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Assisted Living in Minnesota

Overview of assisted living in Minnesota

Minnesota’s assisted living communities allow older adults to live a comfortable, active, and worry-free lifestyle. Sharing a Lake Superior water border with Michigan and Wisconsin, Minnesota is lovingly nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” However, if lake life isn’t your forte, Minnesota also comprises vast plains and rolling hills scattered across the state. Boasting a moderate cost of living, Minnesota’s charming towns and lavish cities blend together to form a state rich with art, culture, sports fandom, and deep history.

Cost of assisted living in Minnesota

The cost of assisted living in Minnesota averages approximately $4,800 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s internal data on our partner communities in the state. That’s about $300 less expensive than the national average. However, Minnesota’s assisted living monthly costs can range from about $2,400 on the lowest end to $7,700 on the higher end.[01]

Assisted living costs are different from community to community. They depend on factors like the specific location of the community, the size of their apartment floor plans, the quality of amenities they offer, and whether they provide advanced or specialized care levels. You can expect higher costs in communities offering larger apartment options, more luxurious amenities, and higher care levels.

The assisted living costs above account for all fees paid, including any extra services, amenities, and care. Our figures are reflective of the actual prices paid by families referred to one of A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living communities in Minnesota. Families can use a combination of private and public payment methods to cover these costs, which you can read about in the following section.

Compare costs of Minnesota vs. the national average

Average monthly costs

Minnesota

$4,059/mo

US National average

$4,392/mo

Compare costs of assisted living vs. nearby states

Average monthly costs

Minnesota

$4,059/mo

Wisconsin

$4,169/mo

Iowa

$4,027/mo

South Dakota

$3,709/mo

North Dakota

$4,032/mo

Compare costs of assisted living in Minnesota vs. nearby cities

Average monthly costs

Minnesota

$4,059/mo

Cambridge, MN

$3,469/mo

Owatonna, MN

$3,874/mo

Compare costs of assisted living vs. other senior care types in Minnesota

Average monthly costs

Paying for assisted living in Minnesota

Families should start planning for how to pay for long-term care as early as possible. Whether you’re able to cover assisted living using personal savings or opt to utilize public pay options, there are a variety of methods to pay for assisted living in Minnesota. Read about the payment options below, or view our guide to paying for long-term care for a high-level overview.

Some families pay for long-term care using personal savings. However, there are a number of other private pay options. Click on the cards below to learn more about some different options.

Selling a house will generate funds to help pay for assisted living in Minnesota.

Reverse mortgage loans can convert a portion of your home equity into cash, which can be used to pay for assisted living in Minnesota.

Health savings accounts (HSAs) can help cover long-term care insurance premiums and other health care costs in Minnesota.

Life insurance policies can be sold or surrendered to pay for assisted living in Minnesota.

Long-term care insurance covers some assisted living services in Minnesota, depending on the policy.

Social Security benefits can be used to help pay for assisted living in Minnesota.

There are about 282,627 veterans living in Minnesota.[02] When it comes to paying for long-term care, Minnesota’s veterans have several resources at their disposal, one being benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA provides generous benefit coverage to qualifying veterans and their spouses. Even if you assume you won’t qualify, their benefits are worth looking into, and you or your loved one may meet more eligibility criteria than you expect.

Additional benefits may also apply if you or a loved one acquired a disability during wartime service. Read through the VA’s list of service-connected ailments to learn more about their criteria.

For help navigating veterans benefits and its application process, which are both exceedingly complicated, reach out to a benefits counselor. There are many sources of guidance in Minnesota, including local VA centers and veterans service organizations (VSOs).

In Minnesota, local VSOs include the following:

Medicaid provides health insurance to individuals with a low or limited income. It’s a state and federal program and is administered at the state level. Medicaid can help families cover some assisted living costs, but it won’t cover the cost of room and board.

Minnesota’s Medicaid program is called Medical Assistance (MA). Administered by Minnesota’s Department of Human Services, MA’s coverage can include the following services:[03]

  • Chiropractic care
  • Dental and vision care
  • Emergency room care
  • Doctor and clinic visits
  • Hearing aids
  • Hospice care
  • Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
  • Lab and x-ray services
  • Medical supplies and equipment
  • Prescription medications
  • Rehabilitative therapy
  • Nursing homes and intermediate care facilities

MA offers a waiver program for home and community based services (HCBS). Minnesota’s HCBS waiver programs include the following:[04]

  • The Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waiver provides HCBS funding for adults in need of skilled nursing care. This waiver allows recipients to receive their care in an alternative setting, including an assisted living community.
  • The Community Alternative Care (CAC) waiver provides HCBS funding for individuals who are chronically ill and would otherwise require hospital-level care.
  • The Elderly Waiver (EW) provides services to adults aged 65 or older who need a nursing home-level care. This waiver allows recipients to receive their care in their own community, including an assisted living community.
  • The Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) waiver is designed for people enrolled in the Alternative Care waiver or the Elderly Waiver programs. This waiver gives recipients more control over their services and supports — including the choice of what services will best fit their needs — and decision-making power over when to receive certain services and who will provide those services.

Sometimes, accessing or understanding Medicaid benefits can be stressful or overwhelming. Fortunately, you can find free assistance through a local long-term care ombudsman. You can contact a Minnesota long-term care ombudsman by calling 651-431-2555. Their toll-free number is 1-800-657-3591. Alternatively, you can email them at MBA.OOLTC@state.mn.us.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program. It’s designed for adults aged 65 or older and people with disabilities. While Medicare can help cover some costs of assisted living, it will not cover the cost of room and board or nonmedical personal care. If you’d like to learn if a specific procedure, diagnostic test, or medical device is covered, you can search it using the Medicare coverage search tool.

Minnesota offers Medicare Savings Programs to help eligible people pay for their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. Through the state’s Extra Help program, also called the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS), individuals can also receive financial assistance to cover their drug plan deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Senior LinkAge Line is Minnesota’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). It works in partnership with the state’s area agencies on aging to provide assistance with understanding and enrolling in Medicare benefits, along with other beneficial services.

For further assistance with navigating Medicare benefits, reach out to one of Minnesota’s local resources:

Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Minnesota

19
19 Photos available

The Waters of Oakdale

7088 11th St N, Oakdale, MN 55128

Reviewer Ranking

4.5/ 5.0

(31)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Laura L - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I looked at quite a few places before settling on The Waters. The staff are delightful, the apartments are quite lovely - light and bright, I’ve eaten there a few times and been impressed. My mom - Who is...

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21
21 Photos available

Talamore Woodbury

289 Karen Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129

Reviewer Ranking

4.8/ 5.0

(20)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Mark A - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

It is a very nice, clean, modern facility. The staff have been very accommodating. We appreciate all the activities you can attend if wanted. We don't worry about our loved one when we are not there.

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10
10 Photos available

Water's Edge

800 Agency Trail, Mankato, MN 56001

Reviewer Ranking

4.9/ 5.0

(18)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Kelroy - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I am a family member of one of the residence in the memory care. Overall, I have been very pleased with the care that my family member has received a special shout out to nurse [name removed] and to life...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in St. Paul

See top facilities
15
15 Photos available

The Alton Memory Care

1306 Alton St, Saint Paul, MN 55116

Reviewer Ranking

4.4/ 5.0

(18)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
George - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Well-trained, efficient staff in a well-maintained facility. The care (medical attention, attention to resident needs, etc.) seems quite good (no smells, no trash lying around, etc.). Security for...

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17
17 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available

The Wellington Senior Living

2235 Rockwood Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55116

Reviewer Ranking

4.1/ 5.0

(25)
Cheryl - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

We picked this community, because of the location. They are friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. It's just a good fit for my sister. Lots of social opportunities if a person is interested.

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12
12 Photos available

Seven Hills Senior Living

733 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104

Reviewer Ranking

4.2/ 5.0

(16)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Rick L - I'm a current/former resident or client

I love my apartment and I love the location. Never saw myself as a city dweller but I really appreciate it. The diversity in the people here is a first for me. It’s great. The neighborhood has such...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Minneapolis

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5
5 Photos available

The Legacy of St. Anthony

2540 Kenzie Terrace, Saint Anthony, MN 55418

Reviewer Ranking

4.6/ 5.0

(85)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My Mom was in the hurt bag before she moved into Legacy. She's come a long way in the time she has been there. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but our family is very happy she is at Legacy.

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9
9 Photos available

The Kenwood

825 Summit Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Reviewer Ranking

4.5/ 5.0

(31)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Marcia M - I'm a current/former resident or client

I love the location. My daughter lives in Bryn Mawr (where I grew up) and I have two other children in Minneapolis. I am lucky to have a Southwest corner location and I can see planes flying in from the...

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9
9 Photos available
15
15 Floor plans available

Global Pointe Senior Living

5200 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, MN 55416

Reviewer Ranking

4.4/ 5.0

(20)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Stephanie - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

We chose Global pointe because it was the best fit for the care needs of my parents. The staff is very friendly and the team works hard to train and retain staff.

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Minnetonka

See top facilities
24
24 Photos available

The Glenn Hopkins

1011 Feltl Court, Hopkins, MN 55343

Reviewer Ranking

4.2/ 5.0

(56)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

They are friendly and helpful. I don't know about the food, even the basics seem like very poor execution. No flavor and overly salty, it even looks unappetizing. The activities never seem to change, just...

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12
12 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available

Sunrise of Minnetonka

18605 Old Excelsior Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55345

Reviewer Ranking

4.1/ 5.0

(55)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Diane C - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The staff was very attentive to my dad who was in a wheelchair. They treated him with respect and had fun with him too. When he passed away, they all came to pay their respects and many shed tears.

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5
5 Photos available

Chapel View Apartments

605 Minnetonka Mills Rd, Hopkins, MN 55343

Reviewer Ranking

4.3/ 5.0

(14)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
RON M - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

MY WIFE'S MOM STAYED AT CHAPEL VIEW AND SHE APPRECIATED THE STAFF AND THE FACILITY. IT'S HARD TO PROVIDE CARE THAT MAKES FAMILIES HAPPY BECAUSE IT'S NOT LIKE HOME BUT CHAPEL VIEW DOES A GREAT JOB. MANAGMENT...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Maple Grove

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19
19 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available

Rose Arbor & Wildflower Lodge

16500 92nd Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55311

Reviewer Ranking

3.9/ 5.0

(77)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Randy H - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I had to quickly find an assisted living facility for my Mother with Macular Degeneration and Stepfather with advanced Parkinson's, who could not be released from the VA to go back to their apartment for...

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10
10 Photos available

Havenwood of Maple Grove

18695 73rd Ave, North Maple Grove,, MN 55311

Reviewer Ranking

4.3/ 5.0

(9)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The friendliness of the staff gets a 5+. What our family likes the most about Havenwood of Maple Grove is the staff accessibility, knowledgeable, and friendliness. They feel like family. We would definitely...

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16
16 Photos available

Silver Creek on Main

8200 Main Street North, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Reviewer Ranking

4.3/ 5.0

(25)
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Facility and staff are excellent. I would recommend Silver Creek on Main. I wish the monthly cost was a bit lower but would be happy if the rent did not go up every year. All-in-all very good place for mom!

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Assisted living requirements and regulations in Minnesota

The licensure term for assisted living in Minnesota is “Assisted Living Facility.” Assisted Living Facilities are regulated by the Department of Health’s Health Regulation Division. Minnesota recognizes two levels of Assisted Living Facilities. The first offers standard services found in most assisted living communities across the U.S., such as room and board, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). The second offers the same services with the addition of specialized dementia care.[05]

An Assisted Living Facility (including one with dementia care) is defined as a facility that provides sleeping arrangements and assisted living services to at least one adult. Minnesota’s assisted living services can include one or more of the following:[05]

  • Assistance with activities of daily living
  • Standby assistance
  • Medication reminders and/or medication management
  • Reminders to complete scheduled treatments or exercises
  • Meal accommodations for specialized diets (provided by a licensed health professional)
  • Services from a registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse
  • Physical, speech, or occupational therapy
  • Transfer and mobility assistance
  • Complex or specialty health care services

You can find a complete list of specific regulations that Minnesota’s Assisted Living Facilities must follow in the Minnesota section of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL)’s Assisted Living State Regulatory Review.

Ease of access to assisted living records in Minnesota

We developed a system to rate each state on how easy – or difficult – it is to find important assisted living records and reports and compiled tips to help you in your search.

States with the most transparent records allow you to look up important information about each assisted living facility online, including inspections, complaints, survey results, violations, capacity, and whether the facility accepts Medicaid.

Access to Minnesota assisted living records: Exceptional

Public access to assisted living records and reports for the state of Minnesota is exceptional. Key findings that informed this rating include:

  • Minnesota’s records are generally transparent, but the state slipped somewhat in our rankings because some information about communities is limited. (For example, community capacity is not available.)
  • Information about providers on the Department of Health website is refreshed daily, although a comprehensive list of licensed providers is only published annually.

How to look up Minnesota assisted living licenses and records

Follow the instructions below to look up assisted living licenses and records in Minnesota.

How we arrived at our Minnesota rating

We developed a standard methodologyfor state data collection and evaluation, and based our rating primarily on the objective, state-specific accessibility criteria outlined in these questions:

  1. Are licensed assisted living communities listed online in any form? Yes
  2. If Yes to #1, is the information updated frequently? Yes
  3. If Yes to #1, is the list of licensed communities searchable? Yes
  4. Does the state post inspections, complaints, survey results, or violations online? Yes
  5. If Yes to #4, is the information updated frequently (within 90 days)? Yes
  6. If Yes to #2 and #4, is the enforcement information included in the same place as licensed communities? No
  7. If Yes to #4 and No to #6, are violations and inspections searchable at all? Yes
  8. Is information about special licensing for care shown? Yes
  9. Is capacity shown? No
  10. Are payment types shown (e.g., Medicaid, private pay)? No
  11. Is the administrator/contact name shown? Yes
  12. Can the state fine a facility? No
  13. What is the frequency of inspections? Every 12 months
  14. Does the website include pricing of facilities? No

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. United States Census Bureau. QuickFacts Minnesota.

  3. Minnesota Department of Human Services. Medical Assistance coverage.

  4. National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). (2022). Assisted living state regulatory review.

Top cities in Minnesota for assisted living

7.8
Minneapolis, MN
133 facilities
7.6
Maple Grove, MN
64 facilities
7.6
St. Paul, MN
111 facilities
7.6
Minnetonka, MN
96 facilities
7.1
Blaine, MN
70 facilities
4.3
Rochester, MN
16 facilities

Find assisted living in other states

Find Assisted Living in Minnesota cities

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.