Prairie Cottages

09/29/2026

Tonight we enjoyed burgers on the grill for supper, as per a special request from our resident Judy! She was not about to let us forget about having a grilled burger! 😀

09/19/2026

This week, the sweet ladies from Alerus Bank stopped in to deliver carnations to all of our residents for Grandparents day! How very sweet! There were so many beautiful smiles throughout the Cottage! Thank you ladies for brightening our day!! 🩷

09/07/2026

09/03/2026

We do things a little different in memory care. We are told as professionals to have boundaries, not to get emotionally attached, don’t cry or show affection. But, we do things a little different around here.

You see, we don’t admit a resident, treat their medical condition and discharge them days later. No. We hold the door open and invite them into a new home. We meet them on what may be one of the hardest days of their lives.

From the very first day they walk through our doors, we learn their stories. We learn what makes them smile, what comforts them when they’re afraid, the songs they love, the routines that make them feel safe, and the little things that make them them.

And somewhere along the way, they become family.

We celebrate their good days. We laugh with them. We hold their hands when they’re scared. We sit beside them when they’re confused. We advocate for them when they can no longer advocate for themselves.

We are there from day one, and we stay until the very end.

When that final chapter comes, we don’t simply say goodbye to a resident. We say goodbye to someone who has touched our lives, someone whose favorite chair we know, whose smile we recognize from across the room, whose stories we have heard a hundred times—and would gladly hear a hundred more.

Memory care is not just a job.

It is showing up every day for people who may not remember your name, but who still know that they are safe with you.

It is loving someone through moments they may not understand.

It is protecting their dignity when they are at their most vulnerable.

It is finding joy in the smallest moments.

We don’t just care for our residents.

We love them.

And we slowly become another person in their lives who they trust.

And then something happens that no one really prepares you for…

They become ours.

We laugh with them. We dance with them. We hold their hands. We brush their hair. We help them into comfy pajamas and into warm beds at night.

And sometimes, when they cry…

we cry too.

Because behind every resident is a person who was once someone’s mother, father, husband, wife, sister, brother, grandma, grandpa, best friend.

A person who had a childhood.

A first love.

A career.

A home.

A family.

A lifetime of memories.

A whole life that someday they may not remember.

So we keep showing up.

Day after day.

Even on the days when our hearts are tired.

From the first day they arrive…

until the day we have to say goodbye.

We remember the last hand we held. The last smile. The last conversation.

And then we go back to work the next day and do it all over again for someone else.

Because that’s what memory care is.

That is the heartbreak of memory care.

But it is also the most beautiful privilege one can have.

Our residents may forget us.

But we will never forget them. ❤️

08/23/2026

What a beautiful afternoon to be on the lake! 🌞 Our residents, families, friends, and staff had a wonderful time on the Pelican Breeze boat. 🦢🛟 a HUGE thank you to all who made this possible! Round of applause to the boat captain and crew members who provided us a safe, fun, and entertaining ride! We hope to sail away again next summer!

08/14/2026

Today, we celebrated our sweet Brenda, who retired after almost 9 years of employment at Prairie Cottages. The amount of love and compassion, dedication and genuine care that Brenda has always shown the residents at Prairie Cottages, is something truly special.

Our residents, employees and families have all been so blessed to have have Brenda as a care partner, co worker and friend. To know Brenda, is to love her.. ❤️ Thank you for serving our residents so well for all these years! You will be missed, Brenda!!

07/21/2026

Thank you, Becky for your leadership and compassion.

07/09/2026

One of our employees in the area is looking for her dog, Marley. She was last seen in the Blooming Prairie area. Please call the number below if you happen to see her.

07/01/2026

Our very own Bill and his wife attending the local dementia choir! 🎼🎤

06/25/2026

We had a really nice Father's day celebration at the Cottage on Saturday! We grilled out and enjoyed special music by Scotty Knight! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate and to the fantastic care partners who help make it all happen! ❤️

06/05/2026

It’s a special bonding moment when you have a Purple Rain delay during Prince night at the Twins game with Prairie Cottages and Prairie Grace Hospice!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage, service, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

At Prairie Cottages, we are especially grateful for the veterans, families, and generations who have carried the weight of service and sacrifice. Today, we reflect with thankful hearts for the freedoms we enjoy and the heroes who made them possible.

May we honor their legacy not only in remembrance, but in the kindness, compassion, and gratitude we show one another every day. ❤️🤍💙

05/22/2026

The "Conversations Around Dementia" event in Owatonna last night was well attended. Dustin presented helpful information and tips from how to prevent dementia to discussing brain pathways and so much more. We are grateful for Our Saviors Lutheran Church for hosting and helping us spread the word.

05/10/2026

Today, we honor the women who have shaped our lives in countless ways. Mothers have given us comfort, strength, and a love that continues to guide us.

At Prairie Cottages, we’re reminded each day that even as memories fade, love remains. A gentle touch, a warm smile, or a simple “I love you” still carries deep meaning.

To all mothers—past and present—thank you for your compassion and the love you continue to share.

Happy Mother’s Day 💐

01/02/2026

A year of connecting, caring and creating moments of joy in 2025.

11/27/2025

At Prairie Cottages, we are thankful for the relationships that make our cottages feel like home — the loved ones we serve, the families who walk alongside us, and the dedicated team who cares with compassion and purpose.
Wishing you all a Thanksgiving filled with peace, gratitude, and shared joy.

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 **Honoring Our Heroes at Prairie Cottages** 🇺🇸
Today, and every day, we pause to honor the men and women who have served our country—those who have stood for freedom, protected our nation, and inspired generations with their courage.

We’re especially grateful for the veterans who call Prairie Cottages home. Your stories, strength, and service continue to remind us what it means to live with purpose and heart.
❤️🤍💙

08/03/2025

A heartfelt story of love and caring at our Prairie Cottages (Albert Lea),, along with our Prairie Grace Hospice team.

06/22/2025

Looks like a whole lota shakin' goin' on at Prairie Cottages of Owatonna