For families
When something changes, families need a place to start.
Most families do not wake up hoping to learn how Minnesota's care system works. They start looking because something difficult has already happened. A diagnosis. A fall. A hospital stay. A phone call.
Care navigation
You do not have to understand the whole system today.
You only need to understand the next decision. The work begins by clarifying what changed, what feels urgent, what information you already have, and who can help you answer the questions that should not be guessed.
That is exactly why this assessment exists. Not to replace county staff, providers, clinicians, attorneys, or eligibility experts. It helps organize the situation so your next conversation is more productive.
What families usually tell me
The hard part is often knowing where to begin.
"I don't know where to start."
"The hospital gave us a stack of papers."
"Everyone keeps using terms I don't understand."
"I'm afraid of making the wrong decision."
"I don't even know what questions to ask."
What you will receive
A practical roadmap for the next few decisions.
After completing the assessment, you will receive a personalized educational report that helps you move from overwhelm to a clearer next step.
This assessment is especially helpful if
Someone was recently diagnosed
A parent can no longer live safely alone
You are comparing care options
You are overwhelmed by Minnesota programs
You do not know where to begin
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Family Care Roadmap
A simple educational report that helps you see the situation, the open questions, and the next right move.
What appears to be happening and why the next decision matters.
The important details from your responses in plain language.
Programs, contacts, and topics worth exploring.
Questions to prepare before calling providers, counties, or referral sources.
A practical sequence for gathering information and making the next decision.
A calm recommendation for what I would focus on first.
Common Minnesota care questions
Families often search for programs. The real need is usually orientation.
When a parent, spouse, child, or loved one needs more support, it is natural to search for terms like PCA, CFSS, Elderly Waiver, Medical Assistance, home care, county services, or care coordination. Those searches matter, but they are only part of the decision.
Portage Advisory helps families organize the situation first: what changed, what support is needed, what information is missing, who has decision authority, and which official source should be contacted next.
Is PCA changing to CFSS in Minnesota?
CFSS is an important topic for many Minnesota families to understand. This site treats CFSS and PCA as educational topics to explore, not as eligibility decisions Portage can make for you.
How do I compare care providers?
Start by clarifying the care need, documents, payer path, safety concerns, and questions you will ask each provider consistently.
Where should my family start?
Begin with a plain-language summary of the situation, then identify whether your next conversation should be with the county, a care coordinator, payer, provider, or qualified professional.