All nursing home applicants must have a Long Term Care Consultation (LTCC) completed before entering a nursing home. LTCC is an evaluation of your actual needs and preferences. A team including a public health nurse and a social worker (in consultation with your physician) visit with you and your family to determine how you can continue to live with the least restrictions. After your needs have been identified and resources evaluated, the team makes a recommendation. This may either be nursing home placement or the development of a plan to provide services to you in the community. The final decision is made by you. Minnesota has an "Alternative Care" program that may be able to help pay for services provided in your home if you would qualify for medical assistance within 180 days of nursing home admission. You also must be at risk for nursing home placement. Your eligibility for this program is determined during a preadmission screening.