Red Cedar Assisted Living Center

Red Cedar Assisted Living Center sits at 533 7th St. NW in Cass Lake, Minnesota, about 14 miles outside of Bemidji, with space for up to 21 residents, and offers seniors several living options with support that matches their needs, so there's assisted living with daily help for things like dressing, bathing, grooming, medication management, meal preparation, transfers in and out of bed, and even special diets like for diabetes, and they handle medical coordination with healthcare providers and also handle transportation for doctor's appointments, plus, there's a 24-hour awake staff, a 24-hour call system, and supervision to make sure someone's always there if a resident needs help, and there's also memory care for people with dementia, a safe environment with special programs and activities to help with memory, and separate spaces for those who need attentive supervision both day and night, and for those a bit more independent, the center has small residential homes in neighborhoods, which allow fewer residents so it's not too crowded, and those independent living folks can get support only when they ask for it, and they enjoy resort-style amenities, scheduled community events, and daily activities, including movie nights, arts rooms, gardens, walking paths, a barber and beauty salon, and even a library and high-speed internet throughout, with all the apartments fully furnished and cable TV included. The place runs regular activities with things like planting in the garden, celebrating Earth Day (Aki Day), participating in Gitigaan Month (Garden Month), and holding events where they give away traditional items like mishiiminaatig, and residents, staff, and guests can join in with planting and growing, and they even make waabigwan (native tobacco offerings) and maintain gitigannen (gardens) for everyone to enjoy, while the Dining Room/Commons Area is where everyone meets for meals or gets together for daily schedules and community-sponsored events, and there's always a staff member nearby, since safety and attentive care are big priorities, and all rooms have telephones, emergency alert systems, and kitchenettes, though meals-three a day-are served in the dining area, plus weekly housekeeping and laundry services come with the room, though residents can do laundry themselves if they want. For care, the center can help with bathing, transferring, medication, and makes sure to accommodate special dietary needs, and supports mental wellness with special programs, as well as offering move-in coordination to make the move smoother. Elder Advocates also work there-they help with things like transportation, groceries, banking, paperwork, medication pick-up, and even deliver food and commodities, and home health aides can help with housecleaning, shopping, grooming, prescription deliveries, and respite care. Red Cedar supports people from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (LLBO) and other federally recognized tribes, focuses on elders aged 65 and up who can get around on their own or with very minimal help, and the staff is trained to treat everyone with the seven teachings of Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth. The community stays free from drugs, alcohol, and smoking inside, but there are outdoor smoking areas set up, and visitors can come during the day but can't stay overnight, just for safety. Residents can pay by medical assistance "MA," Waiver programs, or private pay, and there's a Waiver Program supporting elders who want to stay in their community with help for day-to-day needs. Free Long Term Care Consultations and Personal Care Assistant Assessments can be done in people's homes to see what help is needed, and the Elderly Nutrition Program and a Caregiver program provide even more support, so overall, Red Cedar Assisted Living Center offers a mix of care and independence in a small, socially active setting, and offers medical support through partnerships with state programs and health services.