Minnesota continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Find CCRCs in Minnesota

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Depending on your or your loved one's needs your options for CCRCs in Minnesota may vary. Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions In Minnesota

Minnesota hosts a wide range of attractions with many perks in the North Star State. Residents can enjoy the breathtaking Lake Superior for some quality outdoor recreation or head into Twin Cities to see a superior production at Guthrie Theater. Minnesota is also home to the Mall of America and shopping is tax-free, so bargain hunters rejoice!

Minnesota's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Historically, Minnesota is known as a farming community, finding economical success in cutting timber and milling wood. Minnesotans are known as some of the friendliest, warm-hearted folks. A center of German and Scandinavian heritage with many different types of transplants. Minnesota is culture-rich and full of diversity. Residents of the state are some of the healthiest and best-educated people in America.

Situated on the most northern board of the United States, Minnesota experiences four distinct climates with added weather phenomena. Beginning in November, Minnesota winters last through April bringing heavy snowfall with average snow accumulation between 30-70 inches depending on the location. Winter temperatures consistently fall below freezing and occasionally below 0 degrees. As Minnesota transitions into spring, late winter, and early spring blizzards are common, along with frequent thunderstorms during late spring.

MN's Continuing Care Communities Regulations and Laws

Continued care homes in Minnesota are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found in the Minnesota Department of Health website. These regulations and laws are designed to make CCRCs in Minnesota the best they can be by implementing things like strict health codes, extensive background checks, and regular facility inspections.

Crime and Safety in Minnesota

In nearly every category, Minnesota’s crime rates are well below the national average. Remarkably, towns such as Mountain Iron, Plainview, and La Crescent had no violent or property crimes in 2012. Nearly one-third of Minnesotans have a bachelor’s degree or higher and the state has one of the lowest unemployment rates nationwide. If you’re looking for a CCRC in Minnesota, rest assured you’ll find a safe environment and plenty of care staff. Some of Minnesota’s safest cities include.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
St. Joseph	0	2.99
Winona	.91	2.61
West Hennepin	1.09	6

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Minnesota

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a “buy-in” option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. This includes monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extended to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is borne by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit and pay on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights For CCRCs In Minnesota

Federal and state law guarantee that your freedoms, privacy, and ability to act autonomously are preserved while receiving care at the community's various levels. Additionally, all services provided and a description of your rights within each particular CCRC are to be displayed and understood upon entering into your continuing care contract. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with senior law. Coupled with Minnesota’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

Minnesota CCRCs: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Since the goal of CCRCs is to aid residents in living independently, most communities will require a health screening in order for individuals to be admitted. These medical records are important because if an applicant is deemed too frail then they may not be admitted. These medical records are available for access at any time. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.