About Hiawatha
At Hiawatha HomeCare, our story is one of resilience, love, and a commitment to making a difference. Our roots trace back to the Seifert family and the inspiring life of Michael Seifert, whose challenges and triumphs shaped the foundation of everything we do today.
The Story of Hiawatha Homecare is the Story of the Seifert Family
The birth of Ted and Karen Seifert’s son Michael led to the birth of Hiawatha Homecare. Born in 1985 with a rare and complex illness and profound disabilities, Michael spent much of his first year of life in the hospital.
When he was one, Michael was once again admitted to the hospital, where his doctors said he would never be discharged home. His condition was such that he would spend the rest of his short life in intensive care. But Karen disagreed. She knew children should be at home with their families. So, Michael came home on life support.
At first, Karen hired a homecare agency to help care for Michael. Unfortunately, the agency’s level of service simply didn’t meet his needs. In 1988, determined to do her best for her son, Karen began her own homecare agency and took over Michael’s 24-hour care. Little did she know, this decision would transform their lives, and the lives of countless others.
"We have the unique perspective of being both a home care client and a home care agency."
For five years, Michael was Hiawatha’s only client. But as time went on, Karen realized there were many families just like hers–who needed a true partner in homecare. In 1993, she decided to expand her agency and become fully licensed and certified. Starting with a staff of four, Hiawatha Homecare has grown to employ over 700 nurses since its inception.
Michael Seifert was born on September 17, 1985.
Born with a rare and serious illness along with profound disabilities that had him in and out of the hospital the first year of his life. The next year Michael was hospitalized at the University of Minnesota, where doctors said his condition was such that he would spend his entire life in ICU and would never be discharged to home. But Karen disagreed. As she says, “Babies need to be with their families.” And so Michael came home on life support.
Our Experience and Services
Karen’s unique perspective on homecare became Hiawatha’s guiding philosophy. For most of Michael’s life, Karen was both a caregiver and a homecare recipient. This experience gave her valuable insight into two worlds–that of the client and that of the agency–and what it takes to create a successful partnership.
At Hiawatha Homecare, our mission is simple: help individuals with complex medical needs stay in the comfort of their own homes. We believe in proactive, personal intervention, working closely with clients and their families to avoid potential problems and ensure the best outcomes possible. Our highly-trained nurses provide exceptional 1-on-1 care, tailored to the specific needs of each individual we serve.
Because of our unique roots, we understand the value of having a care team that feels like an extension of your family. At Hiawatha Homecare, our care extends beyond simply meeting medical needs. We strive to make personal connections with our clients and their families through compassionate companionship, advocacy, and support.
Our Philosophy
Hiawatha HomeCare wasn’t just founded on a desire to provide quality medical assistance—it was built on firsthand experience. Karen’s dual role as both a caregiver and a recipient of care shaped the unique perspective that continues to guide us today. We understand the challenges families face because we’ve been there. This insight informs everything we do, from how we tailor our care plans to how we build relationships with the families we serve.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to help individuals with complex medical needs remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. We believe in proactive care and personalized attention, ensuring our clients and their families feel supported every step of the way.
More Than a Care Team—A Family
At Hiawatha HomeCare, our philosophy goes beyond medicine. We strive to create genuine, meaningful connections with our clients. We aim to be not just caregivers but companions and advocates who bring a steady hand and a warm heart into each home.
The Seifert family’s story is the foundation of everything we do. It’s a reminder that compassionate care can transform lives. It inspires us to live up to our motto, “Homecare from the Heart,” every single day.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, contact our team today.