The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Dakota County, MN for 2024

Known for its unique geographical landscape and diverse demographics, Dakota County is located in the southeast corner of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area and has a population of close to 422,000. Around 13.6 percent of these residents are aged 65 and older and may require specialized treatment for Alzheimer's disease, as 94,000 seniors across the state face this challenge in their daily lives. This treatment can be accessed at one of the 13 memory care facilities located across Dakota County, commonly referred to as Special Care Units (SCUs).

• Dakota County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care, such as Regina Hospital, Northfield Hospital and the nationally recognized Fairview Ridges Hospital, in the event of medical emergencies or illness. 
• Seniors may find it difficult to cope with the harsh winter conditions in Dakota County. Though temperatures can be a bit warmer than the rest of state on average, the area receives about 6 inches of snow each year, and only receives a 40 out of 100 in terms of overall comfort.
• At 117.6, the cost of living in Dakota County is higher than both the U.S. national average of 100 and Minnesota state average of 106. Housing and transportation are the largest contributing factors to this difference, which may be something for seniors to keep in mind when budgeting for memory care services.
• Crime rates in Dakota County are close to the national average. The region scores a 32.2  for violent crime and a 31.3 for property crime on a scale of one to 100, with 100 representing the highest rate of crime. On a national scale, rates are 31.1 and 38.1 in the same categories, respectively. Most SCUs are fully outfitted with security and surveillance, though it's still a good idea for families to ask about the specific policies and procedures a facility has in place.

Memory Care costs in Dakota County start around $6,438 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Dakota County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in Minnesota page.

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

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

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Minnesota page.

Dakota County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Minnesota are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Minnesota page for more information about these laws.