Mankato, Minnesota is home to a little more than 42,000 residents, 11 percent of whom are seniors aged 65 or older. While many of these seniors are able to live independently and care for themselves, many others have been diagnosed with dementia and require specialized residential care. In fact, throughout Minnesota, an estimated 94,000 seniors over 65 have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's DIsease or another form of dementia.
For those who require such care, the Mankato area is home to six memory care facilities, officially known as special care units. These facilities are closely regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health and are often housed alongside assisted living facilities, as provisions for both levels of care are similar.Â