Located on Lake Superior, Duluth is a thriving port city that gives nursing home residents easy access to top-rated medical facilities as well as a rich array of parks, cultural attractions and recreational activities. This city of 86,697 is home to more than 13,600 senior citizens who enjoy a competitive cost of living that’s 15% lower than the national average. Health care costs are low, and the city has a strong workforce of physicians and other medical professionals on staff at doctors’ offices, hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Skilled nursing facilities in Duluth serve seniors who have complex medical needs or require help with multiple activities of daily living. Due to the high level of care provided, nursing homes are more expensive than other care alternatives. In Duluth, the average cost is $10,437 per month, which is significantly higher than the U.S. median of $7,756. Seniors who don’t require this level of care or want greater independence may consider more affordable assisted living or in-home care instead.
This guide takes a look at nursing home prices in Duluth and other parts of Minnesota. It also provides a directory of resources that serve seniors and family caregivers in St. Louis County.
Directory of Nursing Homes in Duluth, MN
1601 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth, MN, 55802
4002 London Rd, Duluth, MN, 55804
Ecumen Home Care – Lakeshore is an assisted living facility based in Duluth, Minnesota, a stone’s throw from gorgeous Lake Superior and less than a mile from St. Luke’s Hospital. Visitors describe the
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Ecumen Home Care – Lakeshore is an assisted living facility based in Duluth, Minnesota, a stone’s throw from gorgeous Lake Superior and less than a mile from St. Luke’s Hospital. Visitors describe the staff as amazing and always remembering the names of visitors and residents. Residents appreciate the options for both short-term and long-term stays. Residents and visitors also comment on Ecumen Home Care’s large, private apartments, fitted with temperature control, food and cleaning provisions. Visitors give high marks to the range of activities arranged by the facility, including an exercise program and yoga.
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Ecumen Home Care – Lakeshore is an assisted living facility based in Duluth, Minnesota, a stone’s throw from gorgeous Lake Superior and less than a mile from St. Luke’s Hospital. Visitors describe the
… (read more)
Ecumen Home Care – Lakeshore is an assisted living facility based in Duluth, Minnesota, a stone’s throw from gorgeous Lake Superior and less than a mile from St. Luke’s Hospital. Visitors describe the staff as amazing and always remembering the names of visitors and residents. Residents appreciate the options for both short-term and long-term stays. Residents and visitors also comment on Ecumen Home Care’s large, private apartments, fitted with temperature control, food and cleaning provisions. Visitors give high marks to the range of activities arranged by the facility, including an exercise program and yoga.
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935 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN, 55811
My mother recently spent three weeks at the Benedictine Living Community of Duluth. I was impressed with them. I remember I had looked previously at some reviews of the place that weren’t too good, bu
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My mother recently spent three weeks at the Benedictine Living Community of Duluth. I was impressed with them. I remember I had looked previously at some reviews of the place that weren’t too good, but when she was hospitalized a little bit, it was recommended to have her do the rehab there. I thought the care was good. Everything was clean, the food was good, and the people were very kind.
The staff was excellent. They’re very caring and very competent. My mother had a nice room to herself with lots of light, and it was very well kept. There was a beautiful courtyard/garden area; my mother was working on walking, and they took her out there for her physical therapy. So, the facility was excellent.
We were given the menu for a couple weeks ahead of time in case we wanted to take something out, but there was nothing to take out because everything looked good. Sometimes my mother doesn’t have that much of an appetite, but it was all food that was appealing to her.
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My mother recently spent three weeks at the Benedictine Living Community of Duluth. I was impressed with them. I remember I had looked previously at some reviews of the place that weren’t too good, bu
… (read more)
My mother recently spent three weeks at the Benedictine Living Community of Duluth. I was impressed with them. I remember I had looked previously at some reviews of the place that weren’t too good, but when she was hospitalized a little bit, it was recommended to have her do the rehab there. I thought the care was good. Everything was clean, the food was good, and the people were very kind.
The staff was excellent. They’re very caring and very competent. My mother had a nice room to herself with lots of light, and it was very well kept. There was a beautiful courtyard/garden area; my mother was working on walking, and they took her out there for her physical therapy. So, the facility was excellent.
We were given the menu for a couple weeks ahead of time in case we wanted to take something out, but there was nothing to take out because everything looked good. Sometimes my mother doesn’t have that much of an appetite, but it was all food that was appealing to her.
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510 WEST COLLEGE STREET, Duluth, MN, 55811
Aftenro, located in Duluth, Minnesota, home of the aerial lift bridge, is a facility that has been providing top-notch care since 1921. It has since expanded to a property with three wings on five acr
… (read more)
Aftenro, located in Duluth, Minnesota, home of the aerial lift bridge, is a facility that has been providing top-notch care since 1921. It has since expanded to a property with three wings on five acres of land. The community receives high marks for the wellness program that seeks to strengthen muscles and maintain or improve physical functioning, and visitors praise the Wellness Coordinator who works with residents individually to provide physical and occupational therapy. Loved ones note the tasty meals catering to specific dietary requirements, with the option of dining in rooms. Residents enjoy whirlpools, musical performances from visitors and guests, and supervised transportation to local outings.
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Aftenro, located in Duluth, Minnesota, home of the aerial lift bridge, is a facility that has been providing top-notch care since 1921. It has since expanded to a property with three wings on five acr
… (read more)
Aftenro, located in Duluth, Minnesota, home of the aerial lift bridge, is a facility that has been providing top-notch care since 1921. It has since expanded to a property with three wings on five acres of land. The community receives high marks for the wellness program that seeks to strengthen muscles and maintain or improve physical functioning, and visitors praise the Wellness Coordinator who works with residents individually to provide physical and occupational therapy. Loved ones note the tasty meals catering to specific dietary requirements, with the option of dining in rooms. Residents enjoy whirlpools, musical performances from visitors and guests, and supervised transportation to local outings.
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2501 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN, 55811
My husband is at Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center. There are some very nice workers and helpers there and some that are indifferent and trying to get out of their duties. He needs to be
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My husband is at Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center. There are some very nice workers and helpers there and some that are indifferent and trying to get out of their duties. He needs to be fed, and it seemed like he was barely being fed — and he wasn’t getting water because they were afraid he would choke. The other day I was there, his fingernails were dirty. He’s got hospice coming, and the facility people are giving him a bath, so I don’t know why that was.
There are good things, too. For the most part, his care is OK. However, if there is something they don’t want to address or answer, they just don’t call back. Many of the people are nice to talk to, but they are not very efficient about getting things done or answering questions for which we need information. They need to be better about giving information about the patients. They almost try to avoid it, like they don’t want to be bothered. They could also use a little decorating to make the place look more cheery and welcoming. The general cleanliness is OK, but the floors never seem very clean.
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My husband is at Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center. There are some very nice workers and helpers there and some that are indifferent and trying to get out of their duties. He needs to be
… (read more)
My husband is at Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center. There are some very nice workers and helpers there and some that are indifferent and trying to get out of their duties. He needs to be fed, and it seemed like he was barely being fed — and he wasn’t getting water because they were afraid he would choke. The other day I was there, his fingernails were dirty. He’s got hospice coming, and the facility people are giving him a bath, so I don’t know why that was.
There are good things, too. For the most part, his care is OK. However, if there is something they don’t want to address or answer, they just don’t call back. Many of the people are nice to talk to, but they are not very efficient about getting things done or answering questions for which we need information. They need to be better about giving information about the patients. They almost try to avoid it, like they don’t want to be bothered. They could also use a little decorating to make the place look more cheery and welcoming. The general cleanliness is OK, but the floors never seem very clean.
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3111 CHURCH STREET, Duluth, MN, 55811
Initial greeting were very friendly. However, stick around for awhile or visit at different times so they don’t know when you are coming and it’s a whole different picture.
If you are a patien
… (read more)
Initial greeting were very friendly. However, stick around for awhile or visit at different times so they don’t know when you are coming and it’s a whole different picture.
If you are a patient that is dependent on staff for getting in and out of bed and diaper or potty help, this is NOT the place for you. Hospice care patients are not cared for. Call button usually took half hr then they came and shut off light and would say they’d be right back which
Meant as much as 2 hours. Patients calling for help and no one responding. Care staff was pretty friendly but not helpful. Most responses were, “I’ll be back in a minute”. It broke my heart. If you call yo check on someone they say all is fine. I would NEVER leave a loved one at this facility. If you complain, they will find a reason for you to be removed. They really don’t want family or friends around to witness the care. Especially if you say anything.
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Initial greeting were very friendly. However, stick around for awhile or visit at different times so they don’t know when you are coming and it’s a whole different picture.
If you are a patien
… (read more)
Initial greeting were very friendly. However, stick around for awhile or visit at different times so they don’t know when you are coming and it’s a whole different picture.
If you are a patient that is dependent on staff for getting in and out of bed and diaper or potty help, this is NOT the place for you. Hospice care patients are not cared for. Call button usually took half hr then they came and shut off light and would say they’d be right back which
Meant as much as 2 hours. Patients calling for help and no one responding. Care staff was pretty friendly but not helpful. Most responses were, “I’ll be back in a minute”. It broke my heart. If you call yo check on someone they say all is fine. I would NEVER leave a loved one at this facility. If you complain, they will find a reason for you to be removed. They really don’t want family or friends around to witness the care. Especially if you say anything.
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1601 ST LOUIS AVENUE, Duluth, MN, 55802
3910 MINNESOTA AVENUE, Duluth, MN, 55802
7700 GRAND AVENUE, Duluth, MN, 55807
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35 North 28th Street, Superior, WI, 54880
Villa Marina Health and Rehab Center is very nice, and we like it. My father hasn’t been there very long, so we haven’t had a chance to really get any feedback on the services yet. Because of COVID, w
… (read more)
Villa Marina Health and Rehab Center is very nice, and we like it. My father hasn’t been there very long, so we haven’t had a chance to really get any feedback on the services yet. Because of COVID, we can’t go in and actually see the room. We’ve been able to talk with him by just standing outside his window, and from what we can see, it’s very nice.
They have activities outside of COVID, and they have a director of activities. Because my dad was in the hospital, he’s on a ten day quarantine. Even if they had any activities going on, he would not be able to participate yet.
I really like the staff a lot. They’ve been really helpful and great. I’ve talked to three different staff members and they’re very nice. It’s expensive, but he’s covered under his insurance, so there’s not really any money that has to be used yet.
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Villa Marina Health and Rehab Center is very nice, and we like it. My father hasn’t been there very long, so we haven’t had a chance to really get any feedback on the services yet. Because of COVID, w
… (read more)
Villa Marina Health and Rehab Center is very nice, and we like it. My father hasn’t been there very long, so we haven’t had a chance to really get any feedback on the services yet. Because of COVID, we can’t go in and actually see the room. We’ve been able to talk with him by just standing outside his window, and from what we can see, it’s very nice.
They have activities outside of COVID, and they have a director of activities. Because my dad was in the hospital, he’s on a ten day quarantine. Even if they had any activities going on, he would not be able to participate yet.
I really like the staff a lot. They’ve been really helpful and great. I’ve talked to three different staff members and they’re very nice. It’s expensive, but he’s covered under his insurance, so there’s not really any money that has to be used yet.
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1800 New York Avenue, Superior, WI, 54880
Superior Rehabilitation Center is excellent. The rooms and apartments are very clean. The staff is excellent, and the therapy that my parents have is wonderful. Everything is wonderful, and the price
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Superior Rehabilitation Center is excellent. The rooms and apartments are very clean. The staff is excellent, and the therapy that my parents have is wonderful. Everything is wonderful, and the price is extremely reasonable.
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Superior Rehabilitation Center is excellent. The rooms and apartments are very clean. The staff is excellent, and the therapy that my parents have is wonderful. Everything is wonderful, and the price
… (read more)
Superior Rehabilitation Center is excellent. The rooms and apartments are very clean. The staff is excellent, and the therapy that my parents have is wonderful. Everything is wonderful, and the price is extremely reasonable.
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1612 N 37th St., Superior, WI, 54880
Extremely poor care, nurse assistants are caring for the patients rather than skilled RN’s. Sadly, there is no accountability for their negligence and residents will continue to die at this facility
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Extremely poor care, nurse assistants are caring for the patients rather than skilled RN’s. Sadly, there is no accountability for their negligence and residents will continue to die at this facility with no consequences. Despite being urged to bring him to the hospital, 911 was called only after he died. Their only interest is keeping the beds full for financial gain- Avoid this place please!!
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Extremely poor care, nurse assistants are caring for the patients rather than skilled RN’s. Sadly, there is no accountability for their negligence and residents will continue to die at this facility
… (read more)
Extremely poor care, nurse assistants are caring for the patients rather than skilled RN’s. Sadly, there is no accountability for their negligence and residents will continue to die at this facility with no consequences. Despite being urged to bring him to the hospital, 911 was called only after he died. Their only interest is keeping the beds full for financial gain- Avoid this place please!!
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Nursing Home Costs in Duluth, MN
The cost of a semiprivate room in a Duluth nursing home is $10,437 per month, while a private room averages $12,110.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities
Data from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in Duluth pay $2,681 more for nursing home care than the national average. However, rates are $589 lower than the state median of $11,026. Seniors who are looking for a more affordable alternative may consider Rochester, where skilled nursing facilities charge $9,730 per month. Nursing home care in Minneapolis and Mankato costs slightly more than the state median at $11,285 and $11,482, respectively. St. Cloud is one of the more expensive options. Its median cost of $12,767 is $2,330 higher than in Duluth and 65% higher than the national average.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Skilled nursing in Duluth costs considerably more than other alternatives due to the high level of around-the-clock medical care that’s provided. The median cost of a semiprivate room is $10,437, and private rooms cost $12,110. This is roughly twice as much as the cost of in-home care, which averages $5,840, and it’s more than triple the cost of assisted living, which averages $3,221. The most affordable option is adult day health care, which has an average cost of just $1,398 per month, an 87% saving over the cost of nursing home care.
Nursing home (semiprivate room)
Nursing home (private room)
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Duluth, MN
Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
- Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
- Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.
If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.
Free Resources for Seniors in Duluth, MN
Seniors in Duluth have access to a variety of resources that can help with long-term care decision-making and financial assistance. These organizations also offer advocacy for nursing home residents and community-based services that may help a senior delay admission to a long-term care facility.
The Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging is a one-stop shop for seniors who require a nursing home level of care or are interested in community-based alternatives. It's part of the state’s Senior LinkAge Line, and staff members can provide information about Medicare, long-term care insurance, caregiver supports and programs that can cover the cost of nursing home care and in-home assistance.
This county agency is dedicated to serving disabled adults, seniors aged 65 and older and individuals who require nursing home care. It coordinates MnChoices personal needs assessments that are required to determine which programs, financial assistance benefits and community-based supports applicants may qualify for. The county can also help veterans apply for state or federal long-term care benefits.
Duluth operates three senior centers that provide meals and social and recreational opportunities for older adults. Scheduled activities include bingo, card games, fitness classes and crafts. It also hosts knitting circles, hobby-related clubs and holiday parties. Programming is available to local seniors aged 55 or older.
This regional long-term care ombudsman program serves seniors and families in Duluth and southeastern St. Louis County. The ombudsman advocates for seniors who reside in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, works to resolve complaints and helps any senior who needs assistance with long-term care services and supports.
