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

With over 1.25 million residents, Hennepin County is Minnesota's most populous county. Across the state, 94,000 seniors have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which may include some of the 13.6 percent of Hennepin County residents who are age 65 and older.

To serve those who may be living with some type of dementia, 25 memory care facilities are available throughout the county, offering specialized treatment and care. In Hennepin County, and the whole of Minnesota, these facilities are more commonly known as Special Care Units (SCUs).

• At 118.9, the cost of living in Hennepin County exceeds both the U.S. national average of 100 and the statewide average of 106. While housing and transportation costs are high, health and grocery costs are well below the national average, which may leave seniors a little extra money to put toward memory care.
• While cold compared to national averages, winter temperatures in Hennepin County are warmer than the Minnesota averages. The county's low is 7 degrees, compared to 1.8 degrees statewide, though the area does receive over 50 inches of snow in a season. Therefore, it's a good idea to check that an SCU has proper precautions in place to ensure residents are safe when weather conditions become harsh.
• Hennepin County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care, such as Hennepin Healthcare, Maple Grove Hospital and the nationally recognized Abbott Northwestern Hospital, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
• Despite the moderate rates seen across much of the state, crime is much more prevalent in Hennepin County. Out of 100, with 100 representing high crime, the county scores a 44 for violent crime and 45.3 for property crime, compared to Minnesota averages of 22.6 and 32.5, respectively. Families of loved ones with dementia should be proactive about looking into the security policies and procedures of an SCU.

Memory Care costs in Hennepin County start around $5,587 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 Hennepin 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.

Hennepin 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.