Emerald Crest of Minnetonka

About Us

Our History

Gregg Getchell and Joe Guertin created the Emerald Crest concept in 1998. Getchell and Guertin each have over 25 years of experience in the development and operation of senior housing and health care facilities. Their collective interest and mission was to create an innovative model of senior housing and care for individuals with memory challenges. This model is based on both research and actual working experience which demonstrates how care for seniors with memory challenges is best accomplished: in smaller, home-like residences where one's dignity, privacy, safety and quality of life can be preserved. By complementing this environment with a unique cognitive care program administered by Registered Occupational Therapists and support staff, Emerald Crest offers seniors and their families a refreshing new option as an alternative to nursing home placement or large "institutional" settings.

In 2000, Margaret Owens joined Gregg Getchell and Joe Guertin as co-managing partner and Chief Operating Officer.

The locally owned and operated Emerald Crest homes are specifically designed and staffed to provide a superior cognitive care program for its memory challenged residents.

Our Mission

Meeting the special needs of seniors, especially those with memory challenges, begins with a philosophy of maintaining a resident’s dignity and respect, while encouraging the highest levels of independence. Our mission is:

• To provide the finest individualized care in a home-like environment
• To show our residents compassion, respect and a sense of belonging regardless of their age or abilities
• To preserve our residents’ dignity and sense of community, partnering with family members to maximize their loved one’s care
• To provide the highest quality programs and services by a responsible, enthusiastic and specially trained staff

Memory Care

Assisted Living and Memory Care Services

Augustana Emerald Crest in Minnesota provides a unique model in senior housing to help ensure personalized care, dignity, socialization and privacy. We have homes located in Burnsville, Minnetonka, Shakopee and Victoria (less than 30 minutes from Minneapolis) that are designed for those needing consistent support and safety but allow freedom of movement in and out of the home. We also have homes designed to include special security features for those residents who may be at risk for wandering where a secured environment is necessary.

Our custom-designed, single-level homes meet the unique needs of our residents. A peaceful, simple design with short hallways lessen confusion and keep our residents within easy reach of staff. This intimate homelike setting fosters a comfortable, safe and stress-free environment where your loved ones can enjoy the familiar routines of home.

We take time to get to know the individuals at Emerald Crest. We believe getting to know the individual is a must in order to provide them with the highest quality programs and services. Family members are encouraged to participate actively in their loved one’s care. Our professional care team of nurses and occupational therapists work with the resident and family to find the best options to meet care needs. Our assessment process and programs are designed to assure a truly individualized plan of care, implemented and supervised by registered nurses and registered occupational therapists.

Our structured daily program is designed for each resident according to his or her individual abilities. Our focus is on resident’s interests, unique routines, physical and cognitive abilities and for providing opportunities of success while promoting quality of life. Residents can count on Emerald Crest to provide them with an interesting variety of services and amenities. Resident’s days are filled with things to do ranging from exercise and trivia to special rest and relaxation time. From nurse assessments to housekeeping and daily programs, our services are planned with people in mind.

Services & Amenities

• 12 to 15 comfortable private rooms/private baths
• Occupational therapist assessment and program coordination
• Nurse assessments and service coordination
• Medication setup and administration with Emerald Crest preferred pharmacy
• Home-style prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• 24-hour staff onsite
• Daily activities
• Outdoor waist-high garden and walking path
• Housekeeping
• Laundry services (personal clothing for those needing special memory care support, personal bedding and Emerald Crest-provided linens)
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Utilities (excluding telephone and television beyond basic antenna service)
• Smoke-free building
• Pull cord response system (available only at Burnsville and Shakopee)
• Controlled access buildings
• Fire sprinklers
• Incontinency products and care
• Care and service assistance to promote continued stay
• Guest meals
• Beauty and barber shop services
• Special foot care