Minneapolis, a city known for high-quality health care, a vibrant arts scene, and a gorgeous lake-dotted landscape, is an ideal locale for families with loved ones who need care for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The Twin Cities create an environment that supports healthy minds and bodies.
Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Minneapolis, which includes some of St. Paul, there are currently 47 memory care facilities within A Place for Mom’s network. Many offer memory-enhancing activities, dementia therapies, medication management, security features, and extracurricular activities — all to reduce confusion, minimize agitation, enhance well-being, and keep their residents safe.
In this guide, you’ll find all the information necessary for choosing from among Minneapolis’ memory care facilities. Below, learn about pricing and payment options, laws and regulations that pertain to these facilities, the care services they provide, and senior-friendly local attractions around the Twin Cities.
Minneapolis, a city known for high-quality health care, a vibrant arts scene, and a gorgeous lake-dotted landscape, is an ideal locale for families with loved ones who need care for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The Twin Cities create an environment that supports healthy minds and bodies.Read more
Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Minneapolis, which includes some of St. Paul, there are currently 47 memory care facilities within A Place for Mom’s network. Many offer memory-enhancing activities, dementia therapies, medication management, security features, and extracurricular activities — all to reduce confusion, minimize agitation, enhance well-being, and keep their residents safe.
In this guide, you’ll find all the information necessary for choosing from among Minneapolis’ memory care facilities. Below, learn about pricing and payment options, laws and regulations that pertain to these facilities, the care services they provide, and senior-friendly local attractions around the Twin Cities.
I love the location. My daughter lives in Bryn Mawr (where I grew up) and I have two other children in Minneapolis. I am lucky to have a Southwest corner location and I can see planes flying in from the...
I have personally witnessed each one of the management staff go above and beyond to maintain dignity, safety and self respect for not only my mother but for other residents living at The Legacy.
The community is small and very friendly. I am 75 and most of the residents are in their 80's and 90's. There is limited shuttle bus service-once every 2 weeks. Food is mediocre. Washer/Dryers are in each...
I'm sorry my mother didn't live longer to enjoy living there. She had just been there a little over two months and she died. I thought the facility was wonderful very professionally run and clean. The staff...
All are 5. We are very happy with everything . My dad seems to really like it. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend The Glenn Hopkins community to other families.
All 5s except value for cost. I understand it is very expensive to run a senior living center, but still the amount of money is exorbitant. I do think the staff there are doing an excellent job, however, for...
Care/oversight is limited if resident doesn't need a lot of 1:1. The facility is older, but has been recently updated - main areas are kept very clean. Housekeeping in the residents' rooms seems to be...
My mother chooses not to participate in activities and she's not eating much either. Based on the experience we have had so far with The Harbors Senior Living, we would recommend this community to other...
We picked this community, because of the location. They are friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. It's just a good fit for my sister. Lots of social opportunities if a person is interested.
Dining program has problems. Few residents seem to eat regularly in the dining room. The Bistro (alternative food source) is often not open. Van service for appointments, shopping etc, is very limited in...
My loved one is currently a resident at Havenwood of Richfield and overall her experience here at this facility has been good. The cleanliness of the facility is good and the cleanliness of my loved one's...
What we like the most about the Brookdale Edina community are the check-ins the staff members do and the different community events they have going on. We would recommend this community to other families...
Those living here are kind, helpful and friendly. The same is true for those who work here. Internal communication is available at various places and is clear and informative. Those living here are...
The staff is very friendly and responsive! My dad really likes it there and enjoys the many activities, dining choices and welcoming employees.
They charge for nursing care as it is used so this saves you money if you don't use it but it gets expensive quickly if you do. They aren't flexible on their meal plan. It is 3 meals a day or ala cart. They...
The staff is really great and easy to work with. They try to provide a variety of activities to keep residents engaged. My mom only used the meal plan for a short while and did not care much for the food....
This community is just perfect, we like the comradery between the residents, they make you feel very welcomed when you come to visit. The staff notify our family within 24hrs regarding anything with our...
We have had an outstanding experience for our loved one in Assisted Living Memory Care at Sunrise in Edina. The staff has been caring, compassionate and engaging. The care has been exemplary. As needs have...
What stood out to me about this facility is that they are eager to make sure new residents feel they are welcome. Staff are friendly and kind. They provide quick and thorough housekeeping. I would...
My loved one is a resident at Suite Living Roseville. The meals could use more variety. Also, the TV needs to be easier to use for the seniors.
They get all the best. The best parts; attitude of the staff, responsiveness, communication of important issues, access of Directors, ability to make my uncle feel well cared for.
The ability to have autonomy and privacy while knowing the next level of care is always available if the time comes. I would recommend Chandler Place to others.
My dad loves The Waters of Edina and so far I would rate it 5 stars on everything. The move in was easily scheduled and accomplished. There was a regular sized elevator and a freight elevator that were...
They are doing a good job. My loved one seems to be okay with the food. They have a lot of activities for the residents, and try to get them invloved. The value for the money is good. When I visit, they make...
The staff does not work on the weekends. Many days they are gone long before 5:00. We hear comments like "that isn't my job" or even a flat out refusal to help. It is becoming more and more that they only...
The average monthly cost of memory care facilities in A Place for Mom’s network in Minneapolis is $4,631, according to proprietary research.[01]
This figure includes housing, meals, associated costs, and add-on service expenses such as specialized therapies, 24-hour monitoring, and other auxiliary services. However, this figure is an average, and the cost of the facility and its services will most likely vary depending on location.
The figures below indicate the typical baseline prices for the area that do not include add-on fees.
Average monthly costs
Minneapolis, MN
Memory care in Minneapolis can be financed through various means, including private funds, governmental programs, and veterans benefits. Seniors and their families often rely on a combination of funding sources to pay for memory care. Learn about private payment methods, Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits for memory care in the sections below.
Many seniors and their families may have to use their own funds to pay for memory care services. Personal savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, distributions from retirement accounts, investment returns, inheritances, and any of the following resources may be included.
Number of veterans who live in Minneapolis
About 18% percentage of Minneapolis veterans are 75+
Minneapolis veterans are often eligible for benefits that may help cover a stay in a memory care facility. For example, VA Pensions can help pay for expenditures like memory care.
Additionally, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit helps veterans who need assistance with the activities of daily living, such as eating, walking, and attending to personal hygiene. This benefit is commonly used for memory care services.
The VA benefits application process can be confusing and lengthy, so it’s best to seek guidance on enrollment help from a local veterans services organization (VSO) or a veterans services officer located at a VSO. These include the local American Legion Post, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter, or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization, who can assist in answering more concerns with other services for people with age-related memory issues.
Resources for Minneapolis veterans
VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
1 Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: 800-827-1000
St. Paul Regional Benefits Office
1 Federal Drive
St. Paul, MN 55111
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hennepin County Veterans Service Officers
300 S. Sixth St.
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: 612-348-3300
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars
Phone: 651-291-1757
Fax: 651-291-2753
Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota
State Veterans Service Building, Floor 3
20 W. 12th St.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-291-1212; 888-317-2291
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
American Legion Minneapolis/Richfield Post 435
6501 Portland Ave.
Richfield, MN 55423
Phone: 612-866-3647
American Legion Minneapolis/Richfield Post 435
6501 Portland Ave.
Richfield, MN 55423
Phone: 612-866-3647
Giantvalley American Legion
3751 Minnehaha Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Phone: 612-729-6824
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Department of Minnesota
20 W. 12th St., Room 300-A
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-291-1800; 866-259-9163
Fax: 651-291-1057
Medicaid, the federal health care program for low-income people, is called Minnesota’s Medical Assistance (MA) program, and it can help qualifying seniors in memory care with medical costs. MA doesn’t cover the cost of living in a memory care facility though.
Medicaid waiver programs, such as Minnesota Home & Community-Based Services, can also pay for in-home medical care services for seniors who need assistance with daily living tasks. The Minnesota Department of Human Services also offers the Elderly Waiver program to provide financial assistance for care services that help seniors who might otherwise need to be in a nursing home. A prerequisite for qualifying for the Elderly Waiver is eligibility for Medical Assistance. That said, the Minnesota Department of Human Services says online sources don’t cover every instance of eligibility, so the only true way to determine qualification is to apply for coverage.
Seniors can apply for the MA program by filling out a paper application and mailing in the application or taking it to their local county or tribal office. To have an application mailed to you, call 651-431-2670 or 800-657-3739.
Find more information and guidance about Medicaid options via local resources such as the long-term care ombudsman or the Area Agency on Aging, which in Minneapolis is known as Trellis. These advisors can help guide you through the application process, which can be confusing without assistance. The contact information for these offices is listed in the Medicaid resources listed below.
Minneapolis resident Medicaid resources
Minnesota Medicaid Ombudsman
Phone: 651-431-2660; 800-657-3729
Email: dhsombudsman.smhcp@state.mn.us
Trellis: Area Agency on Aging
1265 Grey Fox Road, Suite 2
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Phone: 651-641-8612
Hennepin County Health Care Assistance
Phone: 612-596-1300; 844-803-8466
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
MHCP Provider Resource Center
Phone: 651-431-2700; 800-366-5411
If your loved one is 65 or older, then Medicare is the government health insurance program for them. If your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia qualifies for Medicare, the program will cover some, but not all, care costs. It won’t pay for room and board in a memory care facility, for instance.
Medicare will pay for inpatient hospital care, some doctors’ fees, and other medical goods for adults 65 and older with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and several prescription medicines are also covered by Medicare Part D. The program may cover some care costs for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including hospice care (in a nursing facility or an inpatient hospice facility) and specialized care in Alzheimer’s special care units if they qualify as skilled nursing services.
Additionally, dementia patients may be eligible for the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model, which offers more benefits, lower cost sharing, and flexible plans to subscribers with chronic diseases (such as dementia). To learn more about what Medicare covers, visit the official Medicare website, dial 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), or visit your local Social Security Administration office.
Note that Medicare Savings Plans (MSP) and the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS, also known as Extra Help) can also help seniors with costs related to Medicare Part A and B, such as covering or lowering monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Seniors can apply for these programs by calling the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or by visiting the Social Security website. The Senior LinkAge Line, run by the Minnesota Board on Aging, can also lead callers to manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs and assist them in completing applications.
Seniors in Minnesota can also receive free health insurance guidance through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) in person or over the phone. SHIP can assist seniors in comparing insurance policies, understanding coverage options, and selecting the best plan. Seniors who need long-term care can access additional resources through their local long-term care ombudsman’s office.
Minneapolis resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
1811 Chicago Ave., Suite 1
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 855-257-0982
Fax: 833-902-2688
Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
540 Cedar St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 800-657-3591
Senior LinkAge
540 Cedar St.
St. Paul, MN 55164
Phone: 800-333-2433
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
State Health Insurance Help Program (SHIP)
Phone: 800-333-2433
Email: info@shiphelp.org
Memory care facilities in Minnesota are subject to the same laws and regulations as assisted living facilities. They are licensed and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health. These facilities must be licensed and inspected by the Health Department to ensure compliance with regulations on resident care, medication administration, personnel, cleanliness, and safety.
Memory care facilities are subject to unannounced inspections a minimum of once every two years to ensure compliance with regulations and laws. Inspections can also happen at any time if there is a complaint.
Minnesota’s Health Department provides public access to inspection reports and licenses for memory care facilities via this searchable directory.
Minnesota has a few specific standards for memory care in addition to the assisted living regulations they must follow, including staff training, staffing numbers, and resident care and safety procedures. Section 144G.83 of the state’s assisted living statutes mandate additional training for personnel in facilities that provide memory care.
All workers with direct contact with residents must receive training within the first 90 days of employment and annually thereafter. The regulations also require facilities to have written policies and procedures in place for dealing with the requirements of memory care residents. A person-centered care approach is central to the training of staff. The statute recognizes that memory care residents have unique emotional and health care needs and lays out requirements that make sure training covers everything staff members need to know to provide the best possible care for your loved one.
Additionally, Section 4659.0160 of the Minnesota Administrative Rules outlines the process for surrendering an assisted living facility license that includes memory care services. The Health Department may take enforcement action if the licensee fails to comply with these conditions.
Since memory care facilities are governed by the same laws and regulations as assisted living, that means your loved one will also be in a facility where enough staff is required to be available to meet their needs. No specific ratio is given. The facility must also have a licensed assisted living director, as well as a clinical nurse supervisor. The facilities must meet safety standards and staff have to be trained to deal with emergencies including evacuation.
Three daily meals that meet nutritional requirements will be provided, as well as snacks. Activities will be provided that are appropriate to your loved one’s needs and abilities.
Minnesota Department of Health
625 Robert St. N
St Paul, MN 55164
Phone: 651-201-5000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In Minneapolis, no specific COVID-19 restrictions exist for memory care facilities. The city updates this dashboard daily to provide the latest information about COVID cases in the area.
Specific memory care homes may have their own policies, so seniors and their families should check with the facilities for further information, but these are general best practices set by local health officials:
The city’s health officials recommend that seniors over 65 who received an immunization six months ago or more take a booster dose to stay up-to-date on vaccinations.
Masks are not required, but each facility can make its own rules about mask requirements.
The management at memory care locations should continue to improve the ventilation system in their facilities to avoid the spread of airborne disease.
Staff members at care facilities should regularly wash their hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Memory care facilities provide seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia with accommodation, care, and therapy in an atmosphere that helps reduce disorientation and prevents wandering. In Minneapolis, locations typically offer memory care in secured communities that take care to offer enriching environments for residents.
Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Minneapolis, which includes portions of St. Paul, there are 47 memory care facilities partnered with A Place for Mom. While two of these facilities are standalone, most are combined with other types of senior living arrangements. Here’s the breakdown:
Expanding out 25 miles from downtown brings even more possibilities, with 69 additional options. While 12 are standalone memory care facilities in the area, the rest are combined with other senior living arrangements as discussed above. This radius means you can expand your search into more of St. Paul or out to places like Rockford and Maple Plain.
Memory care facilities are secured communities with enclosed courtyards and outdoor walking paths that let residents enjoy nature, fresh air, and freedom without the danger of your loved one wandering too far afield. Staff are trained and aware of exit-seeking behaviors, understand how to deal with hallucinations and delusions, and know how to handle redirection, cuing, and disorientation within their residents.
In addition to memory-specific care, your loved one can enjoy everything being taken care of from laundry to housekeeping to meals. Additionally, three-quarters of our partner facilities bring in occupational, physical, and speech therapists as needed, plus podiatrists. Most locations have a visiting nurse, and many locations are equipped to manage residents’ medication, diabetes, and incontinence if needed.
Memory care communities are designed to meet the special requirements of residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. They frequently contain coordinated social activities, with 87% of our partner facilities having a designated activity director. Some also provide tailored activities like water aerobics in on-site pools and memory exercises.
The communities typically offer indoor and outdoor common areas for socializing, including outdoor walk paths and enclosed courtyards for daily exercise. Various classes and activities are available, such as cooking and stretching classes, live singing and theater performances, and supervised off-site activities. Nearby attractions such as beaches, parks, and museums are also easily accessible to seniors who want to visit with their families.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Minneapolis
Median annual income for Minneapolis seniors 65 and older
Minneapolis has multiple well-known hospitals and a nationally acclaimed hospital for seniors. Explore the resources below to learn more about the best hospitals in Minneapolis.
Abbott Northwestern Hospital is the best hospital in the Twin Cities, according to the U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks 40th in the nation for its neurology and neurosurgery care.
Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital
Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital is the Twin Cities’ second-best hospital, according to the U.S. News & World Report. It also has the distinction of being fourth in the entire state.
M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center
Ranked third in the Twin Cities by U.S. News & World Report, M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center has earned a national ranking in cancer care.
Both a teaching hospital and a general medical and surgical facility, the area’s primary Veteran’s Affairs health care system takes care of veterans in the Twin Cities.
It is not safe or advisable for memory care residents to venture out on their own; however, there are plenty of ways for your loved one to get out and about safely with assistance from you or a caregiver starting with provided transportation by the memory care facility itself. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, 59% of our partner memory care facilities provide complimentary transportation and 48% offer transportation at cost.[01]
Seniors in memory care communities should only use transit with a caregiver, but some public transportation options are designed specifically for seniors with disabilities that offer supervision or caregiver escorts. Metro Mobility is a transportation service for people with impairments (including those with dementia) that provides accessible cars and skilled drivers for door-to-door transportation.
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Metro Transit offers buses, light rail, commuter trains, Dial-A-Ride Transport (DART), and the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) for impaired seniors. DART provides door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who can’t use regular buses. And TAP offers discounted rates, free trips, and travel instruction for eligible seniors with disabilities.
Two organizations, Senior Community Services and Friends & Co., offer transportation services for seniors with impairments. The Senior Rides program by Senior Community Services provides door-to-door transportation for medical visits, grocery shopping, and other errands. The Friendship and Flowers program offers seniors escorted transportation and social visits. Both programs provide trained volunteer drivers to ensure safe and comfortable transportation. In addition, the Little Brothers program provides seniors with social visits and services to address social isolation. To learn more, it’s best to contact each service directly to determine their eligibility requirements.
In Minneapolis, private transportation firms such as Lyft and Uber provide services for elders with dementia. Some firms offer unique programs, such as UberAssist and Lyft Access, that teach drivers to help seniors with mobility equipment and other needs.
Additionally, medical transportation services such as MedLink Transportation and Allina Health Transportation provide specialized transportation for elders with dementia who require medical attention. These services encompass skilled drivers who can assist passengers and vehicles outfitted with medical equipment.
Minneapolis and its counterpart St. Paul makes up the hustling and bustling big-city feel of the Twin Cities. There is plenty of nature to love, too. The area has multiple parks, with virtually no one living more than six blocks from one. When visiting with family members and caregivers, seniors can enjoy strolls through the neighborhood parks, including the well-known Lake of the Isles, which offers a calm outdoor atmosphere with walking pathways and parks.
The city also offers a vibrant cultural scene with venues like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, a free museum that’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Also try a concert at the Minnesota Orchestra, which is known for delivering excellent performances of music that can potentially evoke memories and emotions in dementia patients. And note that the Children’s Theatre Company offers innovative shows suitable for all ages. Music therapy is a useful approach to engaging seniors with dementia, as it helps to recall memories and create a calming environment.
The outdoors can bring calm and respite as well. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers a tranquil environment and guided tours for seniors with dementia. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is another great place to see and interact with animals, including California sea lions and giraffes, with on-site and street parking and public transportation nearby.
The Waters of Oakdale, Talamore Woodbury and The Glenn Hopkins are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Minneapolis, MN. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Minneapolis is 4104.85 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 137 memory care facilities near you in Minneapolis, Minnesota typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Minneapolis, Minnesota, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Minneapolis, Minnesota ranges from $538 to $9500. The average Memory Care cost in Minneapolis, Minnesota is $4104.85. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Minneapolis, Minnesota typically starts at $538. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in Saint Louis Park, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos | US News Best Hospitals Rankings
Veterans Affairs. (2023). VA Minneapolis health care.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in Saint Louis Park, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos
Veterans Affairs. (2023). VA Minneapolis health care.