Assisted Living in Minnesota

Senior Living and Care in Minnesota

The baby boomer generation is currently entering their 60s at the rate of 10,000 people per day. Plus, with innovations in medical technology and services, seniors are living longer than ever before. Consequently, there are more older adults in this country than at any other point in history. Fortunately, to meet the growing need for elder care, there are hundreds of residential communities that now offer senior living in Minnesota.

Varieties of Minnesota Senior Living

The current and expected future needs of an older adult will determine the types of Minnesota senior living that is best for them. Seniors who can mostly take care of themselves and are still quite active generally prefer independent living. These communities promote healthy living with social activities. Residents get their own senior apartments or cottages. Plus, they can pick and choose from a full menu of services. For those who need more care, congregate housing is an excellent independent living alternative.

When their primary caregivers have to go to work or must be away from the house during the day for other reasons, older adults can get extra care and companionship in adult day care centers, also known as adult day services. Throughout the day, adult day care centers offer general supervision, recreational activities, and medical care.

Assisted living facilities are specifically designed to provide the ideal balance of onsite support and freedom. They supply retired people with their own private or semi-private living quarters, social activities, and personal care services, including managing medications and transportation. While encouraging the involvement of friends and family members, these facilities incorporate a belief in promoting independence in aging.

For convalescent seniors and those with chronic or long term illnesses, there are nursing homes, also referred to as skilled nursing facilities. They provide access to specialized care as well as physical, occupational, and other rehabilitative therapies. Plus, nursing homes are licensed by the state to supply room and board along with nursing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

All of the above forms of Minnesota senior living are available in one spot with continuing care retirement communities, which seek to give older adults a consistent experience as they age. Families of golden agers with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other forms of chronic memory loss should be sure to choose senior living in Minnesota that specializes in memory care, or Alzheimer's care.

Why Live in Minnesota?

Situated in the Midwestern region of the country, Minnesota is a large state with about 5.5 million residents. 60 percent of the state's population is located in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Minneapolis is the largest city in the state, and Saint Paul is the state capital. Minnesota gets its name from the Dakota word for "clear blue water." In fact, the state is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."

Stereotypical Minnesotan traits include a strong sense of community and shared culture, manners known as "Minnesota nice," a distinctive brand of North Central American English sprinkled with Scandinavian expressions, and Lutheranism. An icon of the state culture is The Great Minnesota Get-Together, or the Minnesota State Fair, which attracts nearly two million visitors. The fair features a midway, 4-H displays, agriculture, fine art, corporate merchandising, music, and much more.

What Draws Retirees to Minnesota?

The age demographics in Minnesota are pretty similar to that found in the rest of the country. Consequently, there is a large senior population in the state. Older adults are attracted to the low crime rates. Minnesota is one of the safest states when it comes to both property and violent crime. The taxes and cost of living are both high in the North Star State.

Minnesotans have long life expectancies, high rates of regular exercise and health insurance, and low rates of cardiovascular disease, premature death, occupational fatalities, and infant mortality. Two institutions with international reputations head up the comprehensive network of clinics and hospitals in the state. The Mayo Clinic is a world renowned medical practice based in Rochester. And, the University of Minnesota Medical School is a highly rated teaching institution.

Seniors Stay Active in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to seven Area Agencies on Aging that cover the entire state. These organizations offer programs, services, and resources aimed at maintaining the wellbeing and quality of life of the state's older adults. With this dedication to golden agers, the low crime rates, and the strong sense of community, Minnesota is perfect for senior living.