8200 Hadley Avenue South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Norris Square
Pros
The staff are friendly and helpful.- They have been great with him, providing attentive, compassionate care.
- They keep residents entertained, fed, and clean.
- The nursing staff collaborates with families and keeps them well informed about medications and health.
- The activities program is robust, with outings, entertainment, and celebrations.
- The facility feels warm, clean, secure, and up-to-date.
- The meals offer great variety and the staff go above and beyond in caring for residents.
- During stay-at-home orders, staff arranged Zoom visits that connected the family with the resident.
Cons
He is sometimes confused, anxious, or resistant to help due to his dementia. - The meals are bland as they are tailored to elderly dietary needs.
- The price is about $300 higher than a comparable, plain room at another facility.
- The facility did not accept an elderly waiver for the first year, making it unaffordable for the family.
- The activities were better before Covid, when there were numerous field trips.
Review
Norris Square in Cottage Grove is best suited for families seeking memory-care excellence wrapped in a warm, secure, activity-rich environment. The campus design and care model center on steady supervision, purposeful routines, and compassionate staffing, with nursing and aides who coordinate closely with families to manage medications and health concerns. Move-ins are typically smooth, as staff help families navigate transitions and establish individualized care plans. For dementia care that combines daily structure with attentive, personalized attention, Norris Square delivers a trusted, person-centered experience that lightens the caregiving load at home.
Those who may want to consider alternatives include families working with tighter budgets or residents who do not yet require memory care or a highly structured environment. While the community offers robust programming and strong value for the level of care, the price is a consideration for many, and first-year waivers or long-term affordability can complicate decisions. If independence, a lighter care footprint, or a more self-directed lifestyle is the goal, other options may fit more cleanly. For families prioritizing frequent in-home medical visits rather than on-site services, it is worth comparing what different communities can provide, since availability varies widely.
On the upside, Norris Square’s strengths align closely with the needs of memory-care families. Staff are consistently described as friendly, capable, and genuinely dedicated, with nursing teams that keep families informed and involved in medication management and health planning. Residents benefit from a robust slate of activities, outings, and entertainment that foster social connection and routine. The on-site library, chapel, movie theater, and regular events, plus daily opportunities for exercise, yoga, and games, create a genuine sense of community. Clean, well-kept facilities and secure memory-care spaces further reassure families that their loved ones are in a safe, well-managed setting.
A few concerns recur, notably cost and some meal experiences. Despite broad praise for value, Norris Square sits at a premium price point, and one family highlighted that affordability in the first year can be challenging due to waivers. Meal quality is not universally perfect for every resident; some note food is reasonable but bland for long-term seniors and vary by individual taste. The memory-care focus means routine can be busy and structured, which may feel heavy for more independent seniors or those desiring a quieter pace. Also, while on-site services are strong, some families would prefer more opportunities for external medical visits delivered at home, a service that is not guaranteed everywhere.
These strengths tend to offset the cited drawbacks where the decision centers on care quality and security. The combination of attentive staff, transparent communication, and coordinated medical oversight reduces the stress of navigating dementia care from a distance. Timely updates about medications, health status, and issues empower families to adjust care plans as needs evolve. The security, cleanliness, and well-maintained surroundings enhance peace of mind, while a rich program of social and cultural activities supports well-being and reduces isolation. When a resident thrives on engagement, structured routines, and a strong sense of community, Norris Square’s benefits often justify the investment.
For families weighing Norris Square, the verdict hinges on matching care needs with budget and preferences. It is an excellent fit for loved ones requiring memory-care that combines compassionate staffing with active community life and active family involvement. Those prioritizing cost containment, a lighter care footprint, or a preference for frequent at-home medical visits may find stronger alignment elsewhere. Before deciding, conduct a thorough campus tour with a focus on memory-care routines, dining options, and the feasibility of particular medical-service arrangements. Clarify current pricing, waivers, and inclusions to ensure expectations align with what is delivered, and assess whether the environment truly supports long-term comfort, safety, and happiness for the resident.
21 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
Condos / townhomes
Detached homes
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities off-site
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Financial aid
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Garden
Hiking trails
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Party space
Resident parking
Respite or short term stays offered
Spa
Swimming pool / hot tub
Telephone
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Minneapolis-St Paul International (13 miles away)
24-hour call system
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
High acuity care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
Fitness programs
English
A Thorough Discussion of Medications Potentially Linked to Dementia Risk
Why Do Dementia Patients Sleep So Much? Understanding Oversleeping, Stages, and Care Approaches
8 Key Indicators That Suggest It May Be Time to Transition from Assisted Living to Skilled Nursing Care
