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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Minneapolis, MN

Home Care Minneapolis, MN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Milwaukee Avenue Historic District in Minneapolis, MN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Minneapolis, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Minneapolis, MN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”

Gloria285054

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Minneapolis, MN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Minneapolis, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Minneapolis, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Minneapolis, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Minneapolis, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, MN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Minneapolis, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Capital Grille or visit Hinkle-Murphy House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Minneapolis, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Minneapolis, MN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Minneapolis, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Minneapolis, MN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Minneapolis, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Minneapolis, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Minneapolis, MN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Minneapolis, MN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Jones-Harrison Senior Living
  • Angels Assisted Living Inc
  • The Pillars of Prospect Park
  • Minnehaha Senior Living
  • The Waters on 50th
  • Abiitan Mill City
Home Care Minneapolis, MN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Minneapolis, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Minneapolis, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Minneapolis, MN

Latest News in Minneapolis, MN

MSP Airport plays catch-up after snowstorm causes hundreds of cancellations, dozens of delays

On what was already projected to be its busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving period, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport spent Sunday morning recovering after halting flights due to Saturday's winter storm.MSP's runway was shut down Saturday night into Sunday for nearly two hours. The Sunday after Turkey Day is the busiest travel holiday of the year."The dinner was a treat!" said Anita Diosd.Diosd was travelling back to the United Kingdom, which means back to reality."I'm on my way home for...

On what was already projected to be its busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving period, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport spent Sunday morning recovering after halting flights due to Saturday's winter storm.

MSP's runway was shut down Saturday night into Sunday for nearly two hours. The Sunday after Turkey Day is the busiest travel holiday of the year.

"The dinner was a treat!" said Anita Diosd.

Diosd was travelling back to the United Kingdom, which means back to reality.

"I'm on my way home for a few days before we head back out to Chicago next week," said Nicholas Bogannam, who was traveling back to Colorado.

But for the 81.8 million Americans who AAA projected to transport via car, airplane or even bus, train or cruise, Mother Nature brought other plans.

"There's people sleeping all over the ground, camping out," said Sophie Geernaert, who was traveling back to Nova Scotia, Canada.

The National Weather Service recorded 4.7 inches of snow at MSP, a snowstorm that hit the region causing many people to reroute.

Sophie Geernaert says it wasn't even possible to drive to her original flight out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ultimately having to reroute the Twin Cities.

"I quickly got on, talked to American Airlines, canceling the second half of my flight to get back to Halifax, then flew out of her town on a different airline," said Geenaert.

AAA expected more than 5.8 million around its West North Central region, including Minnesota, to hit the road throughout Thanksgiving.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the storm caused 139 crashes, 161 vehicle spinouts/offroad incidents and four jackknifed semi trucks between Saturday night and 10 a.m. Sunday. There are no reported fatalities, but the state patrol says nine of the crashes involved injuries that aren't considered life-threatening.

"When you can't control it, you have to go with the flow," said Dan Granholm, who was traveling back to Maine. "Ride the wave, baby."

MSP saw 33 cancellations and over 200 delays on Saturday.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says hundreds of snowplows are out and about, and they urge motorists to watch out for slick spots on ramps, bridges and overpasses.

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    Snow totals rise across Minnesota after storm that lasted up to 30 hours

    Rochester saw up to 8.5 inches, and 4 to 6 inches fell across the Twin Cities. The NWS says colder days are ahead.Southern Minnesota got the brunt of this weekend’s long-lasting snowstorm, with some of the highest totals centered around Rochester, according to the National Weather Service.Meteorologist Brennan Dettmann said the Rochester area recorded 7 to 8.5 inches in the past 48 hours — the highest amounts coming from within the city itself. Totals tapered off steadily to the north.“As you head towar...

    Rochester saw up to 8.5 inches, and 4 to 6 inches fell across the Twin Cities. The NWS says colder days are ahead.

    Southern Minnesota got the brunt of this weekend’s long-lasting snowstorm, with some of the highest totals centered around Rochester, according to the National Weather Service.

    Meteorologist Brennan Dettmann said the Rochester area recorded 7 to 8.5 inches in the past 48 hours — the highest amounts coming from within the city itself. Totals tapered off steadily to the north.

    “As you head toward the Twin Cities, you get that gradient,” Dettmann said, noting 6 to 7 inches around the Mankato corridor and about 6 inches on the south side of the metro. Downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul saw roughly 5 inches, with around 4 inches on the north side.

    Dettmann said the storm, which started Friday night, didn’t pack heavy intensity at any one moment, but its duration made it notable. “It snowed for over 24 hours — closer to 30 hours in the Twin Cities — and it was a pretty steady snow that was able to just pile on throughout that time,” he said.

    In the past 24 hours, state troopers responded to 417 crashes — including 24 non–life threatening injuries — along with 399 spinouts or vehicles off the road that needed tow assistance and 11 jackknifed semis, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

    Among those crashes was a 5-vehicle pileup about 1:25 p.m. Saturday near Northfield that sent two people to area hospitals with injuries that were not life threatening. A semitrailer truck was being pulled out of a ditch at Interstate 35 and Highway 19 and the driver of a vehicle failed to see the semi, which led to the chain of crashes on icy roads.

    The snowfall may feel unusual after a relatively quiet start to the season, Dettmann said, but November typically brings about 7 inches on average.

    No additional major storms are on the horizon. “This is the last big snowstorm that we can see in the near future,” Dettmann said. A few weak systems, which may pass through next week, are expected to bring about an inch or less of snow each.

    The bigger story will be the cold. “The snow that’s here is going to stick around,” he said. Winds Tuesday still may cause some drifting, but temperatures are expected to drop and stay low through the week.

    Snow emergencies declared in Minneapolis, St. Paul after weekend storm

    Several communities across the Twin Cities are under a snow emergency on Sunday following a Thanksgiving weekend storm that dumped several inches on parts of Minnesota.The National Weather Service reports 4.7 inches of snow fell at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, though there was a range of 3-6 inches of accumulation reported across the metro.Snow emergency rules can be confusing, and can lead to pricey tickets and unwelcomed trips to the impound lot. So let's break down the protocols in Minneapolis and St. Paul....

    Several communities across the Twin Cities are under a snow emergency on Sunday following a Thanksgiving weekend storm that dumped several inches on parts of Minnesota.

    The National Weather Service reports 4.7 inches of snow fell at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, though there was a range of 3-6 inches of accumulation reported across the metro.

    Snow emergency rules can be confusing, and can lead to pricey tickets and unwelcomed trips to the impound lot. So let's break down the protocols in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

    Minneapolis rules

    Starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday, you can't park on either side of the street on snow emergency routes.

    Starting Monday at 8 a.m., you can't park on the even side of the street for any non-emergency snow routes.

    Then starting Tuesday at 8 a.m., don't park on the odd side of the street through Tuesday at 8 a.m.

    When in doubt, Minneapolis has its own snow emergency app, and there's also an interactive map to check out on the city's website. You can also use 311 for assistance.

    St. Paul rules

    In the capital city, it's a bit more complicated. Snow emergencies go by day and night plow routes.

    Starting at 9 p.m. on Sunday, parking is prohibited on all "night plow route" streets, which includes all of downtown.

    Then starting at 8 a.m. Monday, don't park on "day plow route" streets.

    St. Paul's snow emergency lasts until Thursday at 9 p.m. The city's website also has an interactive map that you can check out to help you know where to park.

    New Hope and Plymouth are also under snow emergencies, with parking prohibited on all city streets in both communities.

    Click here for more information on snow emergencies and closings.

  • In:

    Minneapolis and St. Paul declare snow emergencies after Saturday storm

    MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have declared snow emergencies following the season's first major snowstorm on Saturday.Minneapolis snow emergency What they're saying:Minneapolis officials are asking the public to follow parking rules to help crews plow more than 1,000 miles of streets.The city announced that the following rules will be in effect for the next three days:More information from the city, including a snow emergency parking map of the can...

    MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have declared snow emergencies following the season's first major snowstorm on Saturday.

    Minneapolis snow emergency

    What they're saying:

    Minneapolis officials are asking the public to follow parking rules to help crews plow more than 1,000 miles of streets.

    The city announced that the following rules will be in effect for the next three days:

    More information from the city, including a snow emergency parking map of the can be found by clicking here.

    St. Paul snow emergency

    Local perspective:

    St. Paul city officials say night plow routes will begin at 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, which will include all streets with signs posted "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE" and "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE THIS SIDE OF STREET."

    Any vehicles not moved from a night plow route by 9 p.m. will be ticketed and towed.

    Starting Monday, Dec. 1, all crews will work on "DAY PLOW ROUTES", which are not marked by signs. If there are no "Night Plow" signs posted within the block, it is considered a day plow route.

    Vehicles that are not moved from Day Plow Routes by 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, will be ticketed and towed.

    The snow emergency is set to last 96 hours, or until Dec. 4, 2025 at 9 p.m.

    Do not park in areas where streets are not plowed to the curb, and remember to follow posted street signs.

    More information on St. Paul's snow emergency can be found by clicking here.

    Tracking Minnesota weather

    What you can do:

    To get the latest updates and track the snowy weather, you can download the FOX 9 Weather app.

    The latest FOX 9 weather forecast can also be found by clicking here.

    The Source: This story uses information shared by the City of Minneapolis.

    Dude, where's my ... driver? Waymo rolls out autonomous fleet in Minneapolis

    Starting Thursday, a mixed fleet of its Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr RT vehicles will be visible on Minnesota roads, already with an emphasis on safety as winter looms.MINNEAPOLIS — Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing company, is officially coming to Minneapolis, making it the sixth city in the U.S. to utilize its self-driving technology."Waymo is excited to lay the early groundwork for our fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Minneapolis," a Waymo spokesperson told KARE.The spokesperson said starting Thurs...

    Starting Thursday, a mixed fleet of its Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr RT vehicles will be visible on Minnesota roads, already with an emphasis on safety as winter looms.

    MINNEAPOLIS — Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing company, is officially coming to Minneapolis, making it the sixth city in the U.S. to utilize its self-driving technology.

    "Waymo is excited to lay the early groundwork for our fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Minneapolis," a Waymo spokesperson told KARE.

    The spokesperson said starting Thursday, a mixed fleet of its Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr RT vehicles will be visible on Minnesota roads, joining Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco.

    Waymo claims that despite the lack of a human behind the wheel, its vehicles have actually made roads safer.

    Compared to traditional driving, Waymo said the "Waymo Driver" has experienced 11 times fewer serious injury crashes; five times fewer crashes with airbag deployment; and five times fewer injury-causing crashes — based on data from 96 million rider-only miles without a human driver since June.

    Additionally, the company's spokesperson said officials have already done their research about how well the unmanned vehicles will operate through Minnesota's sometimes unpredictable — often extreme — winter weather conditions.

    "To prepare for Minneapolis’ winter weather, we’ve made great strides in our efforts to operate in heavier snow — including testing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, California’s Sierra Nevada, and Upstate New York," the spokesperson said.

    "We continue to validate our sixth-generation Waymo Driver, which leverages Waymo's AI and robust cleaning mechanisms to sustain fully autonomous operations in snow and ice.

    A statement from the company added, "The Waymo Driver is designed to follow the rules of the road, and it is never tired, impaired, or distracted."

    "Sleet or shine, our technology is making roads safer where we operate, and we share a desire for safe transportation options with the Minneapolis community," the spokesperson said.

    According to Waymo, its software works by using "advanced ML and AI techniques" in tandem with its lidar, radar and cameras to a "highly detailed image of the world around the vehicle."

    Waymo announced at the same time it expands into Minnesota, plans are also in the works to introduce its self-driving fleets to New Orleans and Tampa.

    Those interested in using the service can download the Waymo app for both Apple and Android now.

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