Senior Transportation and Escorted Rides in Excelsior, MN
Rides to appointments, shopping, the pharmacy and visits with a caregiver who stays with the person, not only a driver who drops them off. Post what you need in Excelsior for free and hire a caregiver directly, with no agency mark-up.
Senior Transportation in Excelsior, MN: the local picture
About 53 Excelsior households, 4.2%, have no vehicle (9.3% in Hennepin County). The Census figure covers all ages, but older adults who stop driving are a large part of it.
Hospitals with an emergency department near Excelsior: St Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee (8.8 mi); Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in Saint Louis Park (9.7 mi); Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia (11 mi). Distances are straight-line, so allow more on the road.
20% of residents 65 and older report a disability. If walking is hard, look for a caregiver who is comfortable with walkers and car transfers, not only a driver.
Excelsior compared with Hennepin County and Minnesota
| Census figure | Excelsior | Hennepin County | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Households with no vehicle | 4.2% | 9.3% | 6.7% |
| Residents 65+ with a disability | 20% | 27% | 28% |
| Residents 65 or older | 19% | 16% | 17% |
| Residents 65+ in households who live alone | 34% | 34% | 30% |
| Residents 65+ below the poverty line (approx.) | 4.5% | 8.9% | 8.8% |
| Residents 85 or older | 1.6% | 1.9% | 2.1% |
Older residents in towns around Excelsior
| Town | Distance | Residents 65+ | Households with no car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorewood, MN | 1.4 mi | 1,498 | 2.7% |
| Deephaven, MN | 2.7 mi | 673 | 5.7% |
| Chanhassen, MN | 3.4 mi | 4,001 | 2.3% |
| Orono, MN | 4.2 mi | 1,441 | 2.7% |
| Mound, MN | 4.9 mi | 1,850 | 8.2% |
| Wayzata, MN | 5.2 mi | 1,551 | 9.2% |
Hospitals near Excelsior
| Hospital with an emergency department | Town | Distance | CMS overall rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Francis Regional Medical Center | Shakopee, MN | 8.8 mi | 3 of 5 | (952) 428-3000 |
| Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital | Saint Louis Park, MN | 9.7 mi | 3 of 5 | (952) 993-5000 |
| Ridgeview Medical Center | Waconia, MN | 11 mi | 4 of 5 | (952) 442-2191 |
| M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital | Edina, MN | 12 mi | 5 of 5 | (952) 924-5000 |
Straight-line miles from the center of Excelsior. Medicare (CMS) data, October 2026; call ahead to confirm. We are not affiliated with these providers.
What a caregiver who drives can help with
- Rides to doctor, dental and therapy appointments
- Waiting during the appointment and taking notes
- Grocery shopping, pharmacy and errands
- Trips to church, the senior center and family
What senior transportation costs in Excelsior
At the Minnesota median aide wage of $18.45 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,599 a month in wages. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Minnesota's minimum wage is $11.41 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).
Hiring directly, you agree the rate with the caregiver and usually become the household employer (U.S. Department of Labor rules). Some families qualify for programs that pay for care at home; see Medicaid programs for family caregivers: who can be paid, and the rules in 12 states.
What to know before hiring a caregiver who drives
Giving up driving is a common reason older adults start to miss appointments and see fewer people. Before a caregiver drives, agree whose car is used, check that the auto insurance covers it, and agree a mileage rate in writing. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center and the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can point you to free and low-cost ride programs.
Questions worth asking: May I see your license and proof of auto insurance? Will you drive your car or ours? How do you help someone with a walker in and out of the car? More in our senior transportation guide.
CaregiverConnect does not run background checks. Check identity, references and any certification yourself before anyone starts. The Safety Center explains how.
Senior Transportation in Excelsior: common questions
Where is the nearest emergency hospital to Excelsior?
St Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, about 8.8 mi in a straight line from the center of Excelsior (Medicare hospital file). Its listed phone number is (952) 428-3000. In an emergency, call 911.
How much does senior transportation cost in Excelsior?
At the Minnesota median aide wage of $18.45 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,599 a month in wages. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Minnesota's minimum wage is $11.41 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).
Does Medicare pay for rides to appointments?
Original Medicare covers emergency ambulance trips, not routine rides. Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation for eligible members, and some Medicare Advantage plans include rides (Medicare.gov).
More senior care near Excelsior
Senior Transportation in nearby cities
- Senior Transportation in Shorewood, MN
- Senior Transportation in Deephaven, MN
- Senior Transportation in Chanhassen, MN
- Senior Transportation in Orono, MN
- Senior Transportation in Mound, MN
- Senior Transportation in Wayzata, MN
- Senior Transportation in Victoria, MN
- Senior Transportation in Minnetonka, MN
- Senior Transportation in Chaska, MN
- Senior Transportation in Eden Prairie, MN
- Senior Transportation in Minnetrista, MN
- Senior Transportation in Hopkins, MN
- Senior Transportation in Medina, MN
- Senior Transportation in Plymouth, MN
- Senior Transportation in Shakopee, MN
- Senior Transportation in Edina, MN
Other care in Excelsior
Sources
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year; CMS provider data (October 25, 2026); U.S. DOL state minimum wages (July 1, 2026); BLS OEWS May 2025 aide wages, which cover employed aides rather than private rates.
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