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Editorial Standards

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How we source

Every regulatory statement on this site links to the underlying state rule, regulator program page or federal source. Cost data comes from the published CareScout Cost of Care Survey tables. Population figures come from U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.

What we will not publish

  • Untraceable figures. If we cannot find a primary source, we say the number is unavailable rather than repeating what other sites say.
  • Unverified facility details. We publish a community's name, address and care type only when confirmed against the operator's own published information. We do not publish bed counts, license numbers, pricing or star ratings we could not verify.
  • Invented reviews or rankings. We do not rank communities, and we do not publish testimonials we cannot attribute.

Known limitations, stated openly

  • There is no published median price for memory care anywhere. We do not estimate one.
  • CareScout does not publish metro-specific cost tables. We cite state medians and say local pricing likely varies, without inventing a local figure.
  • Our facility listings are smaller than aggregator directories because our verification standard excludes providers we could not confirm.

Corrections

If you find something wrong — particularly about your own community — email advisors@mplssenioradvisor.com and we will correct or remove it. Facility operators may request corrections to their listing at any time.

Questions families ask

What license does an assisted living facility need in Minnesota?

Every assisted living community in the Twin Cities must hold an Assisted Living Facility license issued by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 144G. This has been mandatory statewide since August 1, 2021, replacing the older, looser 'Housing with Services' registration model. Facilities must also employ an assisted living director credentialed by the Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports.

Does Minnesota require a special license for memory care?

Yes. Any community with a secured dementia care unit must hold the 'assisted living facility with dementia care' license category under Minn. Stat. 144G.10, subd. 2(b) — a base assisted living license is not enough. That license carries two extra legal requirements: dementia-specific staff training under Minn. Stat. 144G.83, and a mandatory written pre-admission disclosure under Minn. Stat. 325F.72.

How do I check if a facility is licensed in Minnesota?

Use the free MDH Health Care Provider Directory to search by provider type ('Assisted Living Facilities' or 'Assisted Living Facilities with Dementia Care'), city, or county — it shows current license status and the administrator of record. For a fuller quality picture, cross-check the Minnesota Assisted Living Report Card (or the Nursing Home Report Card for skilled nursing), which shows resident health, safety, and staffing ratings from MDH surveys.

Is independent living the same as assisted living in Minnesota?

No. Independent living apartments or cooperatives are housing only, with no licensed care services, and are not regulated under Chapter 144G. Assisted living facilities, by contrast, must hold an MDH license because they deliver health-related and supportive services — help with bathing, medication management, mobility — to residents where they live.

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