Augustana Emerald Crest III

Pros

• Residents at Emerald Crest of Minnetonka receive exceptional care from wonderful caretakers who are dedicated to their well-being.
• The facility offers a variety of engaging programs, including mind exercises and music therapies, enriching the lives of the residents.
• Having a pastor visit every Thursday provides spiritual support and fosters a sense of community among the residents.
• With only twelve residents per house, each individual receives personalized attention in a cozy and supportive environment.
• The shared living area and kitchen create opportunities for social interaction and a homelike atmosphere for all residents.

Cons

• Some residents may feel frustrated due to their memory loss, impacting their ability to communicate effectively.
• The transition between houses can be unsettling for residents as their dementia progresses.
• House 3 is described as being representative of the end of life, which may evoke negative feelings about aging and decline.
• Limited space with only twelve residents per house could lead to feelings of confinement or lack of privacy.
• The necessity of moving through different houses based on dementia progression might create anxiety among the residents and their families.

Review

Emerald Crest of Minnetonka is a specialized residential care facility designed to support individuals at various stages of dementia. With three distinct houses, residents are grouped according to their level of cognitive functioning, which allows for tailored care that meets their specific needs. Currently, Mom resides in House 1, designated for those in the early stages of dementia. This structure provides an environment where residents experience some memory loss yet retain a significant degree of communicative ability. The carefully curated setting allows residents to engage socially and intellectually while receiving supportive care.

House 1 serves as a welcoming space where both residents and caregivers foster relationships built on understanding and compassion. Caretakers are highly trained professionals who offer 24-hour assistance, ensuring that each resident's unique challenges are met with empathy and expertise. This level of personalized attention is crucial for maintaining a sense of dignity among the residents despite their cognitive decline. Families can rest easy knowing that their loved ones are surrounded by attentive staff members who prioritize comfort and emotional well-being.

As residents' conditions progress, they may transition from House 1 to House 2, which accommodates individuals with more advanced dementia symptoms. The seamless movement between these houses demonstrates Emerald Crest’s commitment to providing comprehensive care throughout the various stages of dementia. This continuum ensures that residents receive appropriate support without disruption to their daily routines or social interactions, fostering an atmosphere that feels safe and familiar.

For those requiring end-of-life care, House 3 offers a serene environment where individuals can spend their final days comfortably in a supportive community setting. Understanding the emotional toll this phase can take on both residents and families, Emerald Crest emphasizes compassionate care during this sensitive time. The facility’s focus on dignity and respect helps create an environment where life can be celebrated even as it nears its conclusion.

Beyond basic caregiving, Emerald Crest provides rich programs aimed at enhancing mental engagement and emotional health through innovative therapies such as music therapy and entertainment activities. These programs not only help stimulate cognitive function but also uplift spirits by creating joyful shared experiences among residents. Group activities encourage socialization while allowing individuals to connect over common interests—an essential component when dealing with memory-related disorders.

The facility boasts a homelike design with all services conveniently located on one level for easy accessibility. Each house accommodates just twelve residents; this small size promotes stronger connections between caregivers and family members while preventing feelings of overwhelm often associated with larger facilities. Residents share living spaces and kitchens, further reinforcing interpersonal bonds as they enjoy meals together or partake in communal activities led by engaging staff members who understand how best to enrich each individual's experience at Emerald Crest.

In conclusion, Emerald Crest of Minnetonka stands out as an exemplary model for dementia care through its structured approach that prioritizes individual needs while maintaining high standards of compassion and professionalism. With dedicated caretakers, meaningful programming, beautiful surroundings, and community-oriented living arrangements—all combined ensure that every resident receives not just care but also respect and companionship throughout their journey through dementia into end-of-life considerations.

The Minnetonka, Minnesota area offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to relocate to the area. With a range of restaurants including Duke's On 7 and The Cheesecake Factory, there are plenty of dining options to enjoy. Additionally, there are several pharmacies nearby such as Walgreens for convenient access to prescriptions and medical supplies. For healthcare needs, there are reputable physicians and hospitals such as Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's Ear, Nose and Throat and Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital within a short distance. Places of worship like St Therese of Deephaven and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church provide spiritual support, while parks like Aquila Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. Cafes like Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar provide a cozy setting for socializing with friends. Overall, this part of Minnetonka offers a blend of convenience, healthcare services, recreational activities, and social opportunities for seniors considering senior living in the area.

Restaurants

• Duke's On 7 (1.4 miles)
• Taco Teresa's (2.8 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (2.9 miles)
• Kona Grill (3 miles)
• Taco Bell (3 miles)
• BLVD Kitchen & Bar (3.3 miles)
• Olive Garden (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Love Shack (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4.8 miles)

Physicians

• Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's Ear, Nose and Throat (2.2 miles)
• Ellgaard Annemarie Park Nicollet Clinic Carlson Parkway Minnetonka (3.3 miles)
• Metropolitan Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery PA (3.9 miles)
• Park Nicollet Clinic (5.4 miles)
• Northwest Family Physicians Plymouth (5.4 miles)
• MN Otolaryngology (6.2 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina - Crosstown (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Therese of Deephaven (3.2 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (3.2 miles)
• Grace Church (6.5 miles)

Parks

• Aquila Park (3.4 miles)
• Dakota Dog Park (4.9 miles)
• Parkers Lake Park (4.9 miles)
• McGuire Park (5.1 miles)
• Bandimere Heights Park (6.2 miles)
• French Regional Park (6.5 miles)
• Lake Ann Park (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar (3.6 miles)
• Jinx Tea (5.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.2 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (6.8 miles)
• Starbucks (7.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (4.3 miles)
• Abbott Northwestern Center For Outpatient Care (5.3 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Hospital (6.6 miles)
• Plymouth Surgery Center (6.9 miles)
• Regency Hospital (7.3 miles)

Theaters

• 0705 Amc Southdale 16 (6.9 miles)