SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING BY ASSISTING WITH HOUSEHOLD TASKS AND DAILY ROUTINES
Homemaker Services in Minnesota assist individuals who need support with essential household tasks to maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment. These services are especially beneficial for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those recovering from illness. Homemaker Services are offered through Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
Role: Coordinates home support services, including homemaker services, under HCBS Waivers
Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Role: Licenses and regulates home care agencies providing homemaker services
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance
2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW
Homemaker Services focus on assisting individuals with essential household activities to ensure a safe and well-maintained living space. Services are tailored according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:
- Light housekeeping (e.g., dusting, vacuuming)
- Laundry and linen changes
- Meal preparation and basic cooking assistance
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Organizing personal spaces and maintaining cleanliness
- Assistance with planning and budgeting for household needs
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
- Register business with the Minnesota Secretary of State
- Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
- Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Minnesota Department of Human Services
- Obtain a Comprehensive Home Care Provider License from the Minnesota Department of Health
- Maintain liability insurance and documentation of staff qualifications
4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Pre-Application Contact
- Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to understand homemaker service provider requirements
Step 2: Application Submission
- Submit business registration, liability insurance, and service descriptions
Step 3: License Verification
- Obtain and verify the Comprehensive Home Care Provider License
Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment
- Once approved, receive a Medicaid provider number and authorization to provide services
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration
- IRS EIN Letter
- NPI confirmation
- Comprehensive Home Care Provider License
- Liability insurance certificate
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Client intake and needs assessment protocols
- Safety and hygiene procedures
- Cleaning and household maintenance guidelines
- Documentation of services and client feedback logs
- Staff training and supervision records
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Homemaker Program Manager
Requirements: Experience in home support services or social services management
Role: Homemaker / Household Support Aide
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Background check and TB clearance
- Basic training in household safety and cleaning practices
Training Requirements:
- Safety and infection control
- Household management and task planning
- Client communication and service documentation
- Emergency response and risk management
7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES
Homemaker Services in Minnesota are available through:
- 1915(c) HCBS Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled
- Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
Approved providers may deliver:
- General housekeeping and cleaning support
- Meal preparation and grocery assistance
- Basic home organization and safety maintenance
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment
Timeline: 60–90 days
Phase: Staff Hiring and Training
Timeline: 30–45 days
Phase: Facility and Equipment Setup
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
Website: https://mn.gov/dhs
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us
10. SCOPE OF WORK
- Business registration and licensing assistance
- Medicaid provider enrollment
- Policy & procedure manual for homemaker service operations
- Templates for cleaning logs and client feedback forms
- Website, domain, and email setup
- Staff credentialing and training documentation
- Client intake packet and service plans
- Risk management and safety protocols
- Referral networking with community agencies and healthcare providers
WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MINNESOTA HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER
We support agencies and entrepreneurs in launching compliant Homemaker Services across Minnesota under the HCBS Waiver models.
To get started, click the link to request portal access