Adult Care Homes in Saint Paul, MN

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Saint Paul Minnesota Adult Care Homes: How to pay for, Licensing and Questions to ask…

Saint Paul, the state capital of Minnesota, forms the “Twin Cities” with neighboring Minneapolis. It’s home to the Science Museum of Minnesota, with its dinosaur specimens and immersive theater. The Minnesota History Center has interactive exhibits about the region’s history. Nearby is the beaux arts Cathedral of Saint Paul. Minnesota is home to western prairies, agriculture, forests, and the North Woods which is used for recreation. About one third of the state is covered in forests and it is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for having over 14,000 bodies of fresh water covering at least ten acres. All these attractions make Minnesota a premiere place for our aging population to call home.

Adult Care Home and other terms

It is good to know the other terms/names you may hear: 

Nursing Home (although this is an outdated and not accurate term for this level of care)

  • Board and care home
  • Care home
  • Adult family home 
  • Residential care home 
  • Adult foster home
  • Personal care Home
  • Community Residential Care Facilities
  • Rest Homes

About Adult Care Homes in Saint Paul

Certified family homes are private residences that provide a home-like setting. The care home provider will typically provide meals, housekeeping, and limited activities. Unlike a nursing home, residents may require very light assistance with ADLs. An adult care home in Minnesota may be ideal for a senior who can no longer manage their health and safety in their own home, and may need care. Minnesota adult care homes are an excellent housing option for aging adults because they offer private residencies in a home-like environment and some care, though typically medical care. Board and care facilities are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health. An administrator must be employed and is responsible for the day-to-day operations. There must be sufficient staff on site at all times. Caregivers at an adult care home may perform several functions: personal hygiene and mobility and eating and dressing and toileting and behavior management. Adult care homes in Minnesota are found in normal residential neighborhoods. You may drive past one each day on your commute. 

Considerations when looking for care in Saint Paul

St Paul is home to 307,193 people.

Cities Near Saint Paul

  • White Bear Lake – 11 miles north
  • Eagan – 15 miles south
  • Hopkins – 22 miles west
  • Lake Elmo – 18 miles east

Pricing and How to Pay for Adult Home Care

Adult care homes tend to be about 15-30% less than assisted living facilities. 

Assisted living in Minnesota costs $4,500 per month on average. So, Minnesota adult care homes generally cost between $2,500-$3,300 per month, depending on the county or city where you reside or are looking for care.

It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.

Medicare – NO:

  • Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
  • People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
  • Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.

Private pay – YES:

  • Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
  • Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
  • Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.

Medicaid – MAYBE:

  • Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
  • Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
  • Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
  • National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
  • The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
  • If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.

Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:

Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.

  • Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
  • Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.

Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:

This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.

  • There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
  • A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
  • If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Questions to Ask

Finding an assisted living community, can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:

  • Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting What is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
  • Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
  • Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
  • Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
  • Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
  • And finally (there is a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the executive director, head nurse, lead activities director and even the chef or janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers

Regions Hospital Foundation

640 Jackson St, St Paul, MN 55101

M Health Fairview Bethesda Hospital

45 W 10th St, St Paul, MN 55102

Minnesota Help Network-Senior Linkage Line A resource where the elderly, people with disabilities, their caregivers, and professionals can go to get information and referrals.

Minnesota Board on Aging The Minnesota Board on Aging is the gateway to services for seniors and their families. MBA listens to senior concerns, researches for solutions, and proposes policy to address senior needs.

Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC)  State centralized system for mandated reporters and the public to report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an and adult in Minnesota who is vulnerable due to a condition or service need. Operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care The Board advises on and coordinates government plans around aging to ensure that Older American’s Act requirements are met. The MBA administers state and federal funds and also creates public awareness, encourages research on aging issues and provides technical assistance and grants to local aging organizations. By participating in board and committee meetings, MBA members work to create a collective vision that represents the best interests of older Minnesotans.

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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Written by The Care Availability Team
Experts in the senior care & retirement living industries

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