Group Homes in Minnesota: Person-Centered Care Guide
Finding the right care solution for a loved one with disabilities or special needs can be challenging. Group homes in Minnesota offer a proven alternative that combines professional support with a home-like environment. If you’re exploring residential care options in Minnesota, understanding how group homes deliver person-centered care can help you make the best choice for your family.
What Are Group Homes in Minnesota?
Group homes in Minnesota are licensed residential facilities that provide housing and support services for individuals with disabilities, developmental needs, or those requiring specialized care. These homes typically serve four to six residents, creating an intimate setting where people receive individualized attention from trained staff. Minnesota’s group homes are regulated by the Department of Human Services/Minnesota Department of Health ensuring they meet strict standards for safety, staffing, and quality of care.
Unlike large institutional facilities, group homes in Minnesota prioritize creating a family-like atmosphere where residents can thrive. Each home provides private or semi-private bedrooms, shared common spaces, and access to community amenities throughout the state.
Understanding Person-Centered Care in Minnesota Group Homes
Person-centered care is the foundation of quality group homes in Minnesota. This approach means that every aspect of care revolves around the individual resident—their preferences, goals, cultural background, and dreams for the future. Minnesota’s regulations emphasize person-centered planning, requiring group homes to develop individualized care plans in collaboration with residents and their families.
In Minnesota group homes that practice true person-centered care, residents aren’t just recipients of services—they’re active participants in shaping their daily lives. Whether someone wants to pursue employment, learn new skills, or maintain close ties with their Minnesota community, their care plan reflects these personal aspirations.
Key Benefits of Group Homes in Minnesota
Licensed and Regulated Care
Group homes in Minnesota operate under strict licensing requirements enforced by the Department of Human Services. These regulations ensure that homes maintain proper staffing ratios, provide adequate training, and create safe living environments. Minnesota families can verify a group home’s license status and compliance history, giving them confidence in their care choice.
Access to Minnesota Waiver Programs
One of the greatest advantages of group homes in Minnesota is access to state waiver programs. The 245-D waiver, Brain Injury (BI) waiver, Community Alternative Care (CAC) waiver, and Elderly Waiver help cover the costs of group home services for eligible Minnesotans. These programs make quality residential care affordable for families who might otherwise struggle with the financial burden of specialized support services.
Community Integration Throughout Minnesota
Minnesota group homes actively promote community integration, helping residents participate in their local communities. Whether located in the Twin Cities metro area, Greater Minnesota, or suburban communities like Maple Grove, St. Michael, Spring Lake Park, or Bloomington, quality group homes help residents access local employment, recreational activities, shopping, and social events. This community connection is essential for maintaining quality of life and social development.
Personalized Support Services
Group homes in Minnesota provide individualized support tailored to each resident’s needs. Services may include assistance with daily living activities, medication management, transportation to day programs or work, behavioral support, and skill development. Minnesota’s person-centered planning requirements ensure that these services align with what matters most to each individual.
Safe, Home-Like Environment
Minnesota group homes offer 24-hour supervision in a comfortable residential setting. Unlike clinical facilities, these homes feel like actual homes—complete with kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. Residents can personalize their bedrooms, participate in household activities, and enjoy the security of round-the-clock professional support.
Skill Building and Independence
Many group homes in Minnesota focus on helping residents develop skills that increase independence. From cooking Minnesota favorites to managing personal finances, using public transportation, or improving social skills, residents receive encouragement and support as they work toward their goals. This emphasis on growth and development sets Minnesota group homes apart from purely custodial care settings.
Types of Group Homes in Minnesota
Minnesota offers several types of group homes to meet diverse needs:
Disability Group Homes: Serving adults with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorders. These Minnesota group homes often utilize 245-D waiver funding.
Elderly Group Homes: Providing care for seniors who need support but don’t require nursing home-level medical care. Many utilize the Elderly Waiver or Community Alternative Care waiver.
Brain Injury Group Homes: Specializing in care for individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries or acquired brain injuries.
Mental Health Group Homes: Supporting adults with mental health conditions who benefit from structured residential care.
Minnesota's CADI Waiver and Group Homes
The Minnesota waiver program is a critical funding source for disability group homes in Minnesota. This Medicaid waiver program allows eligible individuals to receive residential and support services in community-based settings rather than institutions. Group homes in Minnesota that accept waiver funding must meet specific requirements for licensing, programming, and person-centered planning.
If you’re considering group homes in Minnesota for a family member with disabilities, understanding your eligibility for the Minnesota waiver programs is essential. These programs can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with quality residential care.
Choosing the Right Group Home in Minnesota
When evaluating group homes in Minnesota, consider these important factors:
Location: Do you prefer a group home in the Twin Cities metro area, or would Greater Minnesota better suit your family? Consider proximity to family members, medical providers, and community resources.
Licensing and Compliance: Verify the home’s license status with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Review any licensing violations or correction orders to understand the home’s compliance history.
Staff Qualifications: Ask about staff training, experience, and turnover rates. Quality Minnesota group homes invest in ongoing staff development and maintain stable teams.
Person-Centered Approach: Request to see sample care plans and ask how often they’re updated. The best group homes in Minnesota actively involve residents and families in all planning decisions.
Waiver Acceptance: Confirm which Minnesota waiver programs the home accepts and whether they have availability for your specific funding source.
Community Integration: Ask how the home supports residents in accessing Minnesota communities, maintaining employment, and participating in activities they enjoy.
Visit in Person: Schedule tours of multiple group homes in Minnesota. Pay attention to the cleanliness, atmosphere, and interactions between staff and residents.
Regional Considerations for Group Homes in Minnesota
Different areas of Minnesota offer unique advantages for group home residents:
Twin Cities Metro: Group homes in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs like Bloomington, Maple Grove, and Spring Lake Park offer extensive community resources, public transportation options, and diverse employment opportunities.
Greater Minnesota: Group homes in outstate Minnesota often provide quieter settings with strong community connections and lower costs of living.
Suburban Communities: Areas like St. Michael, Maple Grove, and Spring Lake Park balance access to metro amenities with more residential, family-oriented neighborhoods.
The Admission Process for Minnesota Group Homes
Moving into a group home in Minnesota typically involves several steps:
- Assessment: The individual undergoes an assessment to determine care needs and waiver eligibility.
- Waiver Application: If applicable, families work with county case managers to apply for Minnesota waiver programs.
- Home Selection: Families tour and select appropriate group homes in Minnesota that meet their loved one’s needs.
- Pre-Admission Planning: The group home conducts its own assessment and develops an initial person-centered care plan.
- Trial Visits: Many Minnesota group homes offer trial visits to help ease the transition.
- Move-In: The individual moves in with support from family, the group home staff, and case managers.
Family Involvement in Minnesota Group Homes
Quality group homes in Minnesota recognize that family involvement strengthens outcomes for residents. The best homes maintain open communication, welcome family visits, and actively include families in care planning meetings. Minnesota regulations support family participation, ensuring that loved ones remain connected and informed throughout the residential care journey.
Conclusion
Group homes in Minnesota provide a valuable care option that combines professional support with person-centered dignity. Through Minnesota’s robust waiver programs, licensed oversight, and commitment to community integration, these homes help individuals with disabilities and special needs live fulfilling lives in safe, supportive environments.
Whether you’re searching for group homes in the Twin Cities metro area, Greater Minnesota, or specific communities like Maple Grove, Bloomington, St. Michael, or Spring Lake Park, taking time to research options, verify licensing, and visit homes in person will help you find the right fit. The best group homes in Minnesota don’t just provide care—they create homes where residents can grow, connect with their communities, and achieve their personal goals.
If you’re ready to explore group homes in Minnesota for your loved one, start by contacting your county case manager to discuss waiver eligibility and available options in your area
1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution: Your Go-To Group Home Provider
1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution is a premier assisted living and group home provider in Minnesota, offering person-centered care tailored to individuals with complex medical, cognitive, and behavioral needs. Our homes are uniquely designed to feel safe, supportive, and family-oriented, with highly trained staff—including a Doctor of Nurse Practice, Registered Nurses, and experienced caregivers—providing 24/7 compassionate support. We specialize in serving individuals with mental health conditions, physical disabilities, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic medical challenges, ensuring every resident receives personalized attention, dignity, and respect. With multiple locations across Maple Grove, Spring Lake Park, St. Michael, and Bloomington, we combine clinical expertise, warm home environments, and a commitment to empowerment, making our company one of Minnesota’s most trusted and exceptional group home providers.
Contact us now at 763-299-0025, admin@1on1comprehensivehealthcare.com or complete our intake form.
At 1 On 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution in Minnesota, we prioritize inclusivity, support, and a collaborative approach to ensure that your loved one receives all the tools they need to attain independence and self-sufficiency, giving you peace of mind. To learn more, we invite you to explore our Group Homes and meet our dedicated staff. Feel free to reach out to us for a detailed discussion about the group home services we provide.
