Many families looking for assisted living in Dakota and Scott counties want the same thing: a safe place for a parent that is close enough to visit often. This guide covers what to look for in assisted living in the south metro, how a small residential home compares with a large building, how families pay, and what drive times look like from Lakeville, Apple Valley and Savage to our home in Burnsville.
Why location matters when choosing assisted living
Families who live close by tend to visit more, notice changes sooner and stay involved in care decisions. Before you tour, think about where the people who visit most actually live and work, and which hospital and doctors your parent already uses. A home that is 10 to 15 minutes from family is often a better fit than a bigger building across the metro.
Small home vs. large community: what’s the difference?
Assisted living in the south metro ranges from large buildings with dozens of apartments to small residential homes with a handful of residents. Neither is right for everyone, but they feel very different day to day.
- Staff attention. In a small home, the same few caregivers see each resident many times a day and learn their routines quickly.
- Setting. A residential home has a kitchen, living room and backyard instead of hallways and a dining hall. Some people find that calmer and more familiar.
- Amenities. Large communities may offer more on-site amenities, such as a salon or a large activity calendar.
- Change. Fewer residents usually means less noise, fewer new faces and an easier adjustment for people who are anxious in busy places.
Read more in our article on the benefits of small assisted living communities.
How families pay for assisted living in Minnesota
Most families use one or a mix of these:
- Private pay, from savings, income or the sale of a home.
- Long-term care insurance, if the policy covers assisted living.
- Minnesota Medical Assistance waivers, such as the Elderly Waiver for people 65 and older, and CADI or BI for eligible adults under 65. Waivers pay for care services; room and board is paid separately.
For details, see our Minnesota waivers page, our CADI waiver guide and our article on what assisted living costs in Burnsville.
Drive times to our Burnsville home
Twin Cities Living Assistance is located on Highclere Drive in east Burnsville. Approximate drive times:
- From Apple Valley: about 9 minutes. Assisted living near Apple Valley
- From Savage: about 13 minutes. Assisted living near Savage
- From Lakeville: about 16 minutes. Assisted living near Lakeville
We are also about 7 minutes from Fairview Ridges Hospital. Times vary with traffic.
A checklist for touring assisted living
- How many residents live here, and how many staff are on site during the day and overnight?
- What help is included: bathing, dressing, medications, meals, laundry, housekeeping?
- What happens if care needs increase?
- Which payment sources do you accept, including waivers?
- Can family visit any time? Can residents bring their own furniture?
- What does a normal day look like for residents?
Our guide on how to choose the right assisted living community goes deeper.
Assisted living in Burnsville for south metro families
Twin Cities Living Assistance is a licensed assisted living home in Burnsville with five residents and staff on site 24/7. We help with personal care, medications, meals and daily routines in a real house with a deck and backyard. We accept private pay and the Elderly Waiver, CADI, BI, CAC and DD waivers.
Families from Lakeville, Apple Valley, Savage and across the south metro are welcome to schedule a visit or call (612) 964-2222.
Frequently asked questions
Is there assisted living close to Lakeville and Apple Valley?
Yes. Our Burnsville home is about 9 minutes from Apple Valley and about 16 minutes from Lakeville.
Do small assisted living homes accept Medicaid waivers?
Some do and some do not. We accept the Elderly Waiver, CADI, BI, CAC and DD waivers for care services.
How many residents live in your home?
Five, with staff on site around the clock.
