Nursing Homes near Minneapolis, MN

Living in a nursing home may not be the ideal scenario for most seniors, but it may make the most sense for everyone involved. If your loved one has reached the point where they need more care than you or other family members can reasonably provide, then a nursing home is a good option. Once families make the decision to go the nursing home route, the only thing that remains is finding the best one to suit your loved one's needs. For those in the Minneapolis area, there are plenty to choose from, and each offers something a little different.

More about Minneapolis

The Dakota Sioux occupied the region known as Minneapolis before the arrival of French explorers in 1680, but it was the U.S. military base of Fort Snelling that encouraged growth in the area. The U.S. government convinced the Sioux to sell the land to the U.S., providing more space for those arriving from the east to settle. The city is surrounded by water. It contains 20 lakes and wetlands, the Mississippi River, and creeks and waterfalls. It used to be the flour milling capital of the world, but is now the primary business center between Seattle and Chicago. Minneapolis lies on both banks of the Mississippi River, and is one half of the twin cities, a nickname given to Minneapolis and St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota. The city is full of tourist attractions, nature, and interesting architecture. Although winters can be tough, especially for aging seniors, there are several nursing homes in the Minneapolis area that specialize in caring for seniors, especially during the winter.

Choosing the Right Facility

You always want to keep your loved one's personal preferences in mind, but nursing homes that offer city outings and tours can be of interest to many seniors. Create a list of nursing homes with the basic qualities you and your loved ones like, and then find out the specifics in person. Talk to the program director about the staff. How were they trained, what's the patient to staff ratio, do they genuinely care about the residents or is it just a paycheck to them? Once you feel good about the staff, figure out if the facility's policies resonate with you. Do you feel they are too strict, or maybe they aren't strict enough? Also, determine what level of care your loved one will receive, and how often you receive updates. Ask about winter care, and what precautions the nursing home takes to keep residents healthy and active when the bad weather hits. Finally, ensure the facility you choose has plenty of amenities and activities to keep your loved one active.

Amenities and Activities

The amenities and activities available to residents of a nursing home are important. They keep the residents engaged in life by building a community for them. Many residents come to think of the other residents as a second family. A good nursing home offers a wide selection of options including restaurant-style dining, social and recreational activities, landscaped grounds, beauty salon/barber shop, game room, wireless internet, library, laundry, and housekeeping. For those facilities located in Minneapolis, there are also shopping areas, recreational centers, parks, museums, galleries, ice skating during the winter, and performance arts venues. Another option you might consider is rooming preference. Many nursing homes require residents to double up with other residents in a roommate situation. If your loved one is used to living alone, this might cause some anxiety. Find out what your loved one's preference is, and then look for facilities that can match that preference.

Nursing Home Payment Options

Paying for nursing home care can be expensive and stressful if families haven't planned ahead. The best way to pay for nursing home care is through proper insurance. Parents and grandparents should consider purchasing a policy before it is needed. Many insurance policies have a time limit in place before they will pay out claims, so families should look into those details. Medicare and Medicaid are also an option, but each state has different rules for qualifying. As a last resort, families should have money in savings to help pay for nursing home costs. The average family burns through their savings for nursing home care in six months, which means the senior is evicted from the nursing home. Industry experts recommend that seniors and their families not rely solely on savings to pay for nursing home care.

Aging loved ones already have enough to worry about, they don't need to worry about the level of care they will receive from a nursing home, too. It is important to choose one that makes both you and your loved one comfortable, but at the same time offers the best care available. Nursing homes should be an accepting, supportive community with compassionate staff and managers. Residents should be happy and relatively healthy, depending on their individual circumstances. There shouldn't be signs of neglect or abuse. The best way to discover what type of nursing home you're dealing with is to visit the facility and speak to the staff and residents.