Assisted Living Communities in Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Depending on a prospective assisted living resident's financial and functional needs, they may have several options for paying for care. The federal and state governments have programs that pay for assisted living residents' medical expenses and, in some cases, nonmedical custodial services. Seniors who served in the military may also qualify for aid through the Veterans Administration. 

• Medicaid: Minnesota's Medicaid program covers assisted living services for qualified individuals through the Elderly Waiver program. Some expenses this waiver covers include residential services, case management, nonmedical transportation and housekeeping.
• Medicare: Medicare pays for medical services, including those residents receive in assisted living, such as skilled nursing services, rehabilitative therapies and medication administration. This assistance reduces the total monthly cost of care for those managing health conditions, making assisted living more affordable.  
• VA Benefits: The VA administers two programs that help qualified seniors pay for assisted living, including Aid and Attendance and Housebound. These programs provide monthly cash benefits veterans can apply toward their assisted living expenses. The VA also operates a veterans' home in Bemidji, about 80 miles from Grand Rapids.
• Private payments: Seniors who don't qualify for financial assistance pay for assisted living with their own resources, including Social Security income, public or private pension benefits or retirement savings.

• In a given year, Grand Rapids experiences roughly 11 crimes per 1,000 people, making it safer than 46% of U.S. cities and appealing to prospective assisted living residents. About 90% of these crimes are property-related, while violent crime occurs at a rate of 1.51, which is less than half the national average.
• Grand Rapids’ warm season has a daytime average of 67 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cold season brings an average high of 31 degrees Fahrenheit. To help seniors remain active year-round, assisted living facilities host indoor recreation and have amenities such as libraries and activity centers.
• The cost of living in Grand Rapids exceeds the national baseline by about 4.5% and may impact the cost of assisted living. Fortunately, many assisted living communities feature all-inclusive pricing and accept multiple payment options.
• Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital sits within Grand Rapids and has a range of services, including a clinic with over 80 providers, offering convenient access to medical support for assisted living residents.
• The AARP gives Grand Rapids a high livability score of 61 compared to the U.S. city norm of 48 for factors such as senior-friendly transportation and access to cultural institutions, benefiting local assisted living residents.