Reviews
Words from our residents and their loved ones
We're always grateful to hear from residents, their children, family members and loved ones on their thoughts, feelings and experiences with Emerald Crest. The following is a collection of unedited words, directly from their authors.
Would you like to add your words here? Submit reviews to Liz Wendel, at Elizabeth.Wendel@cassialife.org or via USPS mail:
Emerald Crest Memory Care
Attn: Liz Wendel
13401 Lake St. Extension
Minnetonka, MN 55305
My mother had Parkinson's disease and lived at Emerald Crest Shakopee during the last few years of her life. She was given so much love, respect and caring by the staff, especially as her disabilities increased and as she required much more care. Our family found Emerald Crest to be a warm and homey environment, and we loved the courtyard available to the residents, and so did my mother. We developed relationships with the staff, residents and even some of the residents' family members. It was truly a warm and caring community. I’d recommend Emerald Crest to others looking for a caring community for their loved ones.
— Tracy, daughter of resident
Over the six years my mother has resided at Emerald Crest Burnsville, my family and I have been impressed with the quality of care provided. As Mom's dementia has progressed, the graduated care model has properly addressed her changing needs over the years. A highlight of the week: the weekly chapel services led by Pastor Arlen where Mom can sing along to old familiar songs. It's such a joy to receive weekly updates from Pastor Arlen so that family members who live a distance can still "see" Mom/Grandma each week. The nursing staff are very observant of any changes in daily habits and have identified medical issues in a timely manner. The attentiveness of all staff has become even more important as Mom's verbal skills have diminished. We are comforted as a family to know that Mom is being well cared for in between our visits.
— Jean, daughter of resident
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
High on our list for a place for our Mom was connection to the church, closeness to her church home, Gethsemane Lutheran, and a private room with her own phone line! Mom was not the kind to share a room. Her opinions were strongly held and vocally shared. We loved that about her, but realized that another might not. Though the cooking was not to her liking ("they never met an onion") we and she realized that residents have many dietary needs. She ate dessert first. The staff, however, allowed us to buy Grape Nuts to offer when she showed up early for breakfast. We endured COVID without Mom, the former TB patient, getting it. When I had other care concerns, staff addressed those at once. It was a good place for my Mom. The Chaplain even showed up wearing a tee shirt with her photo and the phrase "Valedictorian" a fact Mom managed to mention to every new care giver.
— Carol, daughter of resident
A warm summer day with a gentle breeze. Enjoying time on the front porch with Mom and her helper, Star. Both Mom and Dad are enjoying their new residence at Emerald Crest Minnetonka. So very grateful for the kind-hearted staff at this peace-filled residence.
— Mary, daughter of resident, Minnetonka
I would highly recommend Emerald Crest to anyone who needs this type of care. Arlen the chaplain is exceptional! The residents respond to his services. He makes each individual the king or queen for the day. The zoom support group sessions Arlen provided was a life saver for me. He offered insights as did the other family and friends who joined in. Thank you Arlen!! As I reflect on the past couple years I am so grateful to everyone who provided a safe environment for my loved one. Thanks again to all of you. I might stop by now and then. I treasure everyone’s friendships, kind smiles and conversations!!
— Jan, Daughter of Minnetonka EC Resident
The Caregivers; Beth, Lillian, Robert...all gave so much of their souls to my husband. It's a first experience and as a spouse I am forever grateful to the teams who cared for Chris and showed so much love to him. Activity Coordinator, Maren, is fabulous....creative and attentive. Had great ideas and always included everyone. Chris is so much younger than the others so I greatly appreciated the attention to detail and kind care she provided.
— Wife of Resident
After my mother was at another group home I was suddenly forced to find a new home for her. Emerald Crest was highly recommended, so I contacted them and was able to come tour the Minnetonka location the next day. After spending 5 minutes there, I knew I had found mom's new home.
She has now been there for over 6 months and I couldn't be happier with the care that she receives. The staff are all so welcoming. I visit my mom almost every day and she's always happy. The staff shows how much they genuinely care about all the residents. Pastor Arlen holds a weekly church service which is greatly appreciated. He also shows how much he cares about everyone there.
My mom has recently transitioned to hospice care and the staff made the transition seamless. I know that mom is getting the best care possible at Emerald Crest.
— CeAnne Becker, Daughter of Minnetonka EC resident
I strongly feel my husband was treated with respect and dignity and am very thankful for all the staff that took such kind and capable care of him in the 16 months he was living there. I found the nursing staff was caring and loving and always felt he was treated properly. I have told everyone that asks about his care at Emerald Crest that I am so thankful and blessed he was there. Emerald Crest was an answer to my prayers when I no longer could take care of him by myself. Thank you all for providing such quality and loving care to people who desperately need it.
— Barbara, Burnsville MN, wife of EC Burnsville resident
Emerald Crest-Burnsville feels like family. The professional staff and caregivers have given outstanding care, with love and compassion, to both my father and mother. Their highly skilled calming and comforting manner toward everyone involved is beyond compare.
— Cindy, daughter of EC Burnsville resident
