Assisted living is a residential housing option that provides support and personalized care services to individuals who require assistance with daily activities while still maintaining a level of independence. This type of living arrangement bridges the gap between independent living and more intensive care options, offering a safe, comfortable, and communal environment for older adults or individuals with varying degrees of functional limitations.
Assisted living communities focus on promoting autonomy, offering tailored assistance with tasks like medication management, personal care, housekeeping, and meal preparation, all within a supportive and socially engaging setting. These facilities strive to enhance residents’ quality of life by fostering a balance between independence and the provision of necessary support and services. At Choice Connections, we work with seniors and their families to find the perfect assisted living community that meets their specific needs, lifestyle and budget in the Twin Cities metro area.
What Is Included with Assisted Living
In Minnesota, assisted living varies from a three-bedroom luxury apartment with a full kitchen and multiple baths to an efficiency apartment with a partial kitchen and half bath. However, senior care facilities must meet certain requirements to be considered an assisted living community, including:
- Offer 3 meals a day.
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry service.
- Assistance with 3 or more of the activities of daily living (dressing, grooming, bathing, eating, transferring, continence care and toileting).
- Staff are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to respond to resident requests for assistance with health and safety needs.
Assisted Living typically includes a basic package of services and amenities included in the rent. What each community includes varies quite a bit. Charges for these services vary widely, and residents can opt to take advantage of as many or as few of these services as needed. Many residents may begin with minimal services and add more as their needs change. Other services that may be included with rent or are optional:
- Utilities; water, heat, electricity, trash, sometimes phone, cable, internet
- Transportation for shopping and health care appointments
- Cultural activities
- Wellness programs
Prior to a move, an RN assessment is conducted to determine care needs. This will determine the care cost portion of your monthly fees. In this setting, your care package means that staff will come to your apartment or residence at specific times as defined in the care plan.
Assisted Living with Dementia Care
These communities provide specialized care for residents with dementia. They must meet all the requirements of an assisted living community, plus they must provide additional dementia training for staff and additional dementia programming for residents. They may also have a secure dementia care unit.
Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community Near Me
There are many quality assisted living facilities throughout the Twin Cities that have beautiful apartment homes, vibrant residents, lifestyle amenities and outstanding care options. To find the right fit for you or a loved one, contact our senior living advisors at Choice Connections. We can help simplify the task of finding the right assisted living community for your needs, lifestyle and within your budget.