh water covering at least ten acres. All these attractions make Minnesota a premiere place for our aging population to call home.
- Bloomington Minnesota Home Care: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask
- About Home Care in Bloomington
- Considerations when looking for care in Bloomington
- Cities Near Bloomington
- Pricing and How to Pay for In-Home Care
- Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers
- Local Resources and Links
- What are the different Home care options?
- How to pay for Home Care
- Questions and inquiries about home care
- Search other areas for Home Care
What are the different Home care options?
The various care services and options
Personal Care Assistant
- Companionship as well as assistance with activities of daily living, (non-medical personal care) toileting, dressing, grooming, and bathing.
- They can help with grocery shopping and meal preparation.
- A personal care assistant can help with family difficulties. If a family caregiver must leave town or be away from the home overnight the caretaker can stay with the individual and monitor and assist as needed.
- If a spouse is too heavy, a personal assistant can be a great asset in helping the individual move without risk of injury.
- These care assistants cannot perform any medical care.
Companion Care
- These companions spend time with older adults. Providing companionship is especially relevant for people who live alone, or do not leave the house due to cognitive impairments or frailty.
- These companions are there to look after the person, keep a watchful eye, act as an extension of the person to help with mobility and general physic functions.
- They may drive the person to appointments, prepare light meals and snacks. They may even play games or read and listen to music together.
- Companion care is a great way to bring social interaction and assistance to a person who may otherwise spend long periods of time alone.
About Home Care in Bloomington
Minnesota’s population of aging adults 65 years and older is about 17% of the overall population of the state. The state of Minnesota is known for residents living a healthy lifestyle and providing excellent senior healthcare. We all know that as we age some people may require care at some point. Typically, when people think of senior care they envision a nursing home. However, nursing homes are definitely not the only option for caring for a loved one who might require some care. Minnesota Home Care is designed specifically for aging adults who only require some basic assistance at home without medical help.
Home Care (or In home Care) is suited for seniors who may only require some basic non-medical assistance at home. Home aides may support with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include medication reminders, assistance with bathing and eating, among other helpful tasks. Home Care may be an excellent care option for family members if they must leave town or just need a break from caring for their loved one. The Home Care aides bring a sense of personalization, providing companionship and socialization, and a sense of connection.
The Department of Health, Health Regulation Division licenses and monitors all home care agencies in the state of Minnesota. Within 30 days the patient must receive an assessment to know their needs and desires. The plan must then be presented in written form. In addition, plans will be adjusted as needed every 90 days. Direct care staff must undergo a criminal background check and a TB screening. There are no state mandated training requirements for non-medical home caregivers.
Considerations when looking for care in Bloomington
Bloomington has that small town feel with only 89,298 residents but it is a stones throw from Minneapolis so the access to care and resources is vast.
Home Care Communities near Bloomington, Minnesota
Accra Home Health, Inc
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343
Accentcare Fairview Home Health – West, Llc
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
Ridgeview Home Care Services
Waconia, Minnesota 55387
Olidia Care Inc
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Carefocus Corporation
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
Presbyterian Homes Of Bloomington
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55431
Sholom Home West
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426
Lyngblomsten Care Center
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108
St Therese Of Woodbury Llc
Woodbury, Minnesota 55129
Sweet Basil Senior Care Llc
Edina, Minnesota 55424
Cities Near Bloomington
- Minneapolis – 10 miles north
- Apple Valley – 10 miles south
- Eagan – 8 miles east
- Eden Prairie – 10 miles west
Pricing and How to Pay for In-Home Care
The cost of home care in Minnesota is $6,675, one of the most expensive states to receive care in. This is well above the national average of $5,000. The cost of home care will vary city by city in the state of Minnesota. In Minneapolis the average is $7,100 / month and in Rochester it is $7,600 / month.
How to pay for Home Care
Private Funds- YES:
- Many families pay for care with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Medicaid- MAYBE
Medicaid MAY cover home care for seniors who are eligible. Each state has its own Medicaid programs in place. As a result, eligibility and services fluctuate state to state. Funding may also be offered under the Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waivers.
In-home personal care services (dressing, bathing, eating, etc.) are not federally mandated, and some states do not even regulate these agencies.
Long-term care insurance- MAYBE:
- The purpose of long-term care insurance is to cover senior care, which includes home care. Though, be aware that coverage varies depending on the insurance provider, the specific policy, and other factors.
- It is common that long-term care insurance will only start to cover care when the person with the policy requires assistance with two or more ADLs.
- As a result of the above, individuals who only need companion care may not be covered by their long-term care insurance.
- Typically, purchasing long-term care insurance is not an option if you are at the point where you already need care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Private Pay
- Many families pay for care with private funds.
- Family members may contribute funds toward the care of a loved one.
- Private pay may be a combination of personal savings, retirement funds, or pension payments.
Questions and inquiries about home care
Agency Information
- Is the agency RN operated?
- Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
- Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
- Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
- Does the agency have liability insurance?
- Can the agency respond to you 24/7?
Caregiver Information
- Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
- Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
- Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
- Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
- Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
- Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?
Documentation and Supervision
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
- Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?
Policies and Cost
- Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
- Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and a continuum of care?
- Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
- What is the hourly minimum per shift?
- Does the agency offer home care discounts?
- What is the required deposit?
- Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers
Allina Health Bloomington Clinic
7920 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
Park Nicollet Clinic Bloomington
5320 Hyland Greens Dr, Bloomington, MN 55437
Local Resources and Links
Minnesota Help Network-Senior Linkage Line A resource where the elderly, people with disabilities, their caregivers, and professionals can go to get information and referrals.
Minnesota Board on Aging The Minnesota Board on Aging is the gateway to services for seniors and their families. MBA listens to senior concerns, researches for solutions, and proposes policy to address senior needs.
Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) State centralized system for mandated reporters and the public to report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an and adult in Minnesota who is vulnerable due to a condition or service need. Operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care The Board advises on and coordinates government plans around aging to ensure that Older American’s Act requirements are met. The MBA administers state and federal funds and also creates public awareness, encourages research on aging issues and provides technical assistance and grants to local aging organizations. By participating in board and committee meetings, MBA members work to create a collective vision that represents the best interests of older Minnesotans.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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