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Frequently Asked Questions

Transition Questions


Choosing a time to move is very individual. But, generally speaking, if you find you are seeing your friends less often, feeling lonely, not keeping up with home maintenance, and/or depending on someone else for transportation, it’s probably time to look at what a community like Avinity could offer to enhance your quality of life.

Discuss it with your family! Talk with friends who have already moved or talk with someone who has moved a family member to a senior living community. Tour the communities that are most appealing to you. Several other resources are available to help you get started: www.seniorhousingguide.uswww.mnseniorsonline.comwww.careoptionsnetwork.org or Senior Linkage Line at www.mnaging.org.

Mainstreet Village of Richfield is currently the only Avinity community that is regulated due to providing Assisted Living and Memory Care besides Independent Living.  Memory care and assisted living comunities in Minnesota are licensed and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Absolutely!

Avinity would be happy to help. Our staff can assist you by providing phone numbers for utility companies as well as post office change of address cards. We'll help familiarize you with the stores, restaurants, businesses and other neighborhood places you'll need to know about. Some people find it less stressful if they hire a company that specializes in moving seniors. Avinity staff can help you with this, too!

Avinity is affiliated with Optage Home Care.  You can find out more at Optage Home Care.  Otherwise, you may use another home care agency of your choice.

Avinity communities each offer services and amenities that vary from one location to another that are available to meet your needs. Explore specific locations to find the one that bests suits your needs. Mainstreet Village of Richfield offers Assisted Living and Memory Care housing options. Avinity is affiliated with Optage Home Care.  You can find out more at Optage Home Care.  Otherwise, you may use another home care agency of your choice.

Housing Questions


Yes – we encourage you to bring your favorite decorations, treasures and furnishings from home. We offer a variety of floor plans so you can choose one that best accommodates your belongings. Some locations will also allow you to select a paint color to compliment your furnishings.

No, unfortunately the plumbing and ventilation systems in the buildings do not support a washer or dryer. We do, however, offer free laundry facilities at most locations.

At some of our communities we are able to offer comfortable and reasonably-priced guest rooms on a first come, first served basis.

Most communities have some space that may be reserved for private use.

Scandia Shores and Mainstreet Village offer dining programs as an add-on service.

Yes – all Avinity communities have a limited number of handicapped accessible apartments. In addition, all communities have accessible entries, restrooms and doorways (as well as elevators).

Maintenance staff is on site Monday through Friday to meet your needs and make sure everything is running smoothly.  After hours help is available through an after hours phone number.  There will be someone answering to assist you.

While each of our communities has an after hours number, it is best in a medical emergency to call 911.  If you have a pull cord in your apartment, it is still a quicker response to call 911.  In the case where you do not have your phone close by, use the pull cord.

Some locations have apartments with balconies and/or patios. Check with the community you are interested in.

Lifestyle Questions


Each community has a full and varied calendar of activities. We try to find something of interest for all of residents. Helping you stay active and interested in your community is one way Avinity strives to assist you in having a full and rewarding lifestyle. At the same time, we know not everybody has the same interests and social preferences. Residents are free to choose to attend activities when and if they desire.

Yes. Avinity provides an on-site chaplain, non-denominational worship services and pastoral counseling that fosters a caring and inspirational environment. Spiritual care is offered at Scandia Shores, Mainstreet Village and WestRidge.

Most Avinity communities offer transportation on a daily/weekly schedule.

Absolutely… our apartments are equipped with a full kitchen to allow for doing just that. We provide van transportation to and from grocery stores, and in some neighborhoods there are also stores within walking distance to allow for easy shopping.

Smoking is not allowed in the apartments, common areas or grounds. Each community has a specified area designated for smoking.

Pets are welcome at all Avinity communities except within assisted living at Mainstreet Village of Richfield. Pets provide residents with companionship, love and affection. Inquire about the specific Pet Policy at the community.

Avinity always welcomes your grandchildren, children, friends and other visitors. Your apartment is your home!

Certainly! Most Avinity communities offer transportation, but you may still choose to drive your own car. Most properties have underground heated garage space available for rent.

Not at all. We welcome all faiths by offering a non-denominational spiritual care program.

Financial Questions


Mainstreet Village of Richfield’s assisted living and memory care program accepts Elderly Waiver (subject to availability of apartments set aside for EW), an income-qualifying program that helps pay for health care related services. Contact the county social services office in which you reside to apply.  NOTE: we do not have any EW apartments available at this time.

We currently don’t accept Section 8 vouchers. Avinity’s communities are moderate to market rate apartment buildings with affordable rate structures.

Rates generally change annually.