Minnesota Assisted Living Facilities

Cost of Minnesota Assisted Living Facilities

According to the 2015 Genworth Financial cost of care survey, the average cost of assisted living in Minnesota is $3,468 per month.

The monthly base rate for Minnesota assisted living is typically average when compared to neighboring states. Minnesota is also less expensive compared to the national average.

This cost is the base cost for a one-bedroom assisted living unit in Minnesota. Additional fees beyond the base rate may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

Monthly Costs Compared to Neighboring States

South Dakota	$3,023
North Dakota	$3,239
Minnesota	$3,468
Iowa	$3,500
U.S.	$3,600
Wisconsin	$3,980

Assisted Living Regulations

Minnesota defines an assisted living facility slightly different from most states. They actually separate the residential piece from the services part calling it Housing with Services, which applies to residential programs for adult residents with one more health-related or two or more supportive services. The health care services are then provided through a licensed home care agency. Assisted living facilities must provide all of these services listed below, but may add additional services as well: - staff access to an on-call registered nurse - a system to check on each assisted living client daily, - a means for assisted living clients to request assistance, - staff to respond to health or safety needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, - two meals per day, - weekly housekeeping and laundry, - health services including assistance with medication administration - assistance with at least three activities of daily living (ADLs), - and health-related services from a Minnesota-licensed home care agency.

Minnesota Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

Any services that a home health care agency can provide may be available through an assisted living facility, but the minimum requirements say that the facility must administer medication, or assist in self-medicating, as well as provide assistance with at least three ADL's. A person can decide to become a resident and contract all health care services through another provider.

Minnesota Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Upon admission, am RN must perform an intake assessment.

Minnesota Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

Whichever agency is meeting the health care needs of the resident, it must follow the care plan as defined by the RN during the intake assessment, or as updated.

Minnesota Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Assisted living facilities must provide assistance with medication management and administration.

Minnesota Assisted Living Facility Requirements

A facility must comply with state and local building codes, fire codes, and be registered with Minnesota Department of Health.

Minnesota Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Direct care staff must be awake and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide for the health and safety needs of the residents. However, there may be some exemptions to the awake-staff policy, depending on the needs of the residents at the time. Orientation is required for all staff and unlicensed staff people must pass competency testing.

Minnesota Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Medicaid home and community-based waivers will pay for customized health care services.

Minnesota Alzheimer's Unit Regulations

If an assisted living facility operates a care unit for residents with Alzheimer's, then staff members who work in the unit must receive appropriate training and direct care staff must be present in the unit at all times.

Minnesota Medicaid Coverage of Assisted Living and Related Services

The State of Minnesota pays for assisted living through the Medicaid Waiver called the Elderly Waiver. Its participation is limited.

The Minnesota Elderly Waiver pays for home and community-based services for the elderly who require the same type of medical care provided by a nursing home facility. .

Under the Elderly Waiver, individuals can choose for the state to manage their care or they can self-direct their care through Consumer Directed Community Supports. They are given the flexibility to hire their own personal care providers including family members. The adult children of aging parents can be paid as caregivers. There is a requirement by the state that a fiscal intermediary is used to manage payroll services.

Elderly Waiver Services Benefits

Individuals are accessed and receive a customized plan of services that evaluate which benefits are needed:

- Adult Day Care

- Assisted Living

- Assistive Technology

- Caregiver Training and Education

- Chore Services

- Consumer Directed Community Supports

- Crisis Services

- Home Delivered Meals

- Home Health Aide

- Home Modifications

- Homemaker

- Housing Access Coordination

- In-home Family Support Services

- Live-in Personal Caregiver

- Personal Care Assistant

- Respite Care

- Skilled Nursing

- Specialist Services

- Transitional Services

- Transportation Services

- Vehicle Modifications

- 24 Hour Emergency Services

How to apply - The waiver is available throughout the state of Minnesota but there may be benefit caps and a waiting list. Learn more and how to apply by calling (800) 333-2433.

Minnesota also offers a personal care program that is consumer directed and it is called the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Program. This program is more like a category than a program and it is accessed differently depending on the health services an individual is qualified to receive. Participants are allowed to hire a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) who helps them manage their activities and instrumental activities of daily living. The funds are paid through a variety of health service groups.

There is more flexibility regarding the person they hire. Personal Care Assistant (PCA) is referred to as a consumer directed or participant directed program. Friends, neighbors and even some family members can be hired and paid as the Personal Care Assistant. Adult children qualify but spouses and legal guardians are not.

The Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Program Benefits include:

- Personal assistance with the activities of daily living such as grooming, bathing, eating and mobility.

- Assistance with the instrumental activities of daily living such as meal planning and preparation, shopping for groceries and other essentials and help managing finances.

- Assistance with mechanical devices and other repetitive health related functions such as those that would typically be provided by a nursing professional.

How to apply and get started with PCA Choice can be complicated because of the variety of providers and choices it offers. The most simplest way is by contacting your county health office. A complete list of county contacts, office locations and telephone numbers is available here. You can also download the PDF file: the PCA Consumer Handbook.

All Minnesota Waivers

Alternative Care - supports certain home and community-based services for older Minnesotans, age 65 years and over, who are at risk of nursing home placement and have low levels of income and assets.

Brain Injury (BI) Waiver - supports persons with acquired or traumatic brain injuries who need the level of care provided in a nursing facility that provides specialized (cognitive and behavioral supports) services.

Community Alternative Care (CAC) - supports the chronically ill and medically fragile persons who need the level of care provided in a hospital.

Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI) - supports persons with disabilities who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.

Developmental Disabilities (DD) - supports persons with developmental disability or related condition who need the level of care provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD).

Elderly Waiver (EW) - supports for people over the age of 65 years who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.

Department of Health Phone (651) 201-4101

Contact: Program Assurance Unit Phone (651) 201-4101

E-mail: health.fpc-licensing@state.mn.us

Web Site: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/profinfo/licensure.html

What is the best number to call to get started? 651-554-5611 to get a Medical Assistance application.

Is there a website? mn.gov/dhs