Diamond Willow Assisted Living: Duluth - Lester Park

01/20/2026

Congratulations to the Proctor team!!

✨ BIG NEWS at Diamond Willow Proctor! ✨
After months of hard work, lots of behind-the-scenes planning, and onboarding many new team members, we are SO excited to share that we are officially ready to open our 4th house at Diamond Willow Proctor…

🏡 Traditions Cottage opens tomorrow!
Traditions is small, cozy, calm, and home-like — making it a wonderful option for memory care and for individuals who do best in a quieter environment (especially those who may struggle with a busy or overstimulating setting).

✅ And yes — we will have bed availability!
I also want to give a huge shoutout to Denise LaGraves, Executive Director (pictured here) and her incredible Proctor team. Their dedication, long hours, flexibility, and teamwork have made this possible, and I’m beyond proud of the care and heart they’ve put into getting Traditions Cottage ready to welcome new residents. 💙

If you or someone you know is looking for a safe, supportive assisted living / memory care option in the Proctor area, please reach out — we’d love to help.

Jenny Sailer RN LALD
Regional Director

01/16/2026

💙 Diamond Willow Presents:

52 Tips for Transitioning a Loved One to Memory Care

Week Two: How to Talk with Your Loved One About Moving

One of the hardest parts of transitioning a loved one to memory care isn’t the paperwork… it’s the conversation.
If your loved one is living with dementia, it’s important to understand this truth:
Most individuals do not recognize that they need 24-hour supervision.
And it’s not because they’re being stubborn, manipulative, or “in denial.”
By the time someone requires 24-hour care, the parts of the brain responsible for insight and problem-solving are often already impacted; meaning they truly believe nothing is wrong.

So when families say:
❌ “You need more help.”
❌ “You can’t be alone anymore.”
❌ “It isn’t safe.”
…it can lead to frustration, anger, and conflict; because to them, it doesn’t match their reality.

✅ Instead, consider focusing on what feels positive and logical in their world:
• “This is your new apartment.”
• “You’ll have more people around and more to do.”
• “This place will help with meals, social time, and daily routines.”

And yes — this is where we often talk about therapeutic fibbing.
It may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s okay to use gentle “white lies” when it comes to safety.
It can sound like:
• “The house needs repairs for a bit.”
• “The car is in the shop.”
• “Let’s stay here for a little while.”

💛 The goal isn’t to argue, correct, or force them into your reality.
The goal is to keep them calm, safe, and supported in theirs.
You’re not giving up honesty; you’re choosing compassion.

✨ Follow along each week as we share practical tips and guidance for families navigating the memory care journey.

01/07/2026

💙 52 Tips for Transitioning a Loved One to Memory Care
Week One: Choosing the Right Community

Choosing a memory care community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for someone you love.

If your loved one is still able to participate in the conversation, start there. Understanding their needs, preferences, and wishes can help guide the process and ensure they feel respected and heard. If they are no longer able to meaningfully contribute their wishes, take some time to reminisce and recall all of the special things that make them who they are.

Before choosing a memory care community, take time to research and tour multiple options. Look closely at the level of care each community can support; not just today, but as needs change over time. Moves can be especially stressful for individuals living with dementia, and repeated transitions can contribute to decline for both the individual and their family. Finding a place where your loved one can remain long-term can make all the difference.

Each community should be able to clearly share the services and amenities they provide; but just as important is how the space feels when you walk through the door. You know your loved one best.
Does it feel like home? Does the environment feel calm, warm, and supportive?

At Diamond Willow, we’re proud of our cozy, home-like settings and the close, personalized care we provide. Our communities are equipped to support higher physical care needs; including mechanical lifts, modified diets, feeding assistance, and more, allowing residents to remain with us through all stages of life. We also partner closely with local hospice organizations to ensure end-of-life transitions are peaceful, dignified, and surrounded by care for both residents and families.

✨ Follow along each week as we share practical tips, guidance, and encouragement for families navigating the memory care journey.

12/02/2025

Looking for flexible work that brings purpose and fulfillment? Join us—we’re seeking caregivers who want to make a meaningful impact.

11/18/2025

🌟 Join Our Cozy Care Crew! 🌟

Are you a compassionate soul with a heart full of kindness? Do you believe in making a difference, one smile at a time? We're looking for caring individuals who want to be part of an intimate, warm setting where every resident is treated like family.

No mandates, no rush—just genuine care and heartfelt connections. If you're ready to bring your caring spirit to a small, friendly team dedicated to providing the best care possible, we’d love to hear from you!

Come brighten lives and be part of something truly special. 💖✨

11/14/2025

✨🎄 Getting Ready for the Holidays 🎄✨
Our two assisted living residences are beginning to take on a festive glow as residents and staff decorate for the season. With simple touches of sparkle and thoughtful holiday accents, everyone is enjoying the process of getting ready together. The atmosphere is growing cozy and cheerful as we look forward to the celebrations ahead. ❄️❤️

10/31/2025

Thank you to Sarah at Moments Hospice for treating our staff and residents with all sorts of goodies today to celebrate Halloween! Moments Hospice

10/30/2025

Our residents have been getting into the Halloween spirit this week — paintbrushes in hand and creativity on full display! From cheerful jack-o’-lanterns to elegant autumn designs, our pumpkin painting day was full of laughter, color, and plenty of smiles. 🍂🧡

We can’t wait to share the Halloween fun with our families and friends! Join us for Trick-or-Treat Night at our Lester Park Building 10/31. Bring your little ghosts and goblins to visit our residents, collect some treats, and enjoy a night of spooky sweetness together.

It’s one of our favorite traditions — where every giggle and costume brings joy to all generations. 🕸️

10/14/2025

Our Lester Park location is still full, however another site under my umbrella has openings! My Proctor location has an all new leadership team and they are ready and waiting to provide the same level of quality care you’ve come to expect at this site! I have full confidence in my team there, in fact Sue, the new nurse and I go back several years and I’m very in tune with the level of quality care she provides. We can’t wait to serve more of the community across all of our locations!

10/14/2025

Stop the Diamond Willow & Keystone Bluffs booth at the Senior Go Show at the DECC today! Natalie from Keystone would love to serve you some cider and tell you all about what we have to offer!

08/29/2025

Continuing my sporadic series of “just Jayden things.”

We can always count on Jayden Jeffrey Larson for creativity in getting our residents moving and involved in something fun! His background in the arts and theater certainly are useful around here!

08/27/2025

We love furry friends! Thanks for visiting and bringing love and smiles to our residents Myrtle!