Assisted Living FacilityNursing HomeSenior Citizen CenterAlzheimer's Care
Guardian Angels By The Lake offers the best assisted living and memory care in Elk River Minnesota. Request a tour and learn what makes Guardian Angels the best senior living care center in Minnesota. Chef prepared meals enjoyed in the restaurant style room or outside on the large covered front porch. The best memory care that includes art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy and more. We also have wellness on wheels that helps residents move and stay active. Memory care to help residents suffering from dementia and Alzheimer. Request a tour today!
Community features:
• Small town feel and country charm
• Large, covered porch and three season porch
• Located off the shores of Lake Orono
• Welcoming family atmosphere
• Chef-prepared, nutritious meals in restaurant style dining
• Social, recreation, educational and spiritual programs
• Wellness on wheels
• Library
• Community room and chapel
• On-site salon
• Outdoor patios with gazebos
• Putting green
• Housekeeping services
• Controlled access to building
Details
Onsite servicesAvailable
Free parking lotAvailable
Wheelchair accessible entranceAvailable
Wheelchair accessible restroomAvailable
Wheelchair accessible seatingAvailable
Location
Guardian Angels By The Lake Senior Living - Elk River
I visited and evaluated ten top-rated memory care facilities before settling on Guardian Angels by the Lake. My long checklist was useful but I realized after my wife moved in that the critical factor is not the facility, it's the staff. I met maintenance people, custodians, Teresa Kaunzner (the marketing person and guide), Kelly, (the primary nurse), Haley (the receptionist), activity directors, and a host of resident assistants (the folks that look after the residents). I watched them deal with a wide array of difficult disabilities. Invariably, they radiated kindness, compassion, and flexibility. Frankly, I'm continually astonished at the kindness and helpfulness exhibited by *every single person* I met or observed.
Flexibility is critical, especially during the painful process of transitioning from home to GA. Instead of a rules-based / one-size-fits-all approach, GA adapts easily to the resident's needs and works around their fears. The staff's comforting demeanor is essential during the time of frightful upset. My introverted wife comments time and again on the kindness of the staff.
Taking her to a facility was an excruciating decision, fraught with the possibility of regret, guilt, and even anger. But I discovered that, despite my best efforts to care for my wife at home, GA does a much better job. She has more stimulation, is cleaner, and is even happier. At home, she was bed-ridden for 18 hours a day. I realize now that it was out of boredom, not weakness. At GA, she's sitting in a chair, walking around, or participating in activities for most of the day. She's much happier at GA, even though she still wants to go home.
The facility is clean and comfortable. There are alcoves suitable for half a dozen people to sit and chat. One has a tv. The hallway is circular, so residents can walk without fear of getting lost or having to backtrack as would be the case with a hallway with an endpoint. The lighting is comfortably bright without being harsh or clinical.
Although the facility has a gentle, homey feel, the strength of GA is its staff. Their pervasive, overwhelming kindness made my wife feel welcome, safe, and comfortable. I'm deeply grateful to the entire staff for the kindness and even love that they lavish on my wife. Taking her to Guardian Angels by the Lake was the right decision.
JN
Jennifer Nuttall
Nov 10, 2025
5.0
I would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care provided by the Guardian Angel Team and Trinity Hospice Care while our mother resided at your Senior Services facility.
I would also like to personally recognize Nurse Sadia, we were truly blessed to have her as the Nurse to help us close the passing of our mother. We understand Hospice care requires a truly unique blend of clinical skill and profound empathy. Sadia graced us and calmed us through a very difficult time. Her undying knowledge, compassion and empathy was that of Angels on our shoulders, a true gift.
The entire staff at Guardian Angels welcomed our mother from the moment she arrived at this journey in her life, Independent Living. We trusted from the moment she arrived that she was in a very safe, responsive, and respectable place to reside, and begin this stage in her life. Upon her return from her hospitalization that then began her Assisted/Hospice Care Living, an AMAZING appreciation and CELEBRATION was given by the entire staff. The engagement, acknowledgement and spirit of Halloween was being sent via text message - play by play! Thank you to each and everyone of you who made her so happy that day!
Lastly, I am so very incredibly grateful to Rick. I cannot express in words the peace and security you brought to me that soothed a very emotional time in our lives. I was embraced by the most comforting hug, and he listened to our needs which allowed us the additional time to process our loss.
Each and every one of you at Guardian Angels are a treasure to this organization, and recommend you without reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guardian Angels By The Lake Senior Living - Elk River
When is a good time to consider senior housing?
Guardian Angels offers many senior living options. From independent living to more advanced care, our highly skilled and compassionate staff is available to assist with selecting the appropriate living community designed to fit your needs.
Come tour our communities and learn more about how we are dedicated to those we serve. Some locations may have waiting lists, so we recommend that you tour early for best selections.
What services are available at Guardian Angels?
Independent Living (market rate and affordable HUD) Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Short term (Rehab), Adult Day, Wellness Center, Home Care and Hospice.
Why choose GA? What is the GA advantage?
Guardian Angels is a faith-based, nonprofit senior housing and services organization providing the highest quality of care with a 5-star rating. We offer priority access to GA communities and services upon availability.
What is continuum of care?
Continuum of care locations provide services from Independent living to more advanced care. Seniors have access to the residential living community most appropriate to their needs now and in the future. Guardian Angels is a continuum of care community.
What is the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living?
Independent Living is for seniors who are able to live on their own, yet want the conveniences of living within a community that provide social and recreational amenities, educational and wellness opportunities, housekeeping services, and dining options. Guardian Angels offers HUD subsidized and market rate options.
Assisted Living is for seniors who need help with the activities of daily living. Residents find an enriching lifestyle with amenities that allow to them to remain as independent as possible. Guardian Angels’ communities home care services include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, weekly personal laundry, and three meals daily. Services can be increased or decreased over time, as needed.
Are VA benefits offered at GA communities?
The Aid and Attendance pension benefit is available to Minnesota senior veterans and their spouses to help pay for senior care like assisted living, home care, or nursing home care. More information is available here.
Do you offer wellness programs at GA?
Yes! Geared toward adults 50+, Club GA’s state-of-the art wellness tools and educated staff will guide you to optimum wellness. Our high-tech HUR strength training equipment is specifically designed for aging adults. Club GA has two locations, one in Elk River and one in Otsego. The Otsego location provides a warm-water therapy pool and pickleball court.
We also offer Wellness on Wheels at all of our locations! Wellness on Wheels is a traveling wellness program that brings group fitness classes directly to our residents and tenants! Not all of our GA sites have a Club GA, so we bring Club GA to the sites.
Wellness on Wheels Program consists of certified instructor led exercise classes that focus on muscle strengthening, balance, and range of motion – replicating activities of daily living. They are appropriate for all fitness levels as the experienced instructors are able to offer direction to increase intensity or modifications for simplifying the movements (ie-seated only options, joint discomfort, etc.).
What options are available if my health needs change?
Guardian Angels will connect with you and your doctor to assess services needed. We will explore the options available to care for those needs and help you with your transition.
Does Guardian Angels offer dementia support groups?
Yes, we currently provide dementia care support groups at two locations:
Engel Haus (Albertville) - 2nd Monday of every month 10:00am - 11:00am
Riverview Landing (Otsego) - 2nd Tuesday of every month 3:30pm- 4:30pm
By the Lake (Elk River) - 2nd Wednesday of every month at 10:30am-11:30am.
Are doctor visits available?
Guardian Angels communities do not employ physicians or nurse practitioners; however, certain health plans/clinics devote time for their practitioners to be on-site at our various communities.
Your Administrator or Clinical Coordinator can provide contact information for the provider who visits your building. You are responsible to consult with your provider to determine if your insurance company covers this service.
The providers at each site will only see residents who sign up for care through their health plan or clinic on a routine basis. Medical physicians do not provide any type of urgent care setting while they are on-site.
The provider, in their sole discretion, determines frequency of visits including day of week and time.
What type of activities are available?
Guardian Angels offers a variety of social, recreational, and spiritual activities along with movies, crafts, and games. Be sure to check out our calendars to see a sample of activities.
Is someone available to help plan our move-in?
Yes! Housing Specialists or Admissions Coordinators will assist with your move. Our staff can also help you connect with move managers, along with other services to make the transition easier for you and your family.
What types of senior living options are available at Guardian Angels By The Lake?
Guardian Angels offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Short-term Rehab, Adult Day, Wellness Center, Home Care, and Hospice services designed to fit various senior needs.
What is the difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living at Guardian Angels?
Independent Living is for seniors who live independently but want community amenities, while Assisted Living provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management to support greater independence.
Does Guardian Angels provide specialized care for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients?
Yes, Guardian Angels offers memory care including art, music, and pet therapies tailored to support residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Are wellness programs available for residents at Guardian Angels?
Yes, Club GA offers wellness programs with high-tech strength training equipment and Wellness on Wheels brings fitness classes to residents, focusing on strength, balance, and motion for all fitness levels.
What are the visiting hours and operational hours for Guardian Angels By The Lake?
Guardian Angels is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
How does Guardian Angels assist with transitioning into their community?
Housing Specialists or Admissions Coordinators assist with move-in planning and can connect residents with move managers and other services to make the transition easier.
Are there support groups for dementia care at Guardian Angels By The Lake?
Yes, dementia care support groups are held the second Wednesday of every month from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Elk River location.
Which nearby places can residents visit for dining and groceries?
Nearby options include Mama D’s Deli for sandwiches, Champs Chicken and MC’s Pub for casual dining, Elk River Pizza Man for Italian cuisine, and United Nutrition for health foods and smoothies.
What nearby health and therapy services are available close to Guardian Angels?
Nearby health and therapy services include HHH Pediatric Therapy for occupational therapy, Allina Health Elk River Clinic for medical care, and Courage Kenny Sports and Physical Therapy for physical therapy needs.
Are there fitness and recreation options near Guardian Angels for residents or visitors?
Nearby fitness options include CrossFit Una Stamus, Curves gym, and the Elk River YMCA, offering various active-life and sports activities to help maintain wellness.