Skip to main content

Respite Care in Minnesota

Temporary care when a primary caregiver is away or needs relief. Discuss the requested dates, care needs, and setting before relying on respite coverage.

Ask about servicesSubmit a referralCall (952) 256-4240

What is Respite Care?

Respite is organized around a break for the person who usually provides care. Explain both the time away needed and the support the person will need during that time. Planning should cover familiar routines, communication, and a clear handoff. A respite inquiry does not reserve staff or confirm an overnight placement.

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

A caregiver break or a different ongoing need?

Respite care
Temporary care while a primary caregiver is absent or needs relief.
Night supervision
Assessed overnight assistance needs, rather than caregiver relief alone.
IHS with family training
Community-living skills training for the person and/or family, not replacement care.

Illustrative planning example: prepare for time away

A usual caregiver needs an afternoon away. Before arranging it, list the person's preferred routine, assistance needs, and who will receive the handoff. Ask what happens if the caregiver returns late or the planned worker cannot attend. This is a planning scenario, not confirmed respite availability.

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

Questions to bring to the conversation

  • Which dates and hours are needed, and how flexible are they?
  • Where would the person stay, and what assistance would they need?
  • Who handles the handoff, urgent questions, and backup coverage?

How to check service eligibility in Minnesota

Respite is available under AC, EW, BI, CAC, CADI, and DD, subject to assessment and authorization. Caregiver-residence and payment rules differ by program. Age, setting approval, and current residential services also matter. Confirm the proposed arrangement with your case manager and provider before relying on coverage.

Minnesota's respite eligibility, settings, and limits

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.

How to request a MnCHOICES assessmentFind your county or tribal assessment contact

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

Who is Respite Care for?

  • Caregivers planning time for an appointment, rest, or another responsibility

  • People who want their preferences included while their usual caregiver is away

  • Case managers comparing temporary caregiver relief with ongoing support

What to expect

How Respite Care comes together, from the first conversation to ongoing care.

  1. Share requested dates, times, location, and any flexibility.

  2. Describe daytime and nighttime assistance, communication preferences, and current services.

  3. Confirm authorization, setting approval, staffing, and task capabilities before finalizing plans.

  4. Agree on routines, emergency contacts, handoff details, and backup arrangements.

Submit a referral

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