8951 33Rd Street North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
What level of care are you interested in?

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Skilled Nursing Facility

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC

Other
BrightStar of St. Croix Valley is best suited for families who want highly personalized, in-home care delivered by a cohesive team that handles daily living tasks, basic medical supports, and rehabilitative needs while maintaining open, proactive communication with loved ones. It serves seniors who prefer remaining in a familiar environment but require regular assistance with mornings, showers, mobility, medication reminders, and social engagement. The model emphasizes partnership, not transactions: care planning feels collaborative and the staff become genuine extensions of the household. This is not a one-off service; it is a hands-on, locally coordinated program that treats the client as a whole person.
Those seeking a traditional on-site assisted living campus with fixed residents and round-the-clock nursing presence may want to explore alternative options. BrightStar focuses on in-home care, care coordination, and rehab services rather than a campus setting with scheduled activities and a resident population. For families needing a comprehensive on-site memory-care environment, strong daily programming, and guaranteed staffing within a building, a facility-based option could be preferable. The upside here is the ability to customize care around a home, but the trade-off is less centralized programming and the daily rhythm that comes with a larger campus.
On the plus side, the care team consistently demonstrates depth and warmth. Mikie stands out for humanity and practical support - anticipating needs, assisting with showers, and ensuring mornings run smoothly. The rehab corridor reflects the same attentiveness: PT Zack and OT Stacy are described as professional, creative, and adaptable, meeting clients where they are and delivering relief for pain and mobility. Both therapists are praised for modeling patience and motivation without nagging, and families report real gains in strength and function after their sessions. The housekeeping and home-care staff - Jordyn, Breeana, and others - are reliable, thorough, and trustworthy, enabling families to focus on healing and daily life rather than logistics. The care-management nurse, Marly, brings kindness and thoroughness that anchors the entire process.
Given the strength of the clinical and supportive teams, the few caveats that arise are manageable. A traditional concern with any in-home model is staff turnover and caregiver variety, but BrightStar's approach - paired caregivers, rapid onboarding, and a robust office network - mitigates this risk. Several reviews highlight how quickly new aides feel settled and how caregivers like Madison or Lorayne begin delivering meaningful support almost immediately. Scheduling can evolve, yet families consistently praise BrightStar for arranging care that fits energy levels, medical needs, and family calendars, which reduces friction rather than adding it. For some, cost and coordinating multiple providers might feel complex, but the organization's ability to navigate benefits, such as VA programs, and to streamline billing helps keep the experience smooth.
Prospective clients should engage early with the leadership and care-management team to co-create a care plan, with Cheri O'Connor often cited as a dependable entry point and advocate. The reviews repeatedly credit her - and others like Sherry - with clear explanations and compassionate guidance through the process of starting in-home care. Request a formal intake that maps tasks (personal care, mobility support, PT/OT, housekeeping) to a weekly schedule, and insist on a primary caregiver assignment whenever possible to maximize consistency. Don't overlook the administrative side: ensure billing contacts are established (Andres is noted as reliable), confirm availability for questions, and leverage BrightStar's strengths in coordinating medical and therapy services so that goals - like improved mobility or enhanced daily functioning - are trackable.
Bottom line: BrightStar of St. Croix Valley excels for families seeking a hands-on, compassionate in-home care partner with a robust care-management backbone, flexible scheduling, and a track record of positive outcomes in rehab and daily living. The strongest value lies in the people - the nurses, therapists, and aides who feel like a trusted extension of the family - and in the system that keeps care coordinated and responsive. Alternatives are worth considering for those who want a campus atmosphere with on-site nursing around the clock or more formal memory-care programming; otherwise, BrightStar provides a practical, experienced path to maintaining independence and dignity in place, with a clear plan and responsive support when it matters most.
Brightstar Of St Croix Valley is an assisted living community located in Lake Elmo, MN. Our community offers a range of amenities to ensure our residents' comfort and convenience. Each apartment is fully furnished and equipped with cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, telephone, and a kitchenette for those who enjoy cooking their own meals.
In addition to the cozy apartments, we provide various care services to meet our residents' needs. Our dedicated staff provides 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. We also offer medication management and coordination with healthcare providers to ensure proper healthcare monitoring. For individuals with specific dietary requirements, we accommodate special dietary restrictions such as diabetes diet.
At Brightstar Of St Croix Valley, we understand the importance of mental wellness. That's why we have a mental wellness program in place to promote emotional well-being among our residents. To keep our residents active and engaged, we offer resident-run activities as well as scheduled daily activities to cater to everyone's interests.
Our community is conveniently located near several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, and theaters. This allows our residents easy access to various amenities and services within close proximity.
Overall, Brightstar Of St Croix Valley is a welcoming assisted living community that offers quality care services in a comfortable environment. We strive to create a warm and friendly atmosphere where our residents can feel at home while receiving the assistance they need.
Brightstar Of St Croix Valley is located at 8951 33Rd Street North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 in Washington County, Minnesota
Comprehensive Insights into Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Their Assessment
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental tasks vital for an individual's independence, particularly in older adults over 85, and include functions like bathing and dressing; assessing ADLs alongside Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) helps determine the level of required assistance due to age-related health challenges. Tailored support plans, involving family and community resources, are essential for maintaining dignity and autonomy in assisted living environments.
Guiding Elderly Parents Who Refuse Assisted Living: 6 Practical Steps
Family caregivers face emotional, legal, and practical challenges when elderly parents refuse assisted living, often due to fears of losing autonomy. Open conversations and professional assessments can help address these concerns while exploring alternatives and ensuring safety, potentially leading to legal guardianship if necessary.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Luxury Assisted Living: Elevated Facilities, Amenities, and Costs
Luxury assisted living offers high-quality senior care in a resort-like environment that combines essential medical support, gourmet dining, and personalized services to enhance residents' independence and well-being. These upscale facilities emphasize holistic health and community-building through customized care plans and social activities, catering to the growing demand for enriched senior living experiences despite higher costs.