Seniors

Our services help seniors live in their communities as independently as possible. We work to make sure seniors and their families know what resources are available from the county, state and federal government.

We can help seniors apply for public assistance and navigate through home and community-based Medicaid programs, home care services and specialized housing. If you do not receive Medical Assistance, contact us to determine your eligibility for senior services and other programs the county offers.

To find out if you or someone in your care is eligible for Medical Assistance, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

To find out if you or someone in your care is eligible for other senior services, request MNCHOICES Assessment by calling 218-631-7605. 

Intake assessment

To apply for senior services, a social worker or public health nurse will complete an assessment to determine the best services to meet your long-term care needs and preferences. Wadena County offers assessments through MnCHOICES, an initiative of the Minnesota Department of Health.

Learn more about the services seniors and people with disabilities can qualify for by completing a MNCHOICES Assessment.

Community resources

• List of senior services from the Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Consumer Support Grant program
• Managed care programs
• Minnesota Board on Aging
• Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Minnesota Senior Health Options
• Minnesota Senior Linkage Line
• Nutrition programs
• Prescription drug options 

People with Disabilities

Wadena County helps children and adults with disabilities live healthy and well in the community. We may coordinate employment, housing, care services and more to meet residents' choices and needs.

To find out if you or someone in your care is eligible for disability services, request a MNCHOICES assessment by calling 218-631-7605. 

Intellectual and developmental disabilities

Wadena County provides services for people who were diagnosed before age 22 with a disability that affects the way they communicate, learn and make decisions.

Learn what services are available.

Physical disabilities and mental health

The Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI) waiver provided by the Minnesota Department of Health provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults, who would otherwise require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.

Community and home services

People with disabilities are best served alongside everyone else, and should be integrated into the community as much as possible, with the support of programs and services necessary to be successful.

Learn what services are available to help you be successful in the community.

State resources

Wadena County helps residents navigate state funding programs for physical and intellectual disabilities.

Brain injuries

Funding through a Brain Injury Waiver is available for children and adults who have acquired a traumatic brain injury and would otherwise require the level of care provided in either a nursing facility or neurobehavioral hospital.

Chronic medical condictions

The Community Alternative Care (CAC) waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults who are chronically ill. The waiver is designed to serve persons with disabilities who would otherwise require the level of care provided in a hospital.

Community Resources

Agencies and organizations

• Autism Society of Minnesota (AUSM) 
• Brain Injury Alliance of Minnesota 
• Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota
• Special Olympics Minnesota 
• United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota 

Disability benefits

• 101 tools for how working affects disability benefits 
• Disability Linkage and MinnesotaHelp.net 
• Housing for People with Disabilities video
• Minnesota Person-Centered Case Management and Services with 245D HCBS standards

Employment

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Disability Services 
• Social Security starter kits for disability applications