The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Rice County, MN for 2024

A region of diverse industry, Rice County, Minnesota is home to nearly 66,000 residents, 15.1 percent of whom are aged 65 and older. With 94,000 seniors across the state have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, caring for this segment of the population is an issue of great importance.

As outlined in the State Plan drafted by the Minnesota Board on Aging, specialized dementia treatment can be accessed at memory care facilities, four of which are available in Rice County. In Rice County, and across the state of Minnesota, these facilities are commonly referred to as Special Care Units (SCUs).

• Based on the U.S. national average of 100, the overall cost of living in Rice County is rated 99, which is lower than the statewide average of 106. Transportation, health and grocery costs are low, which could help seniors save on daily living costs so more money can be put toward the cost of memory care services.
  
• While similar to numbers observed on a national level, rates of violent crime in Rice County are quite a bit higher than they are on average across Minnesota. The area scores a 36.5 out of a possible 100, with 100 representing high crime, compared to statewide scores of 22.6. However, property crime rates are similar in both demographics, averaging 33.6 in the county and 32.5 across Minnesota. Most facilities have surveillance and security systems in place, but it's a good idea for families to review an SCU's policies and procedures in detail.
  
• Rice County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care, such as District One Hospital and Northfield Hospital, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
  
• As is generally seen throughout Minnesota, winters in Rice County can be very harsh. Temperatures can drop below 5 degrees, and the area expects an average of 43 inches of snow on an annual basis. Overall, the county only scores a 34 out of 100 in terms of comfort. Consider inquiring about the measures an SCU takes to ensure its residents are kept safe during cold conditions.

Memory Care costs in Rice County start around $0 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 Rice 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.

Rice 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.