903 Calvery Court, Ellendale, MN 56026
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Whispering Oak Place Costs & Pricing
Whispering Oak Place offers competitive pricing for its accommodations, although it is positioned at a higher cost compared to the broader market in Steele County and the state of Minnesota. Specifically, the monthly rate for a one-bedroom unit at Whispering Oak Place is $4,300, which surpasses the county's average of $3,936 and reflects a significant difference when compared to Minnesota's statewide average of $2,893. The studio option further highlights this trend, with a monthly fee of $5,000 that also exceeds both Steele County's average of $3,699 and Minnesota's statewide figure of $3,617. While these costs may be higher than those in surrounding areas, they likely reflect the unique amenities and quality of service offered by Whispering Oak Place.
| Floor plans | Whispering Oak Place | Steele County | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $4,300 | $3,936 | $2,893 |
| Studio | $5,000 | $3,699 | $3,617 |
Skilled Nursing Facilities with a similar price nearby
-
from -$205 / mo
Timberdale Trace
$4,095 to $6,075 / month13.5 miles away
Overall Review of Whispering Oak Place
Pros
The rooms are spacious with in-room laundry, open hallways, and a clean, newer facility with a large eating area.- The facility is very clean and comfortable, and the staff are polite.
- If residents move to memory care, they would be cared for by the same staff, providing continuity.
- The activities area is engaging with puzzles, a computer, and a TV, and the layout makes it easy to find rooms.
- The place has a welcoming, home-like feel with staff who are widely described as helpful and amazing.
- The staff provide exceptional, patient, and loving care.
- They offer countryside road trips for residents to enjoy farmland and scenery.
- The sign outside, "Heroes work here," reflects the staff’s dedication.
Cons
The facility struggles to hire quality qualified staff, and turnover is high.- The food could be improved by using fewer pre-made and canned items.
- One reviewer was not impressed by having two people in a room.
- It could use more staff; current staffing is limited.
- It was smaller than other communities the reviewer had seen.
- The rural setting means the facility has fewer facilities.
Review
Whispering Oak Place in Ellendale, MN is best suited for families seeking a warm, home-like environment where seniors can settle into a straightforward, easy-to-navigate setting. It suits residents who value a rural, less commercial atmosphere, large rooms with practical in-room laundry, and a layout that minimizes wandering risk. The community often resonates with families who want meaningful, low-friction daily routines, accessible outdoor experiences, and steady, patient care, especially for memory care residents who benefit from a familiar staff presence and a simple corridor-to-room orientation that reduces confusion.
Those weighing alternatives should consider options that promise higher staffing levels, more extensive programming, or more modern amenities. Whispering Oak Place can feel lean on staff when compared with larger campuses, and some families notice fewer staff interactions than they expect. For families prioritizing private rooms, chef-driven dining, or a broader slate of on-site services, a more expansive facility may deliver greater peace of mind. The rural setting, while charming, also means fewer institutional resources and amenities than bigger towns or metro campuses.
The positives present a compelling offset to the downsides. Large, comfortable rooms with in-room laundry provide autonomy and dignity, reducing frequent resident movement and caregiver load. The straightforward, one-street-through design helps memory-impaired residents find their rooms more easily than in labyrinthine facilities, and the common areas, especially the large dining space, facilitate social connection without overwhelming residents. Staff are repeatedly described as welcoming, patient, and genuinely caring, with many families noting the same team supporting memory care residents across transitions. The addition of a memory care unit with continuity in staffing reinforces familiarity and reduces anxiety, while activities and occasional outings give residents purposeful engagement and familiar country experiences.
Still, the staffing picture matters. Reviews flag a relatively high turnover and a leaner staff presence, which can translate into less hands-on attention during peak times. Some residents may feel the facility is smaller and quieter than others, with fewer staffing cues or visible routines on any given day. The occasional comment about limited private room options, two resident rooms rather than single occupancy, can be a deterrent for families seeking more independence or stronger infection-control comfort. Food quality is cited as improvable, leaning toward pre-prepared or canned selections rather than chef-driven cooking, which can blunt overall satisfaction for residents who place a premium on fresh meals.
When the strengths are weighed against the drawbacks, Whispering Oak Place still presents a practical, dependable choice for a specific profile. The homey ambiance, easy-to-navigate environment, and consistently compassionate staff create a steady, reassuring living experience that can be especially meaningful for memory care residents and their families. The rural charm and opportunity for simple country-oriented activities, like scenic drives and outdoor reminders of farm life, offer valuable quality-of-life anchors that more clinical settings often lack. In this balance, care quality and resident comfort carry enough weight to offset staffing gaps, provided expectations align with what the facility can realistically deliver.
For families deciding to move forward, a targeted due diligence plan will pay dividends. Seek a detailed discussion about typical caregiver-to-resident ratios across shifts, and request a tour of the memory care area focused on staff consistency and daily scheduling. Review sample menus to gauge how frequently meals are prepared on site and whether fresh options can accommodate dietary needs. Ask about private-room availability and associated costs, and inquire how activity programs are individualized for different cognitive stages. Finally, confirm that the resident’s goals, social connection, meaningful activity, medical oversight, and peace of mind for family, align with Whispering Oak Place’s rhythm, then decide with a clear picture of what this community will deliver day to day.
21 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities off-site
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Garden
General store
Ground floor units
Guest parking
Handicap accessible
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Overnight guests
Party space
Respite or short term stays offered
Security gate
Telephone
VA Benefits Consultation
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Transportation & parking
24-hour call system
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Companion care
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
Hospice care
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Physical therapy
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Art classes
Book club
Catholic services
Cooking club
Day trips and outings
Educational speakers / life long learning
Fitness programs
Games
Happy hour
Live dance or theater performances
Live musical performances
Wii bowling
Wine tasting
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