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Adult Companion Services in Minnesota

Nonmedical support and socialization for older adults working toward a goal in their support plan. Discuss the activities, assistance, and schedule that would be useful to you.

What is Adult Companion Services?

Adult companion services connect time together with a therapeutic or community-integration goal. Start with what you want to participate in, not just a list of outings. Explain what makes an activity difficult and what kind of encouragement or cue would help. A companion is not a substitute for hands-on personal care or nursing.

An older woman working on a crossword puzzle at her kitchen table with her caregiver.

Social participation, household tasks, or caregiver relief?

Adult companion services
Nonmedical social support tied to a therapeutic or community-integration goal.
Homemaker services
Help completing household tasks when cleaning is the primary service.
Respite care
Temporary care when the primary caregiver is away or needs relief.

Illustrative planning example: return to a favorite activity

You want to attend a neighborhood discussion group but find introductions difficult. A planning conversation could identify the support you would welcome and how it relates to your goal. Ask about access, travel, and fees before choosing the activity. This is not a client outcome or a promised outing.

This is a planning example, not a client story or a promised outcome.

Questions to bring to the conversation

  • Which activity matters to you, and what makes participation difficult?
  • Would encouragement or cues help, or do you need hands-on assistance?
  • What communication preferences, travel arrangements, and costs need discussion?

How to check service eligibility in Minnesota

Adult companion is available through Elderly Waiver (EW) and Alternative Care (AC) for eligible older adults. A therapeutic or community-integration goal and service authorization are required. Companionship alone does not establish funding eligibility; ask your case manager which support fits.

Minnesota's adult companion coverage and exclusions

Already have a case manager? Ask whether this service matches the needs in your plan. If you are starting without one, contact your county or tribal agency about an assessment. Choosing a provider and receiving service authorization are separate steps.

Program sources checked September 8, 2026. Eligibility and service authorization are determined by the responsible agency.

Who is Adult Companion Services for?

  • Older adults seeking support to take part in a meaningful activity

  • People who want encouragement or cues while participating

  • Case managers matching social support to a documented goal

What to expect

How Adult Companion Services comes together, from the first conversation to ongoing care.

  1. Choose an activity that matters to you and describe any barriers.

  2. Discuss communication preferences, access needs, and the help you want.

  3. Confirm the authorized schedule, worker availability, and any travel arrangements.

  4. Agree on activity costs and how you will review whether the visits fit your goal.

How services are funded

Funding depends on the service, eligibility, and authorization. Ask your case manager which support is covered and whether you have any financial responsibility. We Care confirms the service arrangement with you before care begins.

  • MA Waiver programs

    Medicaid-funded waivers that cover a range of home and community-based services.

    Learn more about MA Waiver programs
  • Private pay

    Ask whether the requested service is available privately and request the rate and terms before agreeing to care.

Not sure which program applies? Contact us and we will help you figure it out.

Frequently asked questions

Talk with our Bloomington team

We Care Home Health MN is based at 7800 Metro Pkwy, Suite 110-11, Bloomington, MN 55425. Tell us your Twin Cities location, the service you are considering, and the days or nights you need. Ask us to confirm coverage and staffing for your address.

Ask about support

For case managers

Send the requested service, city or ZIP code, county, waiver type, hours, and timing through our referral form. Identify what is already authorized and what still needs discussion. An inquiry does not reserve staff or confirm a start date.

View the referral checklist and formLook up We Care Home Health MN LLC, license 1115332