The Alton Memory Care sits at 1306 Alton Street, Saint Paul, MN, and has served seniors living with memory loss since 2008. The building has an environment that looks a little like a grand hotel, which helps residents with memory and sensory experiences, and you see private living suites or semi-private tandem suites, each with their own or shared bathrooms, plus secured grounds for safe walking, along with a courtyard and even a putting green outside. The place is smoke-free, fully wheelchair accessible, and equipped with sprinkler systems for safety, and it uses a state-of-the-art, noninvasive call and security system, while entrances and exits are monitored, so nobody gets lost or confused. The Alton runs small neighborhoods that care for 10-12 residents each, plus there's an enhanced care wing called The Highland for those needing extra help. There's only a focus on memory care, using programs suited for dementia and regular staff training in how to talk to and care for residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of memory loss.
Nurses are here seven days a week, there's a registered nurse on site on weekdays and always on call, and nurses or aides help with personal care, bathing, dressing, toileting, and remembering to take medicines - which can be set up weekly and given up to three times a day by trained staff. Contracted providers offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy to keep up skills for daily life, and care is always person-centered, which means the team works with each resident, their family, and providers to find what works best for their situation. There's hospice support for terminal illness, including comfort and pain management if needed.
Meals come three times a day, restaurant-style, and snacks are always on hand, while residents can also choose a la carte food if they wish, and weekly housekeeping, linen changes, and laundry (up to three loads per week) are all done by staff, with onsite maintenance for anything that breaks. Activities happen every day, from arts and crafts to wellness programs and social outings with team-led transportation, and family members are welcome, with support groups and open meetings to keep everyone on the same page. Residents can enjoy Wi-Fi, cable TV, a dining room, salon or barbershop, game rooms, fitness center, guest parking, and more, with all utilities like heat, water, and electricity included in the monthly rate, along with notary, fax, and copy services if paperwork comes up. The Alton offers furnished apartments for respite stays too.
Rent depends on room type-the private nursing home rooms range from $11,000 to $18,000 a month, semi-private nursing home options go from $10,000 to $16,000, and for those in assisted or independent living, single rooms start at $2,500, studios at $2,000, and two-bedroom units can go up to $8,000 a month, with health care services varying with each resident. Staff are always nearby to help, and the whole community feels comfortable, homelike, and steady, aiming for compassion and respect, with a commitment to honor each resident's personal story, needs, and dignity throughout their stay.
