Minnesota Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Minnesota

Continuing care retirement communities provide housing, services and medical care, usually within the same campus. They welcome residents over the age of 62, who present a reasonable state of health and financial independence. Each retirement community might impose additional admittance criteria, but generally-speaking these are the two most important criteria considered.

In Minnesota, there are 118 continuing care retirement communities. These can be found in Minneapolis, Albert Lea, Duluth, Rochester, and St. Cloud, among other locations. These communities allow people to remain in a familiar setting, not only as they advance in age but also as their health needs change. The main levels of care include: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. Some communities offer additional levels, such as home health care, respite care, hospice care, etc.

Senior residents who are interested in living within such a community have to apply months or even years in advance. They are required to check their finances and determine whether the rather substantial entrance fee can be covered. Aside from that, as part of the written contract, they have to pay regular fees for the services and amenities offered on the campus. CCRCs might require long-term insurance plans, as well as request access to previous medical records.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Minnesota - financing and costs

The financing of CCRCs is usually covered through private investments, which are recovered in time. Private-public partnerships can be developed to support such retirement communities, and there are many corporations, as well as religious organizations, which contribute to the establishment of non-profit retirement communities.

If you are planning on moving into such a community, one of the first things you should do is analyze your finances. In Minnesota, the entrance fee varies between $90,000 and $280,000, with the specification that this fee will allow you to live in an apartment. If you are looking for a townhouse or a cottage, as well as a more complex level of care, you can expect higher fees to be paid. As for the monthly fees, these can vary between $3,000 and $4,000.

Compared to other states, Minnesota CCRCs are more affordable. However, you should keep in mind that the overall fees depend on each community and its services. Even the location, as well as the amenities offered, can influence the costs. As mentioned above, higher levels of care are more expensive, due to the complex medical and personal assistance that is required. All the costs are mentioned in the contract, so be sure to read it carefully before signing it.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Minnesota - care levels and services

As a senior adult, you can choose to live in a CCRC and benefit from everything the community has to offer. You can start out with independent living and choose the type of unit that matches your needs the most; typical offers range from one or two-bedroom apartments to townhouses or cottages. While living on your own, you can get medical assistance whenever necessary. For instance, a resident who suffers from diabetes might receive his/her daily insulin shot from a nurse. Recreational activities are within easy reach, so you have plenty of opportunities to spend your free time.

As the years go by, your health might change and you might need more help with daily living activities. This is the moment when you might consider moving into assisted living units, which offer the same access to the on-site services and amenities. Should it happen that you are no longer unable to walk due to balance issues or if you have feeding difficulties, skilled nursing might be a suitable choice. Last, but not least, memory care is the level reserved for those who suffer from dementia.

The transition from one level of care to the other is not taken lightly. In fact, residents are assessed on a regular basis to determine if the current care level matches their needs, both in terms of personal assistance and healthcare. Medical specialists make recommendations for temporary or permanent transitions, taking into account the level of independence, health demands and additional factors, such as a personal risk of injury.

Residents benefit from services meant to guarantee a comfortable style of living. Aside from housekeeping and meal plans, the range of services includes non-stop security, emergency call systems, general maintenance, laundry and linen service, transportation to medical appointments, on-site medication administration and supervision. Additional services include: cable, phone line and Internet, short and long-term rehabilitation.

CCRC in Minnesota - amenities and options

Minnesota-based CCRCs offer a continuum of care to residents who choose to live on the campus. Couples are allowed to live together for as long as their health allows it, and most people find it of great comfort to be able to remain close by, even when they require different levels of care. Many of these communities are pet-friendly, allowing residents to live together with their furry friends. They recognize the benefits of having a pet, both in terms of socialization and regular physical activity.

These communities have all the amenities necessary for a pleasant retirement. From communal rooms where social events are organized to learning centers that keep you on your toes, you really have a lot of opportunities to have fun. Potential amenities can include: billiard room, computer room, restaurant-style dining, woodworking shop, creative arts centers, fitness centers, swimming pools, yoga classes, landscaped gardens, hair salons, etc.

Should I move into a Minnesota-based CCRC?

To help you answer this question, we have gathered a few pros and cons.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in MN

Housing, services and medical assistance offered within the same community

Some communities offer additional services, such as home health care, respite care, hospice care

Daily assistance with medical requirements imposed by chronic health conditions (e.g. insulin shot)

As you get older, you will be able to remain within a familiar setting

Easy access to a wide range of amenities, which contribute to physical fitness and a young mind

Cons of moving to a CCRC in MN

Adjusting to the new lifestyle and the associated restrictions might prove to be difficult

Substantial entrance fee to be paid, hard to cover even on a medium income

Might not feel comfortable with receiving constant assistance, especially if you are used to an independent lifestyle

Not enough diversity age-wise

Might miss being close to your family and friends