140 Independent Living near Facilities Preston, MN. Page 3

Independent Living

Many seniors may be physically and mentally able to live without assistance, but the cost burden of home ownership might deter them from living an independent life. Independent Living Communities provide a convenient solution to this situation. Meals, leisure activities and housekeeping chores are taken care of while you are free to use your time as you desire. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Typically consisting of a private living area and a full kitchen, these communities offer homes with many of the amenities of apartment life but with none of the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and more time can be spent with them with the basic maintenance of daily chores out of the way. While policies vary between locations, many residences allow pets as well. If residents decide they would like to employ the services of private health care professionalls, they may always do so. There are an assortment of expenses and benefits to keep in mind when deciding on an independent living community. It is important to learn if these services are included in the plan: internet access, utilities, field trips, move-in fee, meals, transportation, private phone, and cable TV. The luxuries associated with independent living include private rental hall, security guards, restaurant-style dining hall, beauty salon & barber shop, fitness center & swimming pool, laundry service, healthcare center, and game/TV room.

Demographics and Values

Out of the total population of Preston, 14.5% have some form of disability, 67.5% participate in the labor force, 19.7% live in poverty, and 6.9% do not have health insurance. Racially, the population of Preston is 0.0% black, 0.4% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% mixed race, 0.0% Hispanic, 0.0% other or not specified, and 99.1% white. The total population of Preston consists of 1,299 people. Preston has a population density of 203 people per square mile. In Preston, 9.0% of the population are veterans of the United States armed forces. Based on gender, 49.1% are female and 50.9% are male. The median age of Preston is 35 years old. Of the population of Preston 24.3% have a college degree, 32.5% have a high-school diploma, and 7.5% have a graduate degree.

Cost of Living

The cost of care for a community is affected by the neighborhood in which it is located. Preston has a median home value of $114,028 and the median cost of rent is around $797 per month per month. The rent burden for Preston is about 15.1% of the average monthly income.

State Information

An overview of Minnesota

In total, Minnesota has 140 general hospitals and 61 health centers that provide care for 5,654,535 citizens. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Mayo Clinic Health System – Red Wing, and Alomere Health. Out of a national average of 100, Minnesota has a cost of living index rating of 102, a grocery index rating of 107, and a housing index rating of 88. Overall, Minnesota ranks 3rd out of all states in quality of life and 10th in healthcare. Residents of Minnesota enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 3rd in the United States.

Social demographics of the state

In terms of religious values, 34% of Minnesota’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 5,953 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-19%, Mainline Protestant-29%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Minnesota there are 170 masonic lodges. The state of Minnesota ranks 27th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. In Minnesota, 29% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 38. During the latest presidential election, 45% voted for the Republican candidate while 46% voted for the Democratic candidate.

State-wide weather information

The average air quality index rating in Minnesota is 34.5 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 42.7 AQI. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 67F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 86F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 42F in the month of June. During the winter, the average temperature in Minnesota drops to around 13F. The average high winter temperature is around 33F in the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around -11F during the month of January. On average, the state receives 2.37 inches of precipitation a month. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of June at around 5.59 inches. On average, the humidity rating for Minnesota is around 70%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 80% in the month of December. While residents of Minnesota mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Minnesota can include floods and earthquakes (high).

Wildlife to be found in Minnesota

The state of Minnesota has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of hemlock, black cherry, black and white spruce, and balsam fir. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the American kestrel, the eastern phoebe, the black bears, or the peregrine falcons. The state animal of Minnesota is the eastern timber wolf.