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Minnesota is a wonderful place for an active senior to retire, with plentiful golf courses and some of the countries best bike trails (including 95 that are accessible to wheelchairs). While retirement income is taxed, there are tax exemptions available for the elderly in this state. There are many people that choose to retire here, and it’s projected that 1 in 5 of all Minnesotans will be over age 65 by the year 2030.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Minnesota

While you’re researching assisted living facility options in Minnesota, you’ll want to note information about available amenities, room sizes, services, prices and more. See our comprehensive directory below to view detailed information about assisted living facilities in the state of Minnesota.

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How to Pay for Assisted Living in Minnesota

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Minnesota and 43 additional cities within Minnesota.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Minnesota

Minnesota’s assisted living costs have increased by about 1% from 2022 to 2023, which is a much lower rate of inflation than the national average at nearly 10%. In fact, Minnesota’s prices are projected to go down in 2024 by almost 3%, while the national average could rise again by 8%.

Neighboring states show a variety of price trends. Wisconsin’s prices have risen to $4,992 in 2023, and North Dakota’s rates are up by 14%. Iowa’s prices are rising more slowly at about 2.5%, while South Dakota’s have dropped slightly. To account for changing costs, seniors must plan carefully.

Location 2022 Cost (Historical) 2023 Cost (Current) 2024 Cost (Estimated)
Minnesota $4,399 $4,433 $4,314
U.S. Average $4,070 $4,459 $4,802
Wisconsin $4,269 $4,992 $5,606
North Dakota $3,047 $3,472 $3,653
South Dakota $4,514 $4,443 $4,732
Iowa $4,770 $4,879 $5,006

Assisted Living Costs in Minnesota's Top Cities

Minnesota’s cities show a variety of assisted living rates. The state average is $4,433 per month. Minneapolis’ costs are nearly on par at $4,332. St. Paul’s prices jump to $5,249. Mankato’s rates are significantly lower at $3,411, while Duluth’s fall on the bottom end of the cost spectrum at $3,350. Cost of living and available resources play an important role in assisted living prices in these cities.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Minnesota residents have many choices for senior living. People who can live independently but still want some enjoyable amenities might select independent living for about $2,697 per month. Seniors who need help with daily living activities, medication and household tasks may turn to assisted living for $4,433. Memory care is designed for people struggling with memory loss. It costs an average of $5,934.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Minnesota

In Minnesota, assisted living facilities are called housing with services establishments, or just establishments. While Minnesota’s Medical Assistance (MA) program, commonly called Medicaid in other states, doesn’t pay room and board, it does provide payment waivers for assisted living services received while living in a housing with services establishment.

Elderly Medicaid Waiver

Residents of Minnesota that need financial assistance for long-term care services received at housing with services establishments may qualify for the Elderly Waiver (EW) if they are low-income and in need of nursing-home level carer.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for long-term care coverage through the Medical Assistance program, applicants need to require assistance with at least four activities of daily living (ADLs).

Applicants also need to qualify based on age and income:

  • All applicants need to be at least 65 years old, or disabled.
  • Applicants must be citizens of the US and residents of Minnesota.
  • Monthly income limits are generally set at 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) a month for each individual, $1,012 in 2018 or $1,372 for a couple
  • Total assets cannot exceed $3,000, or $6,000 for a couple. If one spouse remains in the community, they may be transferred assets up to $123,600. Other assets are commonly excluded, like a personal vehicle and burial expenses
  • Some applicants may be able to “spend down” their income to qualify; if they participate in this program, their income limit changes to 80% of the FPG, or $810.

Alternative Care Program

Residents of Minnesota that need financial assistance for long-term care services but do not financially qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) may apply for Alternative Care (AC). Applicants with assets over the income limit (such as a house worth more than $500,000) must contribute a portion of their assets to pay for the costs of assisted living in a spend-down process. The AC program provides the same services as the Elderly Waiver, as well as services provided at home like a relative caregiver waiver and nutrition counseling. Applicants may receive up to 60 days of care while the application is processing.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for Alternative Care (AC), applicants must be above the age of 65 and not qualified for Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA) program, despite the need for nursing home care. The applying senior may have more resources than traditionally allowed, but not more than what would fund 135 days of care in a nursing home.

The AC program is designed to help those elders who do not qualify for income-based programs, and are in the process of running out of money to fund their aging services. To qualify financially, an elder must have limited assets or a low monthly income. Assets can be no greater than $3,000 or the elder’s income must be less than $1,234 a month.

Those with incomes above $1,518 will still qualify for services, as long as their assets stay below $10,000- there will be a service fee, however, which amounts to 5-30% of the cost of AC services. Additionally, any elder who is currently barred from federal aging assistance services due to the transfer of a large sum of money within the previous five years will not qualify for this, or any federal medical assistance program for aging.

Housing Support Program

Low-income elders may qualify for the Housing Support program, previously the Group Housing Program, which helps pay for room and board in assisted living facilities. Payment amounts increase yearly; in 2017 up to $904 may be provided for room and board in a month. Participants of this program who aren’t eligible for the Elderly Waiver may also be able to receive supplementary payments up to $482.84 a month for extra care services they need. There is sometimes a waitlist for this program.

Who is Eligible?

Participants of the housing support program must be 65 or older and are bound to the same asset standards as Medicaid recipients, as listed above. Income cannot exceed $750 a month, or $1,125 if a married couple. The person applying must also need help with at least two health or supervisory services to qualify for a supplementary payment.

How to Apply

To apply, you’ll first need to request a long-term care consultation (LTCC). Find your local county health care office using the table below to contact and apply for medical assistance or housing support.

County Health Care Office Address Phone Number
White Earth Human Services 2531 310th Avenue
Naytahwaush, MN 56566
(218) 935-5554
Aitkin County Health and Human Services 204 First St. NW
Aitkin, MN 56431-1291
(218) 927-7200 or

(800) 328-3744

Anoka County Government Center 2100 Third Ave., Suite 600
Anoka, MN 55303
(763) 324-1200
Becker County Human Services 712 Minnesota Ave.
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-5628
Beltrami County Human Services 616 America Ave. NW, Suite 100
Bemidji, MN 56601
(218) 333-4223
Benton County Human Services 531 Dewey St.
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-5087 or

(800) 530-6254

Big Stone County Aging Services 340 Second St. NW
Ortonville, MN 56278
(320) 839-2555
Blue Earth County Human Services 410 S. Fifth St.
Mankato, MN 56002
(507) 304-4335
Brown County Adult Services 1117 Center St.
New Ulm, MN 56073
(507) 233-6820 or

(800) 450-8246

Carlton County Human Services 14 N 11th Street, Suite 200
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-4583 or

(800) 642-9082

Carver County Adult Services 600 E. Fourth St.
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1999
Cass County Human Services 400 Michigan Ave. W.
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-1340
Chippewa County Family Services 719 N. Seventh St., Suite 200

Montevideo, MN 56265

(320) 269-6401 or
(800) 450-6401
Chisago County Human Services 313 North Main Street, Rm 239
Center City, MN 55012
(651) 213-5640 or

(888) 234-1246

Clay County Social Services 715 N. 11th St., Suite 303
Moorhead, MN 56560
(218) 299-5220 or

(877) 282-2435

Clearwater County Dept of Human Services 216 Park Ave. NW
Bagley, MN 56621
(218) 694-6164 or

(800) 245-6064

Crow Wing County Human Services 204 Laurel St., Suite 22
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 824-1140
Cook County Adult Services 411 W. Second St.
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-3620 or

(800) 663-6771

Des Moine Valley Health & human Services 11 Fourth St.
Windom, MN 56101
(507) 831-1891
Des Moine Valley Jackson Office 407 Fifth Street
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-4000 or

(800) 622-5207

Dakota County Community Services 1 Mendota Road W., Ste 100
W St. Paul, MN 55118
(651) 554-5611
Dodge County Department of Human Services 22 6th St. East, Dept. 401
Mantorville, MN 55955
(507) 923-2900 or

(507) 635-6150

Waseca County Public Health 299 Johnson Ave. SE, Ste. 160
Waseca, MN 56093
(507) 835-0685
Douglas County Adult Services 809 Elm St., Suite 1186
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-2302
Faribault County Human Services Center 412 N. Nicollet St.
Blue Earth, MN 56013
(507) 526-3265
Fillmore County Social Services 902 Houston St. NW, Suite 1
Preston, MN 55965
(507) 765-2175
Freeborn County Dept of Human Services 203 W. Clark St.
Albert Lea, MN 56007
(507) 377-5401
Goodhue County Health and Human Services 426 West Ave.
Red Wing, MN 55066
(651) 385-3200
Grant County Social Services Department 28 Central Ave. S.
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
(218) 685-8200
Hennepin County Human Services & Public Health Department 1001 Plymouth Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 596-1300 or

(844) 803-8466

Houston County Human Services 304 S. Marshall St.
Caledonia, MN 55921
(507) 725-5811
Hubbard County Social Service Center 205 Court Ave.
Park Rapids, MN 56470
(218) 732-1451 or

(877) 450-1451

Isanti County Family Services 1700 E. Rum River Dr. S., Ste. A
Cambridge, MN 55008
(763) 689-1711 or

(763) 689-9877

Itasca County Health and Human Services 1209 Second Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 327-2941 or

(800) 422-0312

Kanabec County Family Service Department 905 Forest Ave. E., Suite 150
Mora, MN 55051
(320) 679-6350
Kandiyohi County Family Services 2200 23rd St. NE, Suite 1020
Willmar, MN 56201
(320) 231-7800 or

(877) 464-7800

Kittson County Social Services 410 S. Fifth St., Suite 100
Hallock, MN 56728
(218) 843-2689 or

(800) 672-8026

Koochiching County Human Services 1000 Fifth St.
International Falls, MN 56649
(218) 283-7000 or

(800) 950-4630

Lac Qui Parle County Family Service Center 930 First Ave. N.
Madison, MN 56256
(320) 598-7594
Lake County Human Services 616 Third Ave.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-8400
Lake of the Woods Social Service Department 206 Eighth Ave. SE, Suite 200
Baudette, MN 56623
(218) 634-2642
Le Sueur County Dept of Human Services 88 S. Park Ave.
Le Center, MN 56057
(507) 357-8288
Lincoln County SW Health and Human Services 319 N. Rebecca St.
Ivanhoe, MN 56142
(507) 694-1452 or

(800) 657-3781

Lyon County SW Health and Human Services 607 W. Main St., Suite 100
Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 537-6747 or

(800) 657-3760

Mahnomen County Human Services 311 N. Main St.
Mahnomen, MN 56557
(218) 935-2568
Marshall County Social Services 208 E. Colvin Ave., Suite 14
Warren, MN 56762
(218) 745-5124 or

(800) 642-5444

Martin County Human Services Center 115 W. First St.
Fairmont, MN 56031
(507) 238-4757
McLeod County Social Service Center 1805 Ford Ave. N., Suite 100
Glencoe, MN 55336
(320) 864-3144 or

(800) 247-1756

Meeker County Social Services 114 N. Holcombe Ave., Suite 180
Litchfield, MN 55355
(320) 693-5300 or

(877) 915-5300

Mille Lacs County Elderly Services 525 Second St. SE
Milaca, MN 56353
(320) 983-8208 or

(888) 270-8208

Morrison County Social Services 213 SE First Ave.
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-2951 or

(800) 269-1464

Mower County Health and Human Services 201 First St. NE, Suite 18
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 437-9701
Murray County SW Human Services 3001 Maple Road, Suite 100
Slayton, MN 56172
(507) 836-6144 or

(800) 657-3811

Nicollet County Human Services 622 South Front Street
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 934-8559
Nobles County Family Service Agency 318 Ninth St.
Worthington, MN 56187
(507) 295-5213
Norman County Social Service Center 15 Second Ave. E., Room 108
Ada, MN 56510
(218) 784-5400 or

(833) 543-1964

Olmsted County Community Services 2117 Campus Drive SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 328-6500
Otter Tail County Dept of Human Services 535 Fir Ave. W.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
(218) 998-8230
Pennington County Human Services 318 N. Knight Ave.
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2880 or

(888) 681-2880

Pine County Health and Human Services 315 Main St. South, Suite 200
Pine City, MN 55063
(800) 450-7463 ext. 1570
Pipestone County Family Service Agency 1091 N. Hiawatha Ave.
Pipestone, MN 56164
(507) 825-6720 or

(888) 632-4325

Polk County Social Services

Crookston Branch

612 N. Broadway, Room 302
Crookston, MN 56716
(218) 281-3127 or

(877) 281-3127

Polk County Social Service Center

East Grand Forks Branch

1424 Central Ave. NE
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
(218) 773-2431 or

(877) 281-3127

Polk County Social Service Center

McIntosh Branch

250 SW Cleveland Ave.
McIntosh, MN 56556
(218) 435-1585 or

(877) 281-3127

Pope County Human Services 211 E. Minnesota Ave. #200
Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 634-7755
Ramsey County Human Services Department 160 E. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 266-4444
Red Lake County Social Services 125 Edward Ave. SW
Red Lake Falls, MN 56750
(218) 253-4131 or

(877) 294-0846

Redwood County Human Services 266 E. Bridge Street
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
(507) 637-4041 or

(888) 234-1292

Renville County Human Services 105 S. Fifth St., Suite 203H
Olivia, MN 56277
(320) 523-2202
Rice County Social Services 320 Third St. NW, #2
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 332-6115
Rock County Family Service Agency 2 Roundwind Road
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-5070
Roseau County Social Services 208 Sixth St. SW
Roseau, MN 56751
(218) 463-2411 or

(866) 255-2932

St. Louis County Social Service Department 320 W. Second St.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-2101 or

(800) 450-9777

St. Louis County Northland Branch Office 307 S. First St.
Virginia, MN 55792
(218) 749-7137
Scott County Human Services 200 4th Avenue W.
Shakopee, MN 55379
(952) 496-8686
Sherburne County Social Services 13880 Business Center Drive, Ste. 100
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4000 or

(800) 433-5239

Sibley County Human Services 111 Eighth St.
Gaylord, MN 55334
(507) 237-4000 or

(866) 396-9963

Stearns County Adult and Senior Services 705 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56302
(320) 656-6000 or

(800) 450-3663

Steele County Human Services 630 Florence Ave.
Owatonna, MN 55060
(507) 431-5600
Stevens County Human Services Department 400 Colorado Avenue, Suite 104
Morris, MN 56267
(320) 208-6600 or

(800) 950-4429

Swift County Human Services 410 21st Street S,
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843‑3160
Todd County Social Services 212 Second Ave. S.
Long Prairie, MN 56347
(320) 732-4500 or

(888) 838-4066

Traverse County Social Services Department 202 Eighth St. N.
Wheaton, MN 56296
(320) 422-7777 or

(855) 735-8916

Wabasha County Department of Social Services 411 Hiawatha Drive E.
Wabasha, MN 55981
(651) 565-3351 or

(888) 315-8815

Wadena County Social Services 124 First St. SE
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-7605 or

(888) 662-2737

Waseca County Department of Human Services 299 Johnson Ave. SW, Suite 160
Waseca, MN 56093
(507) 837-6600
Washington County Community Services 14949 62nd St. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 430-6455
Watonwan County Human Services 715 Second Ave. S.
St. James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3294 or

(888) 299-5941

Wilkin County Public Health 227 6th Street North
Breckenridge, MN 56520
(218) 643-7161
Winona County Department of Human Services 202 West Third Street
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 457-6500
Wright County Human Services 1004 Commercial Drive
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-7414 or

(800) 362-3667

Yellow Medicine County Family Service Center 415 9th Avenue, Suite 202
Granite Falls, MN 56241
(320) 564-2211

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.
  • Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Minnesota

There are many resources in Minnesota that assist seniors in their retirement. Assistedliving.org has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

 

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging Area Agencies on Aging in Minnesota provide an array of services designed to promote independence and enhance the quality of life for older individuals. Meal programs help ensure seniors receive adequate nutrition, and transportation programs enable seniors to attend medical appointments and run errands. Wellness-focused services include exercise classes, social opportunities, health screenings and support groups. Seniors can obtain assistance completing benefits applications and health insurance counseling, and they can get legal advice, advocacy, options advice and respite services.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in Minnesota provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota Lifeline Program 800-234-9473 The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones.

 

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Minnesota seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Alternative Care Program 651-431-2000 Seniors participating in the Alternative Care Program can receive a wide range of in-home services, including skilled nursing, homemaker services and assistance with chores. The program also provides home-delivered meals and personal emergency response systems. To qualify, seniors must be over the age of 65, meet income and asset guidelines and require a nursing facility level of care.
Minnesota Elderly Waiver 800-333-2433 Seniors who require a nursing home level of care but wish to remain at home or in the local community can access home and community-based services via the Elderly Waiver.

 

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Minnesota seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota Food Pantries Food pantries provide nonperishable food products such as canned fish, pasta and rice to older adults in Minnesota who require it most. Each organization has its own rules and criteria for eligibility and access, which you can find on its website.
Minnesota Hunger Solutions Food Pantry 651-486-9860 The Minnesota Hunger Solutions Food Pantry takes both an immediate and long-term approach to supporting the state’s hungry seniors. MHSFP directly provides help to local food pantries throughout the state, and its Minnesota Food HelpLine assists low-income individuals with setting up SNAP benefits and finding nearby farmers’ markets. In addition, the organization maintains a Market Bucks program that helps SNAP users get two to three times the value of their SNAP benefits.
Minnesota Meals on Wheels Minnesota Meals on Wheels is part of a nationwide network of food assistance programs open to seniors ages 60 and over. Those who can safely attend congregate meals can enjoy them at their local senior center, while those who are homebound may receive them delivered to their front door. Meal deliveries to seniors include safety checks as a support service in the case of a fall, accident or emergency. Pricing ranges from no cost to full cost based on income.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Minnesota collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Program Name Phone Number Description
ConnectAbility of Minnesota ConnectAbility of MN is a nonprofit that advocates for people with disabilities in Minnesota. Its services are available to people of any age who require support with a health care issue. Its donated equipment program is available to everyone who lives in the state, and there’s usually a wide range of equipment available.
Minnesota Seniors Mobility Seniors Mobility is a nationwide nonprofit that provides comprehensive listings of free assistance devices and other independent living resources in Minnesota.
Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter ALS Association 888-672-0484 The local ALS Association loans medical equipment to seniors who are living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or a related motor neuron disease. Eligible seniors can borrow assistive devices or durable medical equipment at no charge. Some items that may be available include wheelchairs, shower chairs and portable ramps.

 

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Minnesota seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota Drug Card Program The Minnesota Drug Card program provides eligible seniors with discounts of up to 80% off of their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. There’s no cost to apply for the card, though you must be a U.S. citizen and resident of Minnesota with a financial need for the discount program.

 

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Minnesota have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota Rehabilitation Loan/Emergency and Accessibility Loan Program The Rehabilitation Loan/Emergency and Accessibility Loan Program lends up to $27,000 to low-income homeowners who need help paying for repairs that impact the safety, energy efficiency, accessibility or habitability of their home.
Minnesota Weatherization Assistance Program (MWAP) Low-income seniors can get free home energy upgrades, whether they rent or own a property, with the MWAP. It aims to reduce energy bills and ensure your home is healthy and safe.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Minnesota seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care 800-657-3591 The Office of the Ombudsman for Long Term Care advocates on behalf of seniors in care facilities. They listen to the concerns of seniors and their families and work with care providers to improve the quality of care given to older adults.

Senior Engagement

Senior engagement resources and programs in Minnesota help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota 888-205-3770 This companionship service is offered by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota to seniors throughout the state who could benefit from the friendship of a caring individual in their own home. Volunteers in this program are available to provide everything from a friendly conversation buddy and game partner to an errand runner and correspondence assistant.
Minnesota Seniors 763-780-8309 A free resource for seniors and caregivers, Minnesota Seniors offers information about assisted living facilities, links to state and government webpages and a comprehensive directory of healthcare services, which includes information about personal emergency response systems, transitional care and podiatry clinics.
MinnesotaHelp.info MinnesotaHelp.info provides a comprehensive online resource database for individuals, families and caregivers. Its Long-Term Care Choices Navigator tool helps seniors build a plan of care based on their needs and available service options, while the dedicated Focus on Seniors page presents an organized directory of various government, nonprofit and for-profit programs. These resources include senior centers, adult day care services, affordable housing, prescription drug assistance, assistive technology and financial help.

 

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Minnesota help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they’re entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota Social Security Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you’ll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

 

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Minnesota resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Senior Property Tax Refund – Minnesota Department of Revenue 800-652-9094 Seniors can lower their property tax bills with the Senior Property Tax Refund program from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. This program reduces the property tax bill based on the household’s income. It is available to adults aged 65 and older or adults of any age who have permanent and total disability. Seniors use an online application to apply for this refund.
Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program 800-657-3666 Seniors with high property taxes relative to their income can receive a full or partial property tax deferment through the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Minnesota retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they’re in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota Energy Assistance Program 800-657-3710 Administered by the Minnesota Commerce Department, the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program can provide up to $1,400 in energy and water bill assistance for state seniors who qualify under income guidelines. Maximum income limits are tied to the number of people in the household. This free, federally funded program, available to renters and homeowners, pays water, energy and fuel companies directly and works in conjunction with local service providers in Minnesota.

 

Veteran’s Services

Minnesota retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they’re eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program Name Phone Number Description
Minnesota VA Benefits and Health Care Minnesota VA Benefits and Health Care services help seniors in the state navigate the benefits available to them when they reach age 65. Elderly veterans have access to aid and attendance, increasing their monthly military pension to pay for in-home services, such as help with daily living activities or for skilled nursing care or memory care in a senior living center. Additionally, family members can receive assistance with funeral planning and burial arrangements.

 

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Minnesota

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Assisted living services may only be provided in a housing with services establishment. To be a resident of an establishment, a person needs to require help with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) and one personal care service, or two ADLs.

Residents will need an assessment with an RN to complete their residency agreements, and a follow-up assessment every year to ensure their needs are always met.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

To qualify as a housing with services establishment, homes must provide each resident with either assistance with two (ADLs), or one ADL and one personal care service. ADLs are defined as:

  • Bathing, grooming, and dressing
  • Continence care
  • Eating
  • Positioning, transferring, walking, and using a wheelchair

Personal care services include:

  • Instrumental ADLs, or IADLs, which include services that help a person plan and go about activities like shopping, bill paying, and medical appointments
  • Observation and redirection of behavior as specified by their care plans
  • Health-related tasks such as medication assistance, tracheostomy services, and management of seizure disorders

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Assisted living costs like medical services and supportive services qualify for payment from Minnesota’s Medicaid program, called Medical Assistance (MA). There is also the Housing Support program available for low-income seniors to help with rent, and services if they don’t qualify for the elderly waiver. The MA program waivers do not pay directly for room and board but do cover services such as:

  • Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental ADLs
  • Observation and redirection of challenging behaviors such as aggression
  • Assistance with health-related tasks like taking medication or tracheotomy care

To qualify for Medical Assistance for long-term care, you or your loved one needs to require help with at least four ADLs daily.

Assisted Living Community Requirements

Housing with services establishments are tasked with providing housing and regularly scheduled personal care services to adults, 80% of which in the establishment must be age 55 or older. To be licensed as a housing with services establishment, the residency needs to provide for:

  • Services in at least three of the ADL categories; bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, transferring, continence care, and toileting
  • Establishments must provide at least two meals daily and access to food 24-hours
  • As well as weekly laundry and housekeeping services.
  • Transportation to medical and social services appointments
  • Opportunities for recreation and socialization
  • Assistance with finding social services programs such as MA or senior centers
  • Easy access to the Residents Bill of Rights, as well as any scenarios specific to that resident that might infringe upon any rights, such as a medical situation that is identified in the resident’s care plan

Assisted Living Service Agreements

In order to admit any resident into a housing facility, the facility must complete a housing with services contract, also called a service plan, with that resident. The plan outlines:

  • Names and address of the housing establishment and anyone who provides services for, manages, or owns the establishment, as well as at least one person who can be served legal papers
  • A statement of the license and registration status of the establishment
  • Terms of the contract, including descriptions of all services that will be provided and what can be provided, the prices of those services, as well as the base rent
  • The contact information for the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and the process to file a complaint against the establishment
  • Billing and payment procedures
  • Residency requirements and the eviction process, as well as the referral process for when a contract is terminated
  • A statement detailing other services the establishment could provide, third-party services the resident could use if they become needed, and public programs that he or she could use to pay for those services, as well as contact info to receive a long-term care consultation through the state
  • Information about resident rights, like 24-hour access to food and the ability to furnish your own room

Elderly Waiver recipients must also create a co-ordinated service and support plan. This plan, which is due within 10 days of admission, outlines:

  • Service needs
  • Short and long-term goals to improve the resident’s health
  • Costs and frequency of all services that are proposed in the plan

Medication Management Regulations

Establishments must provide 24-hour access to a registered nurse to provide medication assistance to every resident. If a resident is currently capable of managing their own medication, then they can, but everyone must have the option to request help from an RN at any time if they need it.

Minnesota Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Establishments must have at least one caregiver awake at all times, and the staff must always have access to an on-call registered nurse. The establishment does not have to provide any services that it does not feel prepared to provide but must provide access to service providers that can meet those needs for residents. The establishment manager is responsible for ensuring that there is always enough staff to provide the establishment’s services to all residents 24 hours a day.

Assisted Living Staff Training Requirements

The manager of the establishment needs to have at least 30 hours of continued education every two years year, in topics relevant to the care of the residents. The manager is responsible for ensuring that all staff are trained in the care of the residents, and to perform competency exams on direct care staff.

Some establishments may offer special units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In these establishments, managers must receive at least eight hours of dementia training initially and two more each year. Care staff who assist those with dementia must complete eight hours of dementia-specific training before working alone, and two hours of continued education a year. All other staff, such as maintenance, must receive at least four hours of training at orientation and two hours of continued education a year.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

Background checks are required for all direct-care staff in an establishment. Fingerprinting may be considered if a person hasn’t lived in Minnesota long enough to establish a record.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

When a resident has a complaint against an assisted living establishment, they can contact the long-term care facility complaint line at (651) 201-4201 or 1-800- 369-7994, or click here to visit their website.

You can also call your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (651) 431-2555 or 1-800-657-3591, who will help the resident coordinate a solution with the facility and any outside agency that needs to be pulled in to mediate.

Healthcare workers are mandatory reporters and must file a complaint against any suspected or witnessed elder abuse. If you witness or suspect elder abuse, you can reach out to the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Health Facility Complaints by phone at 844-880-1574 or click here to file a report online.

Minnesota COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

COVID-19 Rules in Minnesota
Are loved ones allowed to visit residents in their assisted living community? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents required to quarantine after their loved ones visit? No
Are loved ones required to wear masks when visiting residents? Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors allowed in assisted living communities? Yes
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures before entering the assisted living community? Yes
Are residents allowed to leave the assisted living community for non-medical reasons? Yes
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they get back to the assisted living community? No (Conditions Apply)
Are assisted living communities required to cancel all group outings? No
Are assisted living communities allowed to host group activities within the community? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members regularly checked for elevated temperatures? Yes
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms? Yes
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures? Yes
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19? Yes (Conditions Apply)

 

Sources: www.health.state.mn.us www.cdc.gov

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