Board and Lodge is a type of housing for individuals that provides a room or place to stay. Some Board and Lodge facilities are considered Lodging Establishments with Special Services. Each Board and Lodge facility can look very different.

What It Is

Board and Lodge facilities vary in size, with five or more people living together. Some Board and Lodge facilities look like houses, while others are like apartment buildings, depending on the number of people living there. Bedrooms may be individual or shared, depending on the facility. Other spaces, such as living rooms, dining rooms, or cafeterias, are shared.

Some Board and Lodge facilities have employees who can help you with different services. The exact services offered depend on the facility. You may be able to choose from services like:

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Laundry
• Help during outings, and
• Personal care assistance, such as help with bathing, dressing, and toileting.

Note: Most Board and Lodge facilities do not offer skilled nursing.

Board and Lodge locations are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Some people who live in Board and Lodge facilities may be able to live in the community by getting similar services in their own homes or apartments.

How You Pay

You pay a monthly amount that includes your room, board, and services. Many people pay for Board and Lodge with money they have in savings or income.

If you cannot afford Board and Lodge, there are some public programs that may help, including:

• Housing Support (formerly Group Residential Housing). Housing Support is available to people with low income and low assets who have disabilities. Housing Support will only pay for Board and Lodge settings that are approved for Housing Support. Housing Support may pay up to the full cost of room, board, and services, depending on your income and eligibility for MA-Waiver programs.
• MA-Waiver programs. If you are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) due to your disability, you may qualify for an MA-Waiver program that helps pay for services in the community, which may include Board and Lodge locations.

Get Help

To learn more about whether Board and Lodge is right for you and if there are any programs that can help you afford it:

• Contact your local county or tribal human services office
• Chat with a Hub expert
• Call the Senior LinkAge Line® (SLL) at 1-800-333-2433