7171 Ohms Lane, Edina, MN 55439
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Cassia, a senior living operator with multiple communities, including a Lakeside location in Dassel, presents a complex portrait in the experiences shared by staff and families. On one hand, many reviewers describe the organization as genuinely devoted to serving older adults and express pride in the people, the residents, and the overall mission. They praise well-kept facilities, the sense that the communities care about those who live and work there, and occasional praise for leadership at the local level. In some accounts, the Davis and Dassel teams are depicted as friendly, supportive, and capable, with residents enjoying positive relationships with staff and leadership.
But beneath those favorable words lies a troubling counter-narrative about corporate influence and operational practices that some employees say undermine the very care Cassia is supposed to uphold. A recurring motif is the gap between promises made during hiring and what actually happens on the ground. Several reviewers recount promises that they would be paid for prep time and reimbursed for supply expenses tied to activities. Weeks into employment, many found that prep time was not paid as promised, or that the time counted had to fall strictly within their working hours, which effectively nullified the intended pay for prep. Similarly, expense reimbursements were inconsistently honored: reports were submitted for supplies used for activities, with only a single payment ever received, followed by silence or denial from corporate channels. The complaints consistently point to a lack of clarity and accountability about what is reimbursable and who controls the approvals.
The confusion deepens with changes to the reimbursement process. Reviewers say that expenses suddenly had to be pre-approved by supervisors - and that this approval came after the fact, sometimes leaving staff unable to recoup costs. In some cases, staff were told that their supervisors must buy the supplies instead, an arrangement that seemed to contradict earlier promises and left employees frustrated and financially at risk. The sense of inconsistency is compounded by reports that corporate policy would override local needs, and that speakers were urged to accept alternatives that did not align with what they believed was best for the residents or for their own job requirements. One employee who spoke up about time spent assisting pastoral staff was told that the time had been approved, only to be called out later for "too much time," with the expectation that anything beyond a strict limit required prior authorization that many felt had already been granted.
The interpersonal dynamics within Lakeside Dassel and similar Cassia communities add another layer of tension. A number of accounts discuss strained communications with activity staff and leaders who were supposed to facilitate resident-centered programming. In particular, a participant described ongoing miscommunication with the Activity Director, who reportedly rarely engaged with plan changes or requests and pushed back on emails that were intended to benefit residents. The author emphasizes that their involvement with activities was meant to enhance resident life, not to placate the staff, and felt discouraged by the lack of responsiveness. The experience culminated in a feeling that staff and residents alike were caught in a tug-of-war between trying to do good for residents and navigating administrative demands that often felt misaligned with those goals.
Another thread in the feedback is a palpable critique of corporate leadership versus local community autonomy. Some reviewers lament that corporate leaders are distant - valuing the bottom line over the lived realities of employees and residents. They contend that the mission, vision, and values that once guided Cassia have been sidelined by decisions made from afar, allegedly without sufficient input from the people who work inside the communities day in and day out. This sentiment is paired with the belief that corporate interventions have "demolished" what local teams had built, replacing collaborative, resident-focused problem solving with centralized mandates. The tension between local teams trying to advocate for residents and corporate executives who prioritize financial outcomes or policy consistency emerges as a recurring point of frustration.
The most pointed criticisms extend to the human resources and management culture. Several reviews use strong language to describe HR and leadership as dishonest or unreliable, accusing them of lying or of failing to address genuine concerns in a timely manner. There are references to potential regulatory scrutiny and plans to pursue remedies through small claims courts or other channels as employees fight to recoup personal expenditures and secure fair treatment. In short, some reviewers feel that the organization's internal culture lacks the open communication and accountability necessary to sustain trust among staff and residents alike, even as others elsewhere within Cassia continue to have positive experiences with specific locations.
Despite the criticisms, there are brief affirmations of good quality in some places. A few comments highlight that the nursing and assisted-living environments can be well maintained and staffed by capable, caring people. Phrases like "Very well maintained nursing home, assisted living and adult day care" and "Absolutely wonderful people" appear alongside the more scathing statements, underscoring that experiences vary by location and by individual relationships within the same organization. In some instances, reviewers acknowledge that the core goal - caring for older adults with dignity - remains visible and strong, even when the day-to-day operations and corporate interactions create friction.
Taken together, the reviews depict a landscape where Cassia's care for residents can shine in practice at the local level, yet where employees feel hamstrung by inconsistent promises, shifting policies, and a perceived disconnect between corporate leadership and the realities of frontline work. The tensions around pay for prep time, expense reimbursement, approvals, and the handling of staff initiatives point to systemic issues that some staff see as undermining morale and trust. For families considering Cassia or for individuals evaluating employment, the message is clear: experiences will likely vary by location, and it may be essential to seek out transparent, written agreements on pay, reimbursements, and approval processes, to talk directly with on-site leaders about resident-centered goals, and to verify the alignment between local practice and the organization's stated mission. In the meantime, the positive remarks about the people, the care, and the potential for meaningful relationships within Cassia communities should be weighed alongside the broader concerns raised by staff and residents.
Guardian Angels Elim Home Care in Edina, MN is an assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to its residents. The community provides a comfortable and fully furnished living space with cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, and a small library for leisurely reading. Residents can enjoy delicious meals in the on-site dining room that offers restaurant-style dining and special dietary options.
The staff at Guardian Angels Elim Home Care provide 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. They also offer medication management and follow a diabetes diet for those who require it. Mental wellness programs are available to support the emotional well-being of residents.
The community is conveniently located near several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals. This makes it easy for residents to access various amenities and services in the surrounding area.
At Guardian Angels Elim Home Care, residents have the opportunity to participate in resident-run activities as well as scheduled daily activities organized by the community. This promotes social interaction and engagement among residents.
Overall, this assisted living community provides a comfortable and supportive environment for seniors in Edina, MN. With its range of amenities and care services, residents can maintain their independence while receiving personalized assistance when needed.
Guardian Angels Elim Home Care is located at 7171 Ohms Lane, Edina, MN 55439 in Hennepin County, Minnesota
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