The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Elk River, MN for 2024

Located approximately 30 miles from Minneapolis, Elk River is known for its natural beauty, safe neighborhoods and weather that’s mild and pleasant during the summer months. Of Elk River’s 25,213 residents, 12% are aged 65 and up, which is somewhat lower than Minnesota’s overall senior population of 16.3%. Retirees can get urgent care and specialized medical services at North Memorial Health, Allina Health or HealthPartners Park Nicollet. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors pay an average of $6,292 per month for home care. Home health care provides skilled nursing in addition to personal care, and it’s priced slightly higher at $6,483.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Elk River area – complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

At an average monthly cost of $6,292, home care in Elk River is almost $430 more than the Minnesota average of $5,863 and $1,811 more than the national average of $4,481. Elk River is one of the priciest cities in Minnesota for home care, likely due to its proximity to Minneapolis. To the northwest in St. Cloud, care costs $5,262, or $1,030 less. Rates are higher than this in Mankato at $5,720. In Rochester, residents can expect to pay $5,434. Duluth, located in the northeastern part of the state, has costs averaging $5,840.

Seniors in Elk River might consider other types of care that are more suitable for their needs and budget. Those who require skilled nursing can get health care at home, as well as personal care, for $6,483. Adult day health care is provided in a community-based setting and is the cheapest option at $1,863. Assisted living costs an average of $4,797. Seniors who need a very high level of assistance may be best served by nursing home care, which costs $11,285 for a semiprivate room.

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources. 

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details. 
• Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care. 
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state. 
• Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more. 
• Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.