Senior Living Options
Senior Living Solutions in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
At Abrazzo, we understand that no two individuals are the same. That’s why we offer a customized advising services for seniors in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Our program is designed to match older adults with the senior living solution that is best for them.
Independent Living
“Market Rate Rentals”, Independent Living refers to housing that is paid for by month-month rent. You will sign a lease for a designated period of time. When considering Independent Living you will want to consider future care needs and the potential needing to move again. Many Independent Living complexes offer a community room, exercise room, activities, craft room, salon and other amenities.
Housing with Services
Housing with Service communities are “Market Rate Rentals” offering supportive services. This allows the individual(s) to live independently, but services are available if wanted/needed. The “Housing with Service” (HWS) community must be licensed by the State of Minnesota. HWS communities typically offer some or all of the following services; housekeeping, laundry, dining, and personal care (an RN assessment is required). 24/7 staffing may be available. Amenities within the HWS community may include; transportation to health care appointments and outside shopping and social activities; wellness programs; dining services including 1-3 meals daily.
Assisted Living
The options for Assisted Living accommodations vary by community from a Studio apartment with an efficiency kitchen to a 3 Bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and multiple baths. In Minnesota it is required that an Assisted Living community offers the following services; 2 meals daily; weekly housekeeping and laundry service; assistance with 3 or more “activities of daily living (ADL’s) (dressing, grooming, bathing, eating, transferring, toileting/continence care), daily safety check system, additionally assistance arranging transportation, help accessing community and social resources. In addition it is required that health-related services must include assistance with self-administration of medication, or staff-administered medication services supervised by a Registered Nurse (RN). Staff must be available 24/7 to respond to health or safety needs. Costs vary depending on the level of care required and may increase as the person’s needs change. Costs are calculated in varying ways, rent-plus-cares (ala carte, levels, point system, all-inclusive, etc.). Services within Assisted Living communities are covered by the resident/family paying privately, Long-Term Care Insurance, VA Benefits or qualifying waiver programs.
Residential Care Homes
Residential Care Homes offer the assistance you need in an intimate home setting. The house is located within a residential neighborhood and typically has 4-10 residents. They offer a higher staff to resident ratio. Each resident within the home either has a private or shared room and may have a private or shared bathroom. The smaller setting offers the opportunity for individualized care which caters to the unique needs and preferences of the resident. The intimate nature of this particular type of setting creates a true “aging in place” philosophy. Many of the Residential Care Homes have outside Physician Groups that visit the home on a regular basis. Homes can offer specialty care such as memory care, Parkinson’s (movement disorders), behavioral, or complex health care needs. Residential Care Homes are licensed by the State of Minnesota in a variety of ways and are subject to surveys and regulations.
Memory Care/Alzheimer’s Care
A section within an Assisted Living Community, Memory Care Only Assisted Living Community or Residential Care Homes that are specialized in the care of individuals that have been diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. They often have a higher staff to resident ratio, secured exits, smaller dining settings and 24/7 supervision. Activities and outings are geared toward engaging residents and ensuring their safety.
In-Home Care Services
Home Care services have the ability to be offered in your current place of residence or within a senior living community. Home Care offers a variety of services ranging from homemaking tasks, assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting, cooking, shopping and many other services. The services that a Home Care agency can provide ranges from Companion Care to Skilled Nursing Care and are required to be licensed by the State of Minnesota. Home Care is appropriate when an individual wants to remain in their home and needs additional assistance, is recuperating from an illness or surgery, or wishes to stay at home as an alternative to long term services provided within an alternative setting. Services can be paid in a variety of ways: Private Pay, Insurance/Long-Term Care Insurance, Medicare, Medical Assistance, Veterans Administration benefits, and Waivered Programs.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is provided as a program or package of services to the terminally ill and as relief for their families and caregivers. Hospice groups offer palliative care and supportive care in the person’s personal residence, within a senior living community or within a hospice home. The services included are for physical, psychological, spiritual, and sociological care. The hospice group also offers bereavement for family and caregivers. Hospice groups offer an interdisciplinary team of end-of-life specialists that consist of physicians, clergy/counselors, nurses and volunteers (music, pet and massage therapy, caregivers).