Family Caregiver Resources for Minnesota

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important and challenging roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier. 

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey. 

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

Association of Area Agencies on Aging (800-333-2433)
Provides free services to residents age 60 years and older, including congregate and home-delivered meals, nutrition education, in-home assistance, outreach, legal services, transportation and long-term care ombudsman.

Senior LinkAge Line (800-333-2433)
Minnesota Board on Aging’s free information and assistance service provides information about services for older adults as well as for their caregivers, including home care, respite, adult daycare and more.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Caregiver Support and Respite (866-787-9802)
Short-term, nonmedical service that provides a few hours of weekly support for an age 60 or over older adult in their home so family caregivers can take personal time.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Financial Counseling (888-577-2227)
Offers a variety of free services, including debt and budget counseling, credit report reviews, foreclosure prevention and reverse- mortgage counseling.

Minnesota Department of Commerce— Energy Assistance Program (800-657-3710)
Provides financial assistance for eligible Minnesota households who are unable to pay for heat and other utility bills.

Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (800-657-3858)
Provides information on applying for unemployment insurance benefits, listings of employment opportunities, career assistance and links to financial help and community services. An online job bank — MinnesotaWorks.net — connects job seekers and employers.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (800-657-3698; 651-431-4050)
Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid/ Minnesota Disability Law Center (800-292-4150; 612-332-1441)
Works to help protect and assist vulnerable Minnesotans in civil legal matters including poverty law, disability law and public advocacy.

Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center/Adult Protective Services (844-880-1574)
Provides information and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Minnesota Lawyer Referral Service and Information Service (612-752-6699)
Offers a Reduced Fee Program which provides reduced-cost legal services. To qualify, clients must have some form of stable income which lies between 125-250% of the federal poverty guidelines.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (800-333-2433)
Provides information, counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible residents to help make informed choices about insurance. Offers Medicare savings programs to aid with Medicare premiums, all or part of the annual deductible and lower prescription co-pays.


MNsure Health Care Insurance Exchange (855-366-7873)
Health insurance marketplace helps residents find, choose and enroll in comprehensive health coverage including low-cost programs such as Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota (651-645-2948; 888-626-4435)
Works with individuals with mental illness, their families, professionals and the community at large by providing education, support and advocacy.

HOME Line (866-866-3546; 612-728-5767)
Provides free and low-cost legal, educational and advocacy services to help Minnesotans solve their rental housing problems.

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (800-657-3769; 651-296-7608)
Provides information on homeownership, housing assistance, supportive housing and rental housing.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman (800-657-3591)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.

Senior Housing Inc. (952-945-4022)
Comprehensive source of housing options and resources for older adults in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Amherst H. Wilder Foundation (651-280-2500)
Supports the health and independence of adults to age in community through a full range of services including home care, caregiver respite, support groups, Meals on Wheels and wellness classes.

Association of Area Agencies on Aging (800-333-2433)
Provides free services to residents age 60 years and older, including congregate and home-delivered meals, nutrition education, in-home assistance, outreach, legal services, transportation and long-term care ombudsman.

Meals on Wheels Minnesota (612-623-3363)
Provides nutritious home-delivered meals to older adults and people with disabilities.

Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers (800-273-8255; Veterans Crisis Line 888-546-5838)
Aids veterans, their families and survivors to ensure they receive all deserved benefits and services.

Minnesota Department of Human Services - Aging (800-333-2433)
Elderly Waiver and Community Alternative Care programs provide home- and community-based services including home care, skilled nursing, case management and adult day care for eligible adults over age 65 who choose to live in the community but still require nursing home-level care.

MinnesotaHelp.info (800-333-2433 Senior LinkAge Line; 866-333-2466 Disability Hub)
Online directory of services for older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers relating to financial, adult day services, assistive technology and other forms of assistance.

Minnesota Live Well at Home (800-333-2433)
Offers screening, education, professional consultation and a broad range of solutions for living at home successfully; also supports family caregivers.

Metro Mobility (651-602-1111)
Shared-ride public transportation service for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition.

Minnesota Ride Link (800-333-2433)
Connects veterans, military families and others to a single source of information for transportation services in their area (e.g., trips for employment, medical, recreation and shopping).

Volunteers of America Minnesota (952-945-4000)
Services available for older adults and caregivers include health education, respite services, support groups and legal services to assist with estate planning, power of attorney, guardianships and health directives.

Department of Health – Palliative Care
Provides information about palliative care and advance care planning with links to additional resources.