History

The Emerald Crest Model of care was developed in 1998 by Joe Guertin and Greg Getchell. Each had over 25 years of experience in designing and operating eldercare communities.

Taking all they had learned and the best reliable research, they discovered a simple fact: people with memory challenges fare better in smaller, home-like residences where their dignity, privacy, safety and quality of life can be preserved.

From this, they built their first Emerald Crest home, complimenting the environment with their unique cognitive care program that offered families a refreshing new option as an alternative to nursing home placement or conventional assisted living settings.

In 2010, Emerald Crest was purchased by Augustana Care, a not-for-profit organization that has served older generations and others in need for over 115 years. This allowed even more families the ability to have access to the Emerald Crest model of care.

In 2018, Augustana Care and Elim Care joined together to form Cassia, resulting in one nonprofit organization with over 200 combined years of experience. Cassia serves over 14,000 people annually, through housing, healthcare and community based services. Every day, Cassia team members strive to improve the daily life of residents, families and communities through dedication to service.

Since then, the success of this model has been recognized in repeated studies, reviews and by one fact we’re perhaps most proud of: close to 95 percent of respondents said they would recommend Emerald Crest to others.

Learn more: Meet our Leadership Team

For tours and general information, please contact Liz Wendel at 952-908-2215

Emerald Crest by Cassia provides memory care in a unique environment, specifically designed to support those with cognitive issues. Utilizing this exceptional model of care, individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s and related conditions can flourish in positive relationships and participation in meaningful activities. Memory care is offered in the Minneapolis – Saint Paul area with communities in four convenient locations: ShakopeeBurnsvilleMinnetonka, MN.

 

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Approximately four months ago, my sister and I made the decision to move our mom to a memory care facility. This decision was especially difficult for her daughter Diane. Mom had lived with Diane for many years, and Diane was her primary caregiver. With Diane's job changing, she was no longer able to provide the increased supervision that mom needed. Finding Emerald Crest Shakopee has been such a blessing for everyone! The caring staff, the activities provided, and the Chaplain Services are so awesome. Everyone makes our loved one feel so special and valued. Our mom enjoys the music, and Chaplain Arlen's weekly visits. The family appreciates his updates on our mom and reassures us that all is well. My mom has adjusted well to her new home! This is due in large part to the wonderful care she receives.  Emerald Crest  Shakopee has been such a blessing and for this we are grateful.

— Diane, daughter of resident

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