Assisted Living Communities in Bemidji, Minnesota

Bemidji's assisted living costs are on the lower end of the spectrum, approximately 17.2% below both the national and state averages. In contrast, other Minnesota cities show significantly higher assisted living costs Prices in St. Cloud and Rochester stand at $4,100 and $4,180, respectively. Costs in Duluth run $1,160 more than those in Bemidji, and Minneapolis’ rates are higher yet at $5,163.

Bemidji’s assisted living communities charge an average of $3,840 per month for their services, but this can vary as seniors select care packages and accommodations that are right for them.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Minnesota page.

Assisted living is the least expensive senior care option in Bemidji, with monthly rates averaging $3,840. Seniors who want to remain in their own homes may choose home care or home health care, but they can expect to pay an average of $1,850 more per month than in assisted living. Nursing homes cost the most at $11,693 because of their higher level of medical care.

The Minnesota Department of Health oversees the state’s assisted living communities. Each facility must be licensed and regularly inspected to make sure it is offering high-quality care by well-trained staff members in a clean, safe environment. Seniors can use the online health care provider directory to learn more about individual communities.

• Bemidji offers an overall cost of living that is well below the national average, coming in at 73.6 compared to 100. Minnesota’s average cost of living stands at 97.2. Housing, transportation, utilities and groceries fall below average as well, and this can make it easier for seniors to balance their budgets, especially if they live on a fixed income.
• Health care costs in Bemidji rank 82.7 on a 100-point scale. This means that Bemidji residents typically pay about 17.3% less for health care than the average U.S. resident. This can be vastly helpful to seniors who have many medical needs.
• Bemidji is served by Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. This full-service hospital provides primary and emergency care as well as a wide range of specialties, including orthopedic surgery, cardiology and oncology. Seniors can also turn to Sandford for pain management, rehabilitation and robotic surgery.
• The climate in Bemidji is a mixed bag. Summers are beautiful with July highs reaching about 78 degrees Fahrenheit on average and a summer comfort index score of 9.1 out of 10. Winters, however, are cold and snowy, with January lows dipping below zero and an average of 45 inches of snow per year. Fortunately, seniors who live in assisted living communities have the advantage of accessing most necessary services right on-site, and transportation is usually available when they must go out.
• Bemidji boasts above-average air and water quality scores. Water quality comes in at 60 compared to a U.S. average of 55, and air quality stands at 69 compared to a national average of 58. This can reduce seniors’ chances of respiratory problems and other illnesses.
• Crime is a concern in Bemidji. The violent crime rate is 23.0 with the U.S. average at 22.7, but the property crime rate jumps to 95.3 compared to the national average of 35.4. However, assisted living communities are mindful of these statistics and usually offer full security, constant staffing and a 24-hour emergency call system to give residents greater peace of mind.