Around 15% of residents in Minnesota are over 65, and in the next twenty years, that number will jump to about one in five. This projection could indicate that more seniors than ever will be looking for quality assisted living facilities in the near future. To help low income residents with the cost, Minnesota’s Medicaid program offers the Elderly Waiver (EW). It offers financial support for seniors needing nursing home level care, but who wish to remain living in the community. Support services covered may include home modifications, personal care assistance, assisted living, and adult foster care.
Minnesota also offers Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO), which may pay for services provided in a board and care home or assisted living facility.
Non Medicaid Programs
Minnesota’s Housing Support Program, previously referred to as the Group Residential Housing (GRH) Program, provides financial assistance for room and board in adult foster care homes, assisted living facilities, and supervised senior living communities. In some instances, supplemental services for personal care assistance are available.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Minnesota
Founders Ridge, Bloomington
With 24-hour care and a wide array of amenities, Founders Ridge provides seniors with the ideal neighborhood to call home. Active residents will enjoy the swimming pool and landscaped walking trails, while more laid back seniors will appreciate patio areas where they can socialize. Scheduled transportation means never missing a medical appointment, and housekeeping and laundry services relieve stress. A guest suite is available for visitors.
Cost begins at $4,000 per month.
Friendship Village, Bloomington
Friendship Village of Bloomington is a non-profit senior living community that recently expanded its assisted living facility. Residents have access to amenities such as a woodworking shop, putting green, and fitness center, and enjoy walking their pets on landscaped grounds. Help with activities of daily living is always available, and 24-hour attendant call cords are in each bathroom and bedroom. Private dining is available for dinner with family members.
Cost begins around $4,000 per month, with an additional entrance fee of around $40,000.
The Shores at Lakeshore, Duluth
The Shores offers 40 assisted living apartments to seniors needing some help with tasks of daily living. Gentle medication and hygiene reminders help seniors feel independent while keeping them healthy, and social activities ensure they are staying mentally stimulated. Residents love the varied menu of nutritious meals, and that assistance from a caring staff is always available when needed.
Cost begins around $4,000 per month.
Minnesota Veterans Home, Minneapolis
Minnesota Veterans Home is a government-run senior living facility offering assisted living, memory care and adult day care. Monthly fees include three meals per day, 24-hour nursing care, daily exercise classes, and group excursions to local attractions. Other services such as rehabilitation, pharmacy, and mental health are available. Living in the community encourages veterans to stay mentally and physically active.
Cost is around $4,000 per month.
Augustana Apartments of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Augustana residents receive compassionate 24-hour assistance with their daily living tasks and enjoy a diverse schedule of stimulating activities. Conveniently within the community, they have access to a bank, a library with Internet-equipped computers, a chapel, and a fitness center. Three nutritious meals per day are provided, and residents can also enjoy coffee and light snacks throughout the day in the cafe. A medical clinic onsite means seniors never have to go without important healthcare needs.
Cost begins at $970 per month, and they accept Elderly or CADI waivers and Section 8 Vouchers for qualified individuals.
River Bend Senior Living, Rochester
With picturesque views of the Zumbro River, River Bend residents never have a hard time getting family members to visit. Excursions can range from strolls along beautiful walking paths, to venturing out to nearby restaurants and shopping venues. When loved ones leave, they have peace of mind that excellent medical care is available whenever needed, either via healthcare providers onsite or at the nearby renowned Mayo Clinic. Small dogs and cats are welcome to live with residents.
Cost begins around $3,000 per month.
Shorewood Commons, Rochester
Seniors love the serene setting at Shorewood Commons. Located on beautiful Cascade Lake Park, residents have easy access to shopping and dining venues as well as Mayo Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital. Private apartments have full kitchens to prepare snacks and light meals, but there is also a community restaurant-style dining room where residents can socialize while eating. Weekly housekeeping and transportation are included, and a 24-hour care nurse is available on a contracted basis.
Cost begins around $4,000 per month.
The Legacy of St. Anthony, St. Anthony
The Legacy is an award-winning community within minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Caregivers are available 24/7 for assistance with medication schedules and daily tasks, and residents have access to a variety of healthcare providers onsite. Amenities include a pool, movie theater, fitness room, salon, and heated underground parking if needed. Spiritual residents appreciate the onsite chapel.
Cost begins around $3,000 per month.
Iris Park Commons, St. Paul
Iris Park Commons is a community where independent seniors can benefit from daily medication reminders, nutritious meals, or help getting dressed. There are plenty of opportunities to stay fit and active, whether by meeting with certified trainers in the fitness center, taking yoga classes, or working on mobility in the warm water therapy pool. Residents stay social by gathering in the pub or bistro, participating in scheduled activities, or taking part in spiritual ministries.
Cost begins around $3,500 per month.
Summit Hill, St. Paul
Summit Hill offers 24-hour access to a caring staff, three meals per day, transportation to outings in the area, and weekly linen and laundry services. A health and wellness clinic is available onsite, and nursing care is available if needed. Companion suites are available for residents who wish to share an apartment with friends, and guests are always welcome to join loved ones for meals.
Cost begins around $4,000 per month.
