Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter

14398 Grand Oaks Dr, Baxter, MN 56425

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

2.6 from 10 reviews
5 stars
4
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 stars
6

Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter Costs & Pricing

Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter offers a 1-bedroom unit at a monthly cost of $5,900, which significantly exceeds both the county average of $3,251 in Crow Wing County and the statewide average of $2,893 in Minnesota. This pricing reflects not only the premium services and amenities provided by Diamond Willow but also the facility's commitment to delivering personalized care tailored to residents' needs. While it may represent a higher investment compared to other options in the region, many families find that the enhanced quality of life and supportive environment justify the cost for their loved ones seeking assisted living solutions.

Floor plansDiamond Willow Assisted Living of BaxterCrow Wing CountyMinnesota
1 Bedroom$5,900$3,251$2,893

Overall Review of Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter

Pros

  • pro The lady managing this building is very nice.
  • pro She gave a free couch and chair set after a housefire, and the log set is beautiful.
  • pro The reviewers express gratitude for her generosity.

Cons

  • pro Diamond Willow is poorly managed.
  • pro The resident meal areas are left dirty long after meals because only one staff member is tending to multiple residents.
  • pro There is only one aide doing all the work while two RNs sit in the office, suggesting inadequate direct care.
  • pro High staff turnover is a big red flag.
  • pro Aides and RNs have poor attitudes and are lazy when asked to help with resident care.
  • pro Staff rely on personal devices to chart confidential information, which should never happen under HIPAA.
  • pro Residents and families report poor care despite the attractive facility.

Review

Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter is best suited for families that prioritize a pleasant, well-kept environment and are prepared to supervise care closely. The setting itself is appealing, and the facility’s appearance can be a meaningful plus for relatives who want to feel comfortable visiting. However, the daily reality of care hinges far more on staffing stability and active management than on aesthetics alone. For residents who are largely independent or require only light assistance, and whose families can commit to ongoing oversight and advocacy, the campus may work as a residence of convenience. But for anyone counting on consistently reliable caregiving, the balance tilts decisively toward caution.

Those with higher and more consistent care needs should seriously consider alternatives. Residents who require frequent assistance with mobility, medication management, daily hygiene, or behaviors that demand on-site nursing support will likely experience gaps here. The reviews emphasize that dependable, well-staffed care is not a guaranteed given, and that management problems can amplify daily challenges. Families should seek communities with demonstrably stable staffing, predictable on-site nursing coverage, and a robust program of structured activities and daily oversight. If safety, reliability, and responsive problem-solving are non-negotiable, this is not the optimal fit.

On the plus side, the facility’s leadership and some personal gestures do stand out in a meaningful way. The manager described as very nice is remembered for a compassionate, front-line approach, including thoughtful actions that temporarily soften difficult situations. The positive energy from that leadership is a real asset when present and can slightly offset some frustrations. The physical campus itself remains a strength, suggesting that with the right staffing and routines, residents could enjoy a comfortable living environment.

The core drawbacks, however, carry substantial weight. High staff turnover, persistent management challenges, and an overworked, understaffed care team translate into inconsistent attention to residents’ needs. Reports of aides and RNs displaying poor attitudes, excessive phone use during shifts, and a perceived lack of engagement with residents point to a care culture that struggles to meet basic expectations. The existence of outside agency staff and sporadic activity offerings further erode day-to-day reliability. Even when RN support is cited, families frequently note that it is not consistently visible in practice, leaving families to question whether needs are being addressed promptly and properly.

In weighing the pros against the cons, the positives do not neutralize the risks. A beautiful facility and a sympathetic manager can provide short-term relief, but they cannot compensate for chronic understaffing, variable care quality, and limited daily programming. For families considering Diamond Willow, it is essential to enter with a plan: request clear, written staffing schedules; verify that registered nurses are on site for required shifts; establish concrete expectations for meal-service cleanliness and resident activities; and insist on regular progress updates. Without rigorous oversight and a willingness to explore alternatives if standards slip, the likelihood of ongoing dissatisfaction remains high.

Bottom line: Diamond Willow is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may appeal to those who value environment and personal kindness in leadership and can tolerate, or actively mitigate, inconsistent care through vigilant family involvement. For anyone whose loved one depends on steady staffing, predictable routines, and proactive care management, a different option with stronger staffing stability and care metrics should be the default path. The choice should hinge on whether families are prepared to advocate continuously and whether the community can demonstrate sustained improvements in staffing and daily care delivery.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
  • Memory Care Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Transportation

  • Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional (6 miles away) Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional (6 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
  • Diabetic care Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.

Dining

  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Description

Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter, located in Baxter, MN, is a premier memory care community dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to seniors with memory impairments. Our community offers a warm and inviting environment for our residents to thrive in.

We understand the unique challenges faced by individuals living with memory conditions, which is why our highly trained staff members are available around the clock to provide personalized care tailored to meet each resident's specific needs. From assisting with daily activities, medication management, and specialized diabetic care, we ensure that our residents receive the highest level of care possible.

At Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter, we believe in promoting an active and engaging lifestyle for our residents. With devotional services off-site and devotional activities on-site, we help foster spiritual well-being while respecting individual beliefs. Additionally, our indoor common areas provide a comfortable setting for residents to socialize and engage in meaningful interactions.

Our community is conveniently located near various amenities that enrich the lives of our residents. With four cafes nearby, our residents have plenty of options to enjoy delicious meals or coffee outings with family and friends. Furthermore, five parks nearby offer opportunities for pleasant walks and outdoor recreation.

Ensuring easy access to healthcare services is a priority at Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter. Eleven pharmacies are just a stone's throw away from our community, ensuring that medications can be conveniently obtained. In addition, 23 physicians are located within close proximity, making it easy for residents to attend medical appointments as needed.

To further enhance their quality of life, our residents can explore the culinary scene with 21 restaurants nearby offering diverse dining options. For transportation needs, three options are available nearby for easy travel arrangements. Residents also have nine places of worship located nearby if spiritual engagement outside the community is desired.

For added peace of mind, five hospitals are situated near our community should any health emergencies arise.

At Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter, we strive to create a supportive and engaging environment that promotes the well-being of our residents. With our top-notch care services, inviting amenities, and convenient location, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of those entrusted to our care.

Nearby Places of Interest

Hospitals

  • Community Behavioral Health (0.2 miles)
  • Allina Health (1.5 miles)
  • Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center (2.5 miles)
  • Brainerd Medical Center (3.4 miles)
  • Brainerd Lakes Integrated Health System (3.4 miles)

Transportation

  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.7 miles)
  • Executive Express (1.5 miles)
  • Lakes Express (3.2 miles)

Restaurants

  • Taco Bell (0.7 miles)
  • Black Bear Lodge & Saloon (0.7 miles)
  • 371 Diner (0.8 miles)
  • Arby's (0.8 miles)
  • Grizzly's Grill N' Saloon (0.9 miles)
  • China Garden (1 miles)
  • Culver's (1 miles)

Cafes

  • Stonehouse Coffee (0.7 miles)
  • Caribou Coffee (0.9 miles)
  • Coco Moon (2.8 miles)
  • Knotty Pine Bakery (2.9 miles)
  • Wings Airport Cafe (6 miles)

Physicians

  • Convenient Care Clinic (0.7 miles)
  • S Sjoberg PLC (0.9 miles)
  • Dermatology Professionals (0.9 miles)
  • Accucare Audiology & Hearing Solutions (0.9 miles)
  • Sleep Center of Central Minnesota (1.1 miles)
  • Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – Baxter (1.1 miles)
  • Midwest Family Eye Center (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

  • CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
  • Super One Foods (1.2 miles)
  • Walmart Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.1 miles)
  • Service Drug (2.1 miles)
  • Guidepoint Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
  • Thrifty Nystrom Drug (2.9 miles)

Parks

  • Baxter Park (1.4 miles)
  • Northland Arboretum (1.5 miles)
  • Berrywood Park (1.8 miles)
  • Kiwanis Park (2.7 miles)
  • Kart Kountry (3.3 miles)
  • East Gull Lake Tennis Courts (5.6 miles)
  • Brainerd Region Geological Marker (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Heritage Assembly of God (1.8 miles)
  • Pointway Church (2 miles)
  • Lake Area Christian Church (2.1 miles)
  • First Presbyterian Church (2.9 miles)
  • Oak Street Chapel (3.1 miles)
  • St Andrews Church (3.4 miles)
  • Evangelical Good Samaritan (3.4 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at Diamond Willow Assisted Living of Baxter in Baxter, MN?
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  • assisted living vs memory careAssisted Living and Memory Care: Understanding Their Core Differences

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