Caregivers Need Support, Too

If you’re caring for another adult, you’re far from alone. The AARP found that 1 in 4 adults in the United States are caregivers in its 2025 annual survey of caregivers. Minnesota alone is home to 931,000 caregivers – more than the combined population of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Caregiving duties can range from grocery shopping and providing transportation to assisting a loved one who requires around-the-clock care. The average caregiver provides 27 hours of care per week, and 7 in 10 caregivers also hold another job, according to the survey.

Compared to 10 years ago, the share of the population performing caregiving duties has increased 45 percent, according to the AARP. Services like Meals on Wheels exist not only to help those receiving the meals, but also to support their caregivers. We’ve put together some additional resources for those caring for a loved one.

General Caregiving Assistance

Caregiving can be overwhelming, especially for those who have recently or unexpectedly found themselves in the role. Those looking for resources can start by calling Minnesota Aging Pathways at 800-333-2433. Trellis also maintains a list of resources for family caregivers in the Twin Cities.

Food Assistance

• Our Twin Cities Meals on Wheels programs provide ready-to-eat meals that can help caregivers with meal preparation. The daily visit from a volunteer also offers a safety check for recipients who are alone during the day.
• Help at Your Door offers grocery delivery service to older adults and people with disabilities.
• For those struggling to afford groceries for themselves or the people they care for, the Minnesota Food Help Line (888-711-1151 call or text) can help with applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and provide information on nearby food shelves or discounted grocery programs.

Financial Assistance

• The state’s MN Benefits website offers one application for assistance programs for those struggling with basic needs.
• Those age 60 and older generally qualify for free tax preparation services.

Chore Services and Transportation Assistance

• A number of community organizations provide home and yard maintenance to help older adults remain in their homes. See Trellis’s list of chore services based in the Twin Cities metro area.
• Assisted transportation programs offer older adults accessible rides to appointments if a caregiver is unavailable. Metro Mobility also provides transit services for those unable to use fixed-route transit services due to a disability or health condition.

Support Groups and Respite Care

• A number of caregiver support services throughout the Twin Cities offer adult day or respite care programs for caregivers who are still working or occasionally need a break. Many organizations also offer support groups and counseling services.
• The Alzheimer’s Association maintains a comprehensive list of virtual and in-person support groups for those caring for people with memory loss.
• Starting this year, Minnesotans caring for a family member with a serious health condition are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid family leave. Learn more about Minnesota’s Paid Leave program.