Assisted Living Minneapolis and Other Choices For You or a Loved One.

-By Dan Simo

When health or housing needs change to the point where a little help or a lot of help is needed, senior living type alternatives are available with varying degrees of assistance and care. Here is a simple guide to some of the more common types of senior living and care facilities in the order of degree of care:

Independent Living Minneapolis- Commonly these are part of a commercial apartment property or a whole property dedicated to Independent Living residences. Usually two meals per day are provided along with weekly housekeeping. Utilities are normally included. Most offer a wide range of events and activities and excursions. Private caregivers, if needed, can be hired to come in.

Assisted Living Minneapolis- This type of care provides for those in need of assistance with daily living activities (hygiene, dressing, eating, taking medications, exercise, etc.). Different Assisted Living residences offer different amenities and levels of care. So first know what needs the elder has and then be sure to inquire about the specific offerings. Most Assisted Living facilities offer community style amenities such as group activities, different exercise programs, occupational therapies, along with housekeeping and perhaps laundry service. Meals are also prepared and more often now can be customized to each resident. A continuum of care may be offered within an assisted living facility to include memory care and skilled nursing available 24/7.

Memory Care Minneapolis- When more care is needed than can be provided by the assisted living program alone, those with dementia related ailments require special care. Staff should have special training for such care and the facility should have safeguards in place to monitor and secure the premises to prevent wandering off. Good programs also offer residents a wide range of daily engaging activities.

Nursing Home Minneapolis- This is more for those with chronic or long term care needs and require 24 hour skilled nursing care. Short-term stays are offered as well for needed care after hospital discharges. With this level of care there are state mandates for regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy.

Costs - Costs vary between the different types of care. It depends on the level and degree of care, region and location, and whether it's private pay or shared or subsidized. Normally private pay assisted living and memory care facilities as well as nursing homes are paid for with personal funds or assets or long-term care insurance. Medicare does not pay for long term care. In certain cases, Medicaid will cover the costs, although usually all other assets would need to be depleted.

Since facilities differ in what payment methods are taken, you should know your price range and method of payment so that you find the right place for you or your loved one.

Assisted Living Minneapolis, Memory Care Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Valleyview of Owatonna is committed to providing the highest

level of service and care for senior living in an atmosphere that

promotes total well-being and personal fulfillment. We specialize

in independent living, assisted living and memory care facilities.