Overall sentiment across the reviews for Elison Assisted Living of Minot is largely positive, with many reviewers praising the staff, cleanliness, atmosphere, and value. A recurring strength is the staff: numerous comments describe employees as friendly, caring, responsive, and willing to go above and beyond. Several reviewers specifically noted helpful nurses and on-site medical staff, and the facility's 24-hour care capability was cited as reassuring. Admissions and tours were often described as thorough and welcoming, and many families reported good communication and oversight.
The physical facility and apartment offerings receive consistent praise. Reviewers describe the building as clean, elegant, and well-kept, with attractive common spaces, decorative rooms, and oak kitchen cabinets. The single-floor layout, bright interiors, and outdoor spaces (including a large fenced yard) contribute to a homey, comfortable feel. Many residents and families appreciated apartment features such as windows, roomy layouts for some units, and accessible showers with grab bars. Housekeeping, laundry service, and routine bedding changes were noted as helpful services that contribute to a well-maintained environment.
Dining and food are a clear strength for many but are notably mixed across reviews. Several accounts highlight a restaurant-style dining experience with a three-entrée menu, snack cart, family meal options, and reviewers who called the chef "terrific" and the food delicious. At the same time, a number of reviewers reported poor food experiences—meals described as not tasty, overcooked vegetables, or residents not getting enough to eat. This inconsistency suggests meal quality and portioning may vary by shift or over time, so prospective residents should sample multiple meals and ask about menu rotation and portion policies.
Activities and social life are another regularly mentioned positive. The community runs arts and crafts, music programs, puzzles, pool table, yoga, and other recreational offerings, and several reviewers said their family members enjoyed and participated in activities. A new activities director was mentioned positively. However, a few comments indicate some residents still feel socially isolated or uninterested in participating, so social engagement may depend heavily on individual resident preferences and mobility.
Concerns and negative patterns should be taken seriously. Several reviews report inadequate staffing levels or promises of staff coverage that were not met—short staffing can affect care availability, meal service, and general resident support. There are also troubling reports regarding management and billing: a few reviewers alleged deceptive practices, including point-based extra charges and at least one claim referencing a false Medicaid-related issue. In addition, there was a serious allegation of unprofessional behavior by a CNA who smelled of alcohol; while this appears isolated in the review set, it is a critical safety concern that families should explicitly ask the facility about (hiring/screening, background checks, drug/alcohol policies, and incident reporting).
Operational issues noted include limited transportation options (reviews state transportation is limited to medical appointments and not available for church or other outings) and dissatisfaction with assigned meal seating. Room size opinions vary—some reviewers praised large, comfortable suites and big bathrooms, while others called rooms very small; this suggests variability between unit types or former expectations. Financial transparency emerged as another area for careful review: while many cite good value and promotional pricing, others reported unexpected charges. Prospective residents and families should request detailed, written explanations of fees, what is included in the quoted rate, and policies on extra/point-based charges.
In summary, Elison Assisted Living of Minot is described by many families as a clean, attractive, and homey community with caring staff, good clinical support, and robust social and dining offerings. The most frequent positives are the staff's demeanor, facility upkeep, communal spaces, and—according to many reviewers—the dining experience. Key cautions are variability in food quality, reports of short staffing, occasional unprofessional incidents, and concerns about billing transparency and transportation limitations. If considering this facility, ask for current staffing ratios, a copy of the fee schedule and service inclusion list, clarification about transportation policies, opportunities to observe meals at different times, and details about staff screening and incident reporting procedures.