Assisted living facilities are an ideal option for seniors that are looking to receive a measure of aid in order to go about their day to day living. The scope of this particular service is pretty wide, as it can stretch from preparing daily meals and helping them take medication to driving them around to handle various errands during the day. It should also be noted that these special services are not just reserved for those that need help completing various activities for daily living. Indeed, assisted living is a terrific option for those that want a break from having to handle home maintenance and would prefer to spend more time on enjoying the leisurely life of a retiree.

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The cost of assisted living in Minneapolis

Assisted living residents in Minneapolis can expect to pay slightly more when compared to the nationwide average. According to the 2015 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, assisted living prices check in at an annual rate of $46,140, which puts it a few hundred dollars more than the national US average of $43,200. This translates to a monthly rate of $3,845 and a daily rate of about $126 per day.

This assisted living cost provides a competitively priced alternative for golden agers that don’t want to continue maintaining a home but don’t need a form of skilled nursing care. Assisted living facilities in Minneapolis are much lower than home health care, which can annually range from about $58,334 for homemaker services and around $60,632 for home health aide services. Assisted living facilities are also substantially cheaper than nursing home care, which could run from an annual rate of about $82,125 for a semi-private room and about $94,900 for a private room.

For qualified veterans and their spouses, further assisted living savings may be obtainable via the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit, which can otherwise be known as the A&A Pension Benefit. This special benefit can provide a veteran up to $1,788 per month, a surviving spouse up to $1,149 per month, or a couple up to $2,120 per month. Furthermore, a veteran with a sick spouse that applies for the program is eligible to receive up to $1,406 per month. The process to qualify for the A&A Pension Benefit is relatively simple.

Eligible veterans or surviving spouses of eligible veterans must show the need for help with activities for daily living, otherwise known as ADLs. Some of these activities include bathing, cooking, dressing, medication management, leaving the house for errands and appointments, and grooming. With that being said, seniors do not need to demonstrate that they need help for all of these activities. Aid and Attendance funds can assist in paying for ADL services in numerous places, such as an assisted living community, skilled nursing home, or within the confines of the senior’s own home. For those that are interested, it should be noted that the application process could take several months from beginning to end, but retroactive payments are sent upon the program’s approval.

What is assisted living in Minneapolis like?

Minneapolis’ assisted living experience varies from facility to facility. While each strive toward an endgame of providing a safe, secure, and dignified living experience for all of its golden age residents, they each accomplish this goal in their own way. This is typically manifested in the facility’s personality and culture, which is influenced by the neighborhood they are located. For instance, an assisted living experience in the city’s working class Northeast community is different than the experience to be had in the affluent Calhoun-Isles community. Most of the differences can be experienced through the communities’ menu of al a carte services in addition to the services that are included within the residents’ monthly fees.

What’s included in assisted living?

Assisted living residents can expect the following services to be included with room and board:

• Private living quarters. These are typically the size of a studio or a 1-bedroom apartment, but they could range from a simple room to a multi-bedroom space the size of a small house.
• Emergency call systems in each apartment to summon help when it is needed.
• 24-hour security and supervision services, such as on-site security and on-call nursing assistance.
• Basic utilities. These include items like water, electricity, and natural gas.
• Daily meals and snacks. These are often served restaurant style in a main dining area.
• Housekeeping and laundry services. This typically includes a weekly cleaning and linens change.
• Medication services. This includes reminders to take medication on schedule as well as reminders on refills.
• Shopping and transportation assistance. This is oftentimes provided in a scheduled manner, and includes trips to medical centers, retail shops, and local grocers.
• Wellness and fitness programs. This includes modern programs like yoga as well as more traditional activities such as those involving on-site fitness rooms and pools.
• Social and recreational activities. This could include activities like game nights, movie nights, holiday parties, religious service, and field trips to local points of interest such as the Mall of America and the Walker Arts Center.

What may be available for an extra fee?

Some communities may also offer additional on-site perks that residents can pay extra to utilize. Typically, these perks can include private transportation, personal laundry service, beauty salon services, and massage sessions.

The continuum-of-care option

Additionally, many seniors look for an assisted living service known as a continuum of care, which essentially describes a facility that can provide accommodation for residents regardless of what their specific need may be. Residents in these particular communities typically don’t have to deal with as many big moves should their health or daily needs shift, and they will also remain in a familiar setting even if their health dictates that they have to move to a different building within the facility’s complex. Prices on continuum of care do fluctuate based on the actual service that is needed.

Resources, volunteer opportunities and points of interest for veterans

The MDVA, or the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, helps the state’s numerous vets wade their way through the state’s benefits system. They also have volunteer programs set up to enable vets assist fellow veterans figure out their eligible benefits.

Minneapolis, together with neighboring Twin City St. Paul, is home to several impressive military-based points of interests for veterans to enjoy. Historic Fort Snelling offers a look at large-scale battles and minor skirmishes the country was involved in, all within the confines of a riverfront structure built in the 1820s. The state’s own military history is represented in the Minnesota Military Museum, while the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum is home to several historically significant military aircraft along with various military-related artifacts.