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Elder Law
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Housing Options
Seniors are showing ever-greater interest in housing options that are at the same time “homelike”, allow them to stay in the community, and also provide appropriate supportive services and supervision. The market has responded with a wide range of housing options. It is important for seniors to be able to gather helpful information and make meaningful comparisons between the housing options available to them.
One broad category of senior housing can be referred to as “independent living” or “housing for active seniors” facilities. This category caters to self-sufficient seniors, who do not need many supportive services or supervision. Independent living facilities frequently provide meal service, housekeeping services, group activities and transportation services. They typically offer very little in the way of health services or supportive services such as assistance with home care or laundry. Seniors in independent living facilities typically arrange for their own health care and supportive services, perhaps with help from family members but usually without the help of facility management.
A second broad category of senior housing can be referred to as “assisted living” facilities. This category includes “memory care” facilities. Housing in this category offers a range of nursing care, personal care and supportive services. While some states regulate this category of housing through licensing, Minnesota requires that they provide thorough information about their programs, so that consumers can make informed choices. Minnesota statutes require “assisted living” facilities to provide information on at least 17 different aspects of their operations. “Dementia care facilities” must offer information in 9 additional categories. Assisted living facilities must also register with the Minnesota Department of Health. Facilities in the “assisted living” category come in all different sizes and offer widely different programs – they may focus on specialized memory-care services, skilled nursing services or other areas of specialization. Some assisted living facilities are parts of larger facilities, while others are free-standing.
A third category of housing, available both to seniors and to other qualifying applicants, are adult foster care facilities. Facilities in this category serve functionally impaired adults at least 18 years of age. These facilities are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and exist as family foster care programs in the residence of the license holder and as “corporate” foster care programs in “purpose-built” buildings or within apartment buildings. Adult foster care facilities typically offer all daily meals, supervision and household services, along with home care services such as personal care, medication management and laundry. Facilities focusing on memory loss have special security programs.
“Board and lodging facilities” comprise the fourth category of housing of particular interest to seniors. These facilities hold food and lodging licenses from the Minnesota Department of Health or the local health department. Facilities in this category typically offer all daily meals, linen service and limited housekeeping services. They frequently offer 24-hour staffing, emergency response services, personal care, medication management and other home care services.
Funding assistance from Minnesota’s Alternative Care and elderly waiver programs may be available for qualified tenants in facilities in any of these categories.
The “Links” section of this web site includes a link to the site maintained by the Minnesota Health and Housing Alliance, which provides consumer information, assessment tools, checklists and guides to nursing home, housing and community services.
Incapacity Issues
Medical Assistance Issues
Home and Community Based Services
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