1701 22nd Avenue SW, Austin, MN 55912
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
South Grove Lodge Senior Living Costs & Pricing
South Grove Lodge Senior Living offers competitive pricing for its accommodations when compared to Mower County and the broader Minnesota state averages. For a studio apartment, residents at South Grove Lodge pay $2,775 monthly, which is notably lower than both the county average of $2,968 and the state average of $3,617, providing significant savings. In the one-bedroom category, the lodge's rate of $2,850 exceeds the county's average of $2,466 but remains below the state's higher rate of $2,893. The two-bedroom apartments are available at $3,000 per month; while this is slightly above Mower County's average of $2,768, it still falls short of the statewide average of $2,955. Overall, South Grove Lodge presents a compelling option for seniors seeking quality living arrangements that balance comfort and affordability within their local market and beyond.
| Floor plans | South Grove Lodge Senior Living | Mower County | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,775 | $2,968 | $3,617 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,850 | $2,466 | $2,893 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,000 | $2,768 | $2,955 |
Assisted Living communities with a similar price nearby
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from +$550 / mo
Our House Senior Living Senior Apartments - Austin
$3,325 to $3,425 / month2.3 miles away -
About the same
Oak Park Place - Albert Lea
$2,743 to $4,233 / month18.3 miles away -
from -$480 / mo
Sacred Heart Home Health Care
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Legacy of Brownsdale
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Overall Review of South Grove Lodge Senior Living
Pros
The staff, the food, the prices, and the care are praised by residents.- The facility offers many activities to keep residents active and happy.
- Safety procedures, including fire drills, are well practiced.
- The staff are welcoming and helpful, always with a smile.
- Meals with others and social gatherings add happiness to residents’ daily life.
- Residents feel safe and secure living at South Grove Lodge.
- Amenities like an ice cream parlor and a pub enhance the resident experience.
- CNAs are fantastic and the overall care is excellent.
Cons
An employee (Tracey) recently accepted a personal item from a resident that was to go to her nephew.- The employee's actions warranted immediate dismissal.
- Management seems lazy.
- Management sucks.
- There were problems with medications running out and no 24-hour nursing staff.
- The place is disorganized and the level of care is horrible.
- The reviewer would not recommend this place to anyone.
Review
South Grove Lodge Senior Living in Austin, MN is best suited for active, socially inclined seniors who want to preserve independence while having ready access to care as needs evolve. The community excels for residents who prize a lively, connected atmosphere: an involved activity calendar, friendly staff, appealing meals, and convenient amenities that make daily life engaging. Long climate-controlled hallways support safe, comfortable walking, while on-site offerings such as an ice cream parlor, a small pub, a library, and outdoor raised beds create natural centers for socializing and purpose. For families aiming to keep a loved one engaged with peers, South Grove Lodge provides a tangible sense of community that can significantly reduce isolation and help maintain a fuller daily rhythm.
At the same time, alternatives should be on the radar for those with higher or more complex medical needs. Several reviewers flag concerns about management responsiveness and staffing consistency, including incidents involving personal items and questions about accountability. Medication management gaps, a period without a nurse, and ongoing turnover hint at risks for residents who require steady, predictable medical oversight. The on-site wing for higher-level care exists, but the overall pattern in some reports suggests that prospective residents with significant or uncompromising nursing requirements should verify 24/7 nursing availability and current med administration procedures before committing. A recent ethics-related lapse further underscores the need for thorough due diligence and clear governance.
The strongest positives are tangible and repeatedly echoed: compassionate, approachable staff; a kitchen and dining team that earns praise for meals; and a broad slate of activities that keep residents engaged, Mahjong, bingo, ice cream socials, and occasional happy hour are cited as highlights. The atmosphere feels welcoming, with staff described as friendly and residents interacting well in common spaces. Transportation options and the ability to stay in independent living with a ready transition path to added assistance provide practical flexibility. The campus design, open hallways, library spaces, and shared social rooms, supports spontaneous interaction and a sense of safety, while amenities like the on-site ice cream parlor and pub add daily enjoyment that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Nevertheless, the concerns about governance and operation cannot be ignored. Reports of disorganization, repeated questions to corporate for answers, and a manager who seems slow to implement solutions create a tension between comfort and assurance. The reality of medication lapses, clothing or laundry mix-ups, and fragmented communication raises legitimate worries for families prioritizing seamless daily routines and reliable problem resolution. Prospective residents should insist on a concrete, written care plan, insist on direct access to the campus administrator, and request current staffing metrics before making a final commitment. Visiting at different times, speaking with multiple staff members, and requesting recent reference checks can illuminate how the community handles day-to-day issues in practice.
When the positives are weighed against the areas for improvement, South Grove Lodge remains a compelling option for the right resident. The social infrastructure, strong food program, and active engagement calendar deliver meaningful quality-of-life benefits that can outweigh a lot of typical senior-living anxieties, especially for those who value community and convenience. The facility’s design supports mobility and a gentle progression of care, which is a meaningful asset for families planning a long horizon. The caveat is clear: administration and consistent nursing oversight matter deeply in this setting, and addressing those gaps is essential to making the choice sustainable over time. For many families, the payoff in safety, companionship, and daily purpose justifies placing trust here, so long as due diligence confirms that governance and medical coverage align with the resident’s needs.
In the end, the decision hinges on prioritizing social vitality and value against the need for unwavering administrative reliability and medical consistency. South Grove Lodge is a strong fit for active seniors who want a vibrant, budget-conscious home with accessible care options as needs evolve, provided the incoming resident’s medical requirements and governance expectations are clearly met. The recommended next steps are concrete: tour during peak hours to observe staff responsiveness, discuss 24/7 nursing availability and med-management protocols, request the latest staffing data, and obtain candid references from current residents and families. If those elements align, the community offers a confident, practical home that can genuinely support independence, connection, and peace of mind.
21 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Garden
Ground floor units
Handicap accessible
Housekeeping services
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor patio
Outdoor space
Pet friendly
Private patio, deck, or balcony
Respite or short term stays offered
Telephone
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Transportation & parking
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
High acuity care
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Art classes
Bible study group
Day trips and outings
Devotional activities on-site
Educational speakers / life long learning
Fitness programs
Happy hour
Live musical performances
Live well programs
Wine tasting
English
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