The Senior Services unit offers support to seniors looking for community-based services and resources through the provision of long-term care consultation (known as MnCHOICES assessments) and support planning.
The MnCHOICES Assessment uses a person-centered approach to gather information and help you make decisions about your long-term services and supports. It assesses your general health, your ability to take care of routine daily tasks and any help you may receive from family and friends. This assessment is a free, in-person visit with a certified assessor and usually occurs where you live. Once your assessment is complete, you will receive a community support plan. The community support plan provides a summary of what the assessor discovered through the assessment process and identifies next steps based on your needs.
The MnCHOICES Support Plan provides a coordinated services and support plan for people who are eligible for publicly funded services and supports. The coordinated services and support plan outlines the decisions you make for the services and supports you are eligible for.
Learn more at: MnCHOICES Assessment and Support Plan / Minnesota Department of Human Services
For more information or to make a request, contact our agency and ask to speak with the Intake Social Worker.
Home and community-based programs available to individuals age 65 and older include:
Alternative Care
The Alternative Care (AC) program provides home-and community-based services to people who need nursing home level of care but choose to live in the community. The Alternative Care program provides many of the same services as the Elderly Waiver program. Alternative Care is for people with low income and assets who are not eligible for Medical Assistance.
Elderly Waiver
The Elderly Waiver (EW) waiver program provides home and community-based services for people who need the level of care provided in a nursing home but who choose to live in the community. You must qualify for Medical Assistance to be eligible for Elderly Waiver services.
Essential Community Supports
The Essential Community Supports program is designed for people who do not need the level of care provided in a nursing home, are not eligible for Medical Assistance and would benefit from a small menu of services.
Learn more at:
