Memory Care in Minnesota

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Minnesota

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Minnesota
• Minnesota Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Minnesota?
• More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Minnesota
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Minnesota
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Minnesota
• Minnesota COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care Facilities

(866) 716-3974

When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered cost information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Minnesota and 28 other cities in Minnesota.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Minnesota

Due to inflation, memory care rates increased by an average of 10.5% across the U.S. between 2022 and 2023. During this time, Minnesota's average costs rose from $5,742 to $5,934. This modest increase of 3.5% is lower than the impact in neighboring states, such as Iowa, where rates increased by 10%, and North Dakota, which saw a whopping 62% spike in costs.

Looking to 2024, Minnesota's rates are projected to increase to $6,749. Many other states are also set to see an increase as the national average moves up another 8%, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for senior care.

Memory Care Costs in Minnesota's Top Cities

While the average cost of memory care in Minnesota is $5,934 per month, rates can differ greatly between cities. Among its top cities, Rochester is one of the more expensive choices at $7,050 per month, while costs in St. Paul are closer to the state median at $5,795. There are several good options for budget-conscious seniors. Minneapolis and Bloomington offer more affordable memory care at $4,670 and $4,260—well below the Minnesota state median.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

When it comes to senior care, prices are typically influenced by factors such as location, facility amenities and the level of care provided. Therefore, different types of long-term care see different rates. In Minnesota, independent living is the least expensive option at $2,697 per month. Assisted living offers a higher level of care, so costs are higher at $4,433. Since memory care is specifically tailored for seniors with dementia, costs are highest at $5,934.

Medicare might not be enough to cover the cost of memory care. Minnesota provides assistance for people who require memory care and can't afford treatment. To see if you qualify for one or more of these programs, check the eligibility requirements and review what is and isn't covered in the program. For example, a program might help with some of the medical services that someone receives at a care facility, but it doesn't cover the cost of the facility itself.

Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver

Many people who've been approved for Medical Assistance before the age of 65 may be able to obtain this waiver if they require memory care before reaching this age. The CADI Waiver was primarily designed to assist non-seniors, but you can continue to receive benefits after your 65th birthday if you qualify.

• Who Is Eligible: To qualify, you must be eligible for financial assistance, be certified as disabled and need a nursing facility level of care. You also need to apply for and be accepted into the program before you turn 65. 
• How To Apply: Applications are taken in person. You can also contact your county's health agency to apply. 

Elderly Waiver

The Minnesota Elderly Waiver doesn't pay for the cost of living in an assisted living facility, but it can help cover the cost of services like personal care, skilled nursing services, case management, transitional services and companionship. It's especially useful for providing aid to families who must pay for the costs associated with helping a family member transition from their home into a community. 

• Who Is Eligible: This waiver is open to seniors over the age of 65 who have a medical need for long-term nursing care. Applicants must qualify for Minnesota's Medical Assistance program and meet income requirements to receive aid. For example, an individual may not make more than $1,041 per month.
• How To Apply: Call (800) 333-2433 to apply through the Senior LinkAge Line.  

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Minnesota

To qualify for Medicaid, you must first meet certain income requirements. The maximum amount of money you're able to make each month while still qualifying for Medicaid depends on the total number of people in your household, including dependents. Here are the current income limits in Minnesota.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Minnesota

How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Minnesota

Minnesota provides assistance for seniors through the following resources.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.

That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.

In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Depending on the policy details, long-term care insurance may be used to pay for memory care services. It's best to sign up for a policy early, as coverage will likely be denied if one already has long-term care needs. More information about the intricacies of long-term care insurance can be found at longtermcare.acl.gov.
• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow some homeowners to take out a loan as an advance from the eventual sale of their primary residence. This can be a good way to fund memory care in the short-term, but the loans will need to be paid back after the sale of the home. The most commonly used type of reverse mortgages for seniors is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government.
• Veterans Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that veterans and their spouses may use to cover health care needs such as memory care. More information about these programs can be found on the VA website.

Memory Care Regulation

Memory care and assisted living facilities in Minnesota are licensed and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health. The department continually monitors all facilities and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with state laws and administrative rules. Throughout the state, memory care and assisted living facilities are licensed as either class a or class f home care providers and must also be registered annually with the Department of Health as a housing with services establishment. All facilities are inspected and surveyed prior to licensing approval or renewals.

Facility Scope of Care

Any facility in Minnesota that deems itself an assisted living or memory care facility must provide the following services to residents:

• Medication administration or assistance with self-administration
• Assistance with a minimum of three activities of daily living
• Regular physical and cognitive assessments that are conducted by a registered nurse
• Weekly housekeeping and laundry
• Opportunities for socialization
• Assistance with transportation to medical and social services
• Two meals per day

Additionally, all assisted living and memory care facilities in Minnesota are required to provide a service agreement or service plan to the resident prior to their move-in.

Admissions Requirements

Assisted living facilities that are classified as special care units may admit residents with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. The chart that follows provides a more detailed look at who special care units may and may not admit.

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Older adults and people with:

• Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia
• Physical or developmental disabilities
• A hospice or private duty nurse providing supplemental care

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those who:

• Require continuous nursing care

• Require services that the facility isn't equipped or approved to provide
• Pose an immediate threat to the health or safety of themselves or those around them

Care Plan Requirements

Upon admitting any resident to an assisted living or memory care facility, the care provider must provide the resident with a service agreement that includes the following:

• A description of the services that will be provided and who will be providing them
• Details regarding the schedule of service
• Information about who will supervise care
• A contingency plan that can be followed if services are unable to be provided for any reason

Additionally, facilities must offer to provide an assessment by an RN to determine the resident's physical and cognitive needs.

Medication Management Requirements

In Minnesota, all assisted living facilities must offer to provide assistance with self-administration of medications. In special care units that offer memory care, it's preferred that staff are available to administer medications to residents. Caregivers who administer medications to residents must do so under the supervision of a registered nurse, who is required to provide instructions for every resident in writing.

Facility Requirements

Assisted living and memory care facilities in Minnesota are not required to provide residents with apartment-style or single vacancy units. Assisted living facilities that operate special care units must provide a secure, segregated area for those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Staffing Requirements

There are no minimum staff ratios for assisted living and memory care facilities in Minnesota. All establishments must employ enough staff members to meet the needs of its residents.

Staff who are providing memory care services or medication administration must undergo a complete training program and pass a competency test. Persons providing direct care in an assisted living facility must undergo four hours of training on dementia care and complete 160 working hours each year. Those in supervisory roles are only required to complete 120 working hours annually. Two hours of additional dementia care training are required each year for both direct caregivers and supervisors.

Medicaid Policy

Several waiver programs are available in Minnesota to cover the cost of assisted living. While room and board are not included in these waivers, residents may be able to obtain an optional state supplement to offset these costs. Minnesota doesn't cap room-and-board charges for Medicaid participants; however, family supplementation is allowed in the state.

Reporting Abuse

The Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, which is provided by the Minnesota Board on Aging, protects the rights and quality of life of elderly individuals who reside in long-term care facilities. Complaints about abuse, quality of care or service termination can be directed to this office by calling (800) 657-3591.

In Minnesota, there is an abundance of resources designed to assist seniors throughout their retirement. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on a range of local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the care services they offer for easy browsing.

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging in is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Financial assistance initiatives exist in Minnesota to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Elderly individuals in Minnesota, living independently or in elderly care homes, can avail of numerous local financial support opportunities. These aid options help reduce in-home or long-term care costs and connect them to valuable community resources.

Food Assistance Programs

In Minnesota, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Minnesota, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Elderly residents of Minnesota with certain income brackets have access to local aid for prescription medication expenses. They might also be eligible for health coverage and other programs providing complimentary or reduced-cost healthcare services.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Minnesota, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.

Legal Resources

In Minnesota, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.

Senior Engagement

In Minnesota, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.

Social Security Offices

In Minnesota, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.

Tax Assistance

In Minnesota, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

In Minnesota, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.

Veteran's Services

In Minnesota, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.