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Home Care In St Paul, MN

Home Care St Paul, MN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Landmark Center gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in St Paul, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care St Paul, MN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Shane and his team were there for me and my family at a time of crisis. They made the intake process simple and had a caregiver onsite in less than 48 hours. Their skilled and professional team was a pleasure to work with during a stressful situation. Thanks, Shane, Jeremy, and the team for all you do!”

Dalena W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great place to work and the owner is awesome!”

Rachael B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Awesome place to work at. Is there a e mail address I could possibly get from you, I need proof that I used to work there. Thank you.”

Amber P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for your companies services. We know it can be difficult to schedule around changing situations. We appreciate your flexibility and the care and compassion shown for my mother. A special thanks to your team.”

Marci

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in St Paul, MN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care St Paul, MN

Types of Elderly Care in St Paul, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care St Paul, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers St Paul, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Harriet Island Regional Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care St Paul, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Meritage or visit Burbank Livingston Griggs Mansion, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care St Paul, MN

Benefits of Home Care in St Paul, MN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in St Paul, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care St Paul, MN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care St Paul, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in St Paul, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care St Paul, MN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers St Paul, MN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Seven Hills Senior Living
  • Iris Park Commons Assisted Living by Episcopal Homes
  • Summit Hill Senior Living
  • The Waters of Highland Park
  • New Perspective Senior Living
  • Highland Park
Home Care St Paul, MN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care St Paul, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in St Paul, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care St Paul, MN

Latest News in St Paul, MN

Minnesota restaurant openings & closings for December 2024

The Twin Cities is ringing in the New Year with plenty of new restaurants to try, and a handful of memorable goodbyes.Here's a round-up of the latest restaurant openings & closings:OpeningsBar Revival (525 Selby Avenue, St. Paul): Revival transformed its St. Paul restaurant this month into a new concept, Bar Revival. The restaurant's famous fried chicken and burger are still on the menu, alongside new Chicago-st...

The Twin Cities is ringing in the New Year with plenty of new restaurants to try, and a handful of memorable goodbyes.

Here's a round-up of the latest restaurant openings & closings:

Openings

Bar Revival (525 Selby Avenue, St. Paul): Revival transformed its St. Paul restaurant this month into a new concept, Bar Revival. The restaurant's famous fried chicken and burger are still on the menu, alongside new Chicago-style, thin crust pizzas and Italian beef sandwhiches. Read more here.

Chipotle (County Roads 10 and 101, Maple Grove, and 779 Chelsea Rd. East, Monticello): The popular burrito chain has opened two new locations in Minnesota in December, opening its third in Maple Grove and first in Monticello. Read more here.

Culver's (5471 Credit River Road Southeast, Prior Lake): The Midwest fast-food favorite opened a brand new Twin Cities restaurant this month. Read more here.

Five Iron Golf (729 North Washington Avenue, Minneapolis): A new golf simulator cocktail bar has settled into the North Loop. Read more here.

OG Zaza (550 Vandalia Street, St. Paul): The New Haven-style pizzeria, which operates a flagship restaurant in Shakopee, has taken over the kitchen at King Coil Spirits. The OG Zaza menu is now available for distillery customers and brewery-goers at the neighboring Lake Monster Brewing. Read more here.

Razava Bread Co. (685 Grand Avenue, St. Paul): Nutritious, old world-style bread takes center stage at Grand Avenue's brand new craft bakery and café. Read more here.

Sota (13630 Grove Drive, Maple Grove): Utah's TikTok-famous dirty soda, seen on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has arrived in the Twin Cities. Read more about the beverage craze and what's on the menu at Sota here.

QDOBA Mexican Eats (68 Snelling Avenue, St. Paul): The fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain has opened its first St. Paul location in the heart of the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood. Read more here.

ZAO Bakery + Café (575 West University Avenue, St. Paul): A cozy new spot for scratch-made buns, congee and other Chinese breakfast favorites opened in St. Paul this month. Read more here.

Closings

Chaotic Good Brewing Company (202 2nd Street Southwest, Kasson): A southern Minnesota brewery closed its doors this month after two years in business. Read more here.

Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso (9578 Noble Parkway, Brooklyn Park): The coffee shop and eatery's Brooklyn Park location is closing Dec. 31, however, the two Maple Grove outposts are remaining in business. Read more here.

Food Ecstasy Inc. (619 W. Germain St., St. Cloud): The dine-in, deli-style eatery, which operated a significant catering business, has ended its 39-year run as owners Ken and Betty Maritsch retire. Read more here.

Red Dragon Restaurant & Lounge (2116 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis): After nearly 50 years in business, the iconic spot served its final customers – and poured its last Wondrous Punch – on Dec. 29. Read more here.

Red Fox Tavern (22815 Pillsbury Avenue, New Market Township): The restaurant near Lakeville shut down Dec. 22, just weeks after the business was targeted in an armed robbery. Owner Lee Petersen is promising a reopening and "new experience" in 2025. Read more here.

Union Hmong Kitchen (901 West Lake Street, Minneapolis): At his groundbreaking Uptown restaurant, Chef Yia Vang has stepped away from counter service and in-person dining to focus more on UHK's catering and stadium operations. Read more here.

New Minnesota laws for 2025: Minimum wage, restaurant fees, 'Taylor Swift Bill'

A slate of new laws take effect in Minnesota starting Jan. 1, including several that impact businesses.Minnesota businesses will face a slate of new laws starting Jan. 1, covering topics such as how much they pay their employees, what they share with prospective job candidates, and what fees they can charge customers.Among the new rules:Minimum wage: Minnesota’s minimum wage wil...

A slate of new laws take effect in Minnesota starting Jan. 1, including several that impact businesses.

Minnesota businesses will face a slate of new laws starting Jan. 1, covering topics such as how much they pay their employees, what they share with prospective job candidates, and what fees they can charge customers.

Among the new rules:

Minimum wage: Minnesota’s minimum wage will rise to $11.13 per hour. That will be effective for virtually all workers at large and small employers, though the state still allows for a 90-day training wage for workers under 20 — that level increased to $9.08. Minimum wage remains higher in some cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, which both have base wages above $15 an hour.

Salary disclosure: Employers with at least 30 workers seeking to hire must include a "good faith" salary range and job benefits for the position. KMSP had a report on the impact of the new rule, which is meant to combat pay discrimination and wage gaps.

PFAS Ban: The state's first prohibition on products containing intentionally added PFAS — so-called "forever chemicals" — takes effect in January. The measure covers products including cookware, dental floss, carpets and cleaning products. It will also apply to products meant for juveniles, which means that motorsports dealers could be stuck with unsellable merchandise, Fox 9 reports. PFAS is used in heat-resistance and waterproofing components of dirt bikes, for example.

Fees: State legislators passed a rule last year — House Rule "1989," like the Taylor Swift album — requiring businesses to disclose all fees ahead of purchase and clearly stating refund policies for consumers. The measure also prohibits bots from buying big chunks of tickets, WCCO reports.

State law changes on fees will also mean big changes for restaurants, some of whom had embraced service fees as a way to offset higher health and business costs. The Star Tribune has a report on that.

Minnesota to usher in new laws with New Year

ST. PAUL — With the new year comes several new statewide laws that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.Laws passed during the last two legislative sessions will soon impact consumers, employment, health care services, housing and public safety.Pricing transparencyThe Ticketing Fairness Act restricts how online ticket sellers, bulk ticket buyers and resellers operate. The law bans deceptive advertising and speculative pricing, giving ticket buyers added protection. It also prohibits the use of bots to purchase tickets....

ST. PAUL — With the new year comes several new statewide laws that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Laws passed during the last two legislative sessions will soon impact consumers, employment, health care services, housing and public safety.

Pricing transparency

The Ticketing Fairness Act restricts how online ticket sellers, bulk ticket buyers and resellers operate. The law bans deceptive advertising and speculative pricing, giving ticket buyers added protection. It also prohibits the use of bots to purchase tickets.

Another consumer law will prohibit businesses and people from advertising, displaying or offering a price for goods or services that doesn’t include all of the mandatory fees and surcharges, excluding taxes.

This particular law does not apply to fees authorized by law for motor vehicle purchases or leasing by a dealer. It also does not apply to real estate settlement services, except for broker commission and fees.

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Employee pay

Minimum wage rates will be $11.13 an hour for all employers outside of the Twin Cities metro. The new law also increases the hourly training wage for workers under the age of 20 to $9.08. Annual earnings for those working 40 hours a week on minimum wage will now be $23,150 for both large and small employers outside of the metro. Employers are mandated to display updated wage rate posters, available for free at dli.mn.gov/posters.

Job postings will also require disclosure of the starting salary range or fixed pay rate, along with all benefits and other compensation. This provision of the 2024 Labor and Industry Policy Law, co-sponsored by Sen. Jennifer McEwen, DFL-Duluth, applies to businesses with more than 30 employees.

Going forward, health plans must provide coverage for abortions and abortion-related services, including pre-abortion and follow-up services. Health plans cannot impose any cost-sharing or limitations for abortion care that are out of line with its other coverage offerings for similar services. Eligible or exempt organizations can choose not to cover these services, and therefore, health plan companies must cover the services with separate payments.

Medically necessary gender-affirming care must be covered by a health plan that also covers physical or mental health services. According to the American Medical Association, such services to treat gender dysphoria include mental health counseling and gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery. Nonprofits and certain for-profit religious organizations may be exempt. Partial coverage must specify which services are not included.

Tenant associations can now organize to improve housing conditions, amenities or community life. The new law prohibits landlords from retaliation, such as raising rent or filing legal action against tenant organizations for reporting code violations, contacting media or providing testimony regarding conditions of the premises.

If move-in dates change due to construction delays, the landlord must provide alternate housing, payment, lease termination, and return any payments incurred upon entering the lease agreement.

Firearms with binary triggers will be banned in Minnesota. Binary triggers allow a gun to fire a round when the trigger is pulled and another round to be fired when it is released. The law makes owning or possessing a binary trigger a felony with a punishment of up to 20 years in prison, up to a $35,000 fine, or both.

For a complete list of laws passed in the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, visit house.mn.gov/newlaws.

Classic video game fan opens arcade and lounge in St. Paul

ST. PAUL, Minn. — There's something about the lights and sounds of an arcade."Playing 'Space Invaders' in an original 1978 cabinet, it has a hologram effect, it has black light," said Peter Riemenschneider, owner of Two Bit Game Room.Riemenschneider was born in the mid-70s and grew up during the golden age of arcades."We had a Circus Pizza in Maplewood. They had tons of games," he said.He gamed at hom...

ST. PAUL, Minn. — There's something about the lights and sounds of an arcade.

"Playing 'Space Invaders' in an original 1978 cabinet, it has a hologram effect, it has black light," said Peter Riemenschneider, owner of Two Bit Game Room.

Riemenschneider was born in the mid-70s and grew up during the golden age of arcades.

"We had a Circus Pizza in Maplewood. They had tons of games," he said.

He gamed at home, too, but "didn't ever think that you could own an actual arcade game."

A childhood dream was realized 20 years ago when he bought his first machine: a Nintendo PlayChoice-10.

"There are 10 classic Nintendo games and I remember playing it at the gas station. I could preview games before I bought them because they were pretty expensive at the time," he said.

His favorite: "Super Mario Brothers 3."

"I think everyone loved that game. That's my OG Mario game," he said.

His collection quickly leveled up to include dozens of arcade classics he had fond memories of, from "Pong" to "Pac-Man" to "Punch-Out."

"My wife had suggested, 'Hey, you've got a couple garages full of these, maybe other people would like to play them,'" he said.

So, they started Rent My Arcade in 2014, delivering full-size arcade games to homes and businesses in the Twin Cities area for as little as $75 per month.

Customers were excited by the opportunity to reclaim their youth, but many wanted to test drive the games before committing. In 2020, they found a space in St. Paul to serve as an in-person showroom.

Two Bit Game Room features more than 70 classic arcade games and pinball machines rebuilt and refurbished to original standards.

"Here I can keep playing them til I get good and can actually beat the games, whereas when I was a kid I was always limited by time, schedule and quarters," said Christopher Corich, of Minneapolis.

In another room, you can revisit "Pitfall" on a vintage console TV. But isn't just the 40- and 50-somethings playing. Two Bit has dozens of games for Atari, NES, GameCube and some of the retro-to-a-teen systems.

"We've even got a four-player Wii setup in the front and so a lot of those games are 15 years old," he said.

His recreation of the arcade era is a labor of love, and he still gets child-like excitement for each new addition.

"Whenever I go back into the deep warehouse, I find things and I get excited again. I'm like, 'Oh yeah, I want to get that one working [laughs],'" he said.

Two Bit Game Room is located at 511 Rice St. in St. Paul. It's recommended for ages 13 and up and is open by appointment only.

You can stay and play for up to three hours for $15 per person, or $10 if you purchase a play card ahead of time.

The space can also be rented out for private events.

Derek James

Derek James anchors Saturday and Sunday evening newscasts and contributes stories during the week on "The 4."

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MN weather: Twin Cities ties record high; St. Cloud sets record for Dec. 28

Where did winter go?FOX 9's Babs Santos speaks to Minnesotans who rely on winter conditions for business about the rainy, warm stretch we've been having.The BriefMINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Twin Cities tied the record high for Dec. 28 on Saturday, while St. Cloud smashed the previous high for the area.Twin Cities hit 47 degreesWhat we know: The Twin Cities reached a high of 47 degrees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International ...

Where did winter go?

FOX 9's Babs Santos speaks to Minnesotans who rely on winter conditions for business about the rainy, warm stretch we've been having.

The Brief

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Twin Cities tied the record high for Dec. 28 on Saturday, while St. Cloud smashed the previous high for the area.

Twin Cities hit 47 degrees

What we know: The Twin Cities reached a high of 47 degrees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Saturday, Dec. 28.

That ties the record high set in 2013.

The normal high for Dec. 28 is 25 degrees.

St. Cloud sets record

By the numbers: The high in St. Cloud on Saturday was 48 degrees, breaking the previous record high for Dec. 28 by 7 degrees.

The previous record was was 41 degrees, set in 1999.

Minnesota weather forecast

What's next: After a beautiful, sunny Saturday, the fog returns on Sunday.

The fog continues through most of Sunday, with a high of around 39 degrees in the Twin Cities. However, due to some wind, it'll feel cooler than that.

There is the potential for some slippery conditions on the roads on Sunday morning due to freezing fog, so take caution. A dense fog advisory is in effect for much of the state until noon.

Looking ahead: Temperatures will trend colder to start the New Year, with highs in the teens expected by the end of the week.

Monday will see a high of around 36 degrees with some light flakes possible. Then by Tuesday, the high will be below freezing. For New Year's Day, the high is forecast to be in the low 20s with lows in the teens.

Then highs in the teens are in the forecast to round out the week, but we should see more sunshine.

WeatherMinnesotaSt. CloudMinneapolisSt. Paul

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