6995 80Th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Norris Square I
Pros
Move-in was easy, and the staff were friendly and helpful.- The staff are great and very dedicated to keeping residents safe during the pandemic.
- Norris Square staff arranged Zoom visits for residents, allowing families to connect via video; those visits were very special and important.
- The family was extremely pleased with the care Norris Square provided to their grandmother; the staff were professional and caring; the grandmother was very happy there; they appreciated the compassion of her care team in her final days.
- Norris Square is a warm, friendly place.
- The memory care staff provided compassionate and loving care, and the family is forever grateful for their help.
- The nursing staff do a grand job, and the facility is beautiful.
Cons
The facility was very expensive.
Review
Norris Square I in Cottage Grove is best suited for seniors who want a warm, home-like setting paired with exceptionally caring staff, particularly for memory care needs. The reviews consistently highlight a friendly, approachable team that prioritizes resident safety and well-being, with families reporting easy move-ins and smooth transitions. The facility earns trust through visible dedication: staff who connect with residents, show compassion in daily care, and foster meaningful connections with families, whether through routine visits, thoughtful one-on-one interaction, or multi-generational Zoom conversations that keep kinfolk engaged.
Those weighing alternatives should note that cost is a significant consideration here. Several reviewers describe Norris Square I as “very expensive,” a factor that can tilt the balance for budget-conscious families or those needing extended stays with higher acuity care. If price is a hard constraint, or if care needs beyond memory care, such as intensive medical oversight, rehab, or highly specialized services, are anticipated, it makes sense to explore other communities or negotiate financial terms, waitlists, or phased care plans. In short, it’s a strong option for care quality, but not the most economical path for every family.
The strongest leverage points lie in the staff and the culture of care. Move-in is reported as easy, which reduces upfront stress during transitions, and the atmosphere is described as warm and inviting. The care team is repeatedly praised for professionalism and compassion, including in memory care where residents often require more attentive routines and emotional support. Family testimonials emphasize that the team’s patience and gentleness bring comfort in difficult days, with care staff earning genuine gratitude during end-of-life moments. In practical terms, these elements translate into fewer family worries about safety, consistency, and daily quality of life for a resident.
A second tier of strengths centers on the facility’s environment and daily life. Reviews point to a beautiful setting that supports a sense of dignity and independence, alongside a capable nursing presence. The ability of staff to integrate family involvement into care planning, whether through scheduled visits or caregiving updates, helps protect continuity of care and reinforces trust in the community’s ability to manage complex needs. For families, this often translates to a clearer understanding of their loved one’s daily routine, meals, and activities, which can be as valuable as clinical metrics when evaluating overall fit.
Still, the price tag cannot be dismissed, and it colors every other consideration. The upside, exceptional staff, compassionate care, a welcoming environment, and strong memory care performance, mitigates some concerns, but does not fully offset the financial burden for all households. Prospective residents should quantify value against alternatives: what level of personalized attention is needed, how important memory care specialization is, and whether the family can leverage any financial planning tools or supports. Touring the community with a list of priorities, care continuity, staff stability, activity options, and transparency around fees, will sharpen the comparison against other options.
In the final analysis, Norris Square I stands out for families that prize hands-on, compassionate care delivered in a respectful, homelike setting and that are prepared to invest in premium options. It excels at creating meaningful connections, supporting families with flexible engagement, and providing high-quality memory care when needed. Those who prioritize cost savings, require intensive rehabilitation services, or seek a broader spectrum of medical specialties may want to consider alternatives and compare which factors matter most, price, care level, and the ability to sustain long-term living arrangements. A thorough tour combined with candid discussions about fees, care plans, and what is included will reveal whether Norris Square I is the right destination or if another community better aligns with the family’s priorities.
65 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Air-conditioning
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Minneapolis-St Paul International (13 miles away)
Community operated transportation
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Concierge services
Planned day trips
Vibrant Senior Living: A Comprehensive Guide for Active Older Adults
Assisted Living and Memory Care: Understanding Their Core Differences
Choosing the Right Senior Care: A Detailed Exploration of Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
