Diamond Willow Assisted Living: Little Falls

01/23/2026

💙 Diamond Willow Presents:

52 Tips for Transitioning a Loved One to Memory Care

Week Three: Expect a Transition Period

“It is extremely important to recognize the transition from home to residential care can be a very challenging one.”
— Collin Tierney

If you are making the decision to transition your loved one into memory care, please hear this:
You may be feeling so many emotions at once — and all of them are valid.
If you’ve been providing near 24/7 support, you might feel:
✨ relief
✨ hope
…and also
💔 guilt
💔 sadness
💔 fear
That emotional mix doesn’t mean you’re doing the wrong thing.
It means you love them.

And your loved one; even if they don’t fully understand what’s happening cognitively; may also experience intense feelings about the change. Memory care is a new environment with:
• new people
• new routines
• new sounds and expectations

Because of this, it’s important to know that major transitions can sometimes contribute to an initial decline, even when the move is absolutely the right choice.
Some families notice:
• a temporary decrease in functioning
• changes in mood or behaviors
• “new” personality traits they’ve never seen before
• increased confusion, anxiety, or restlessness
And sometimes the care team will call to report behaviors that feel shocking or unfamiliar. Please know: these variations can be normal during transition. Many residents settle into a new baseline — and many bounce back to where they were.
This is why preparation matters. The transition period is real — but it isn’t forever.

And because we know how hard a move can be for individuals living with dementia, it’s also important to understand the long-term capabilities of the community you choose.

Ask the question families don’t always think to ask:
👉 If my loved one’s physical needs increase, will they have to move again?
Will the community be able to support:
• mechanical lifts
• altered texture diets
• feeding assistance
• turning/repositioning in bed
• advanced stages of dementia care

At Diamond Willow, we are proud to support true aging in place, so families who choose our community can feel confident that this major transition only has to happen once.

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

01/22/2026

Nothings better than some hot coco on these chilly days!

01/17/2026

We are looking for a skilled and caring Assisted Living Coordinator to join our team at Little Falls. As a key member of our leadership team, you will assist in managing the day-to-day activities of our assisted living neighborhood, prioritizing resident care and satisfaction. The position includes being on-call every 4th week!!

01/17/2026

‼️WE ARE HIRING‼️Come join our amazing team! We are currently hiring for all positions Days and Overnights!

What we offer:

* Exceptional Environment: Work in a home-like setting and a small staff-to-resident ratio, ensuring personalized care.

* Supportive Culture: Be part of a team that values your contributions, celebrates your successes, and invests in your growth.

* Innovative Leadership: Join a forward-thinking team committed to creating a thriving and compassionate workplace.

* Flexible Opportunities: Full-time, part-time, and block scheduling options to suit your needs.

* Growth Potential: Opportunities for advancement and leadership roles, including Lead Caregiver positions.

* No Mandated Shifts: Enjoy work-life balance with no required extra shifts beyond your schedule.

🖥️Click on the link below and search Little Falls to apply for a position!

I look forward to meeting you!

Austin, RN
Clinical Nursing Supervisor
218-252-7162

Managed Locally by Diamond Willow Management LLC302 West Superior Street, Suite 70Duluth, MN 55802Main Office Phone: (218) 625-2320Email: infodw@diamondwillow.com

01/16/2026

We got to celebrate our first birthday gal of the year today, Happy birthday to you! 🎉🥳

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.

12/30/2025

Today our residents had about 20 visitors for lunch! 🦌

12/26/2025

🎄Merry Christmas from the staff and residents at Diamond Willow Assisted Living-Little Falls! We hope that you all had an amazing holiday season!🎄

🎁Yesterday our residents got to open some gifts brought by Santa (Austin) and Mrs.Clause (Kaylee)!🧑🏼‍🎄🎅🏼

12/13/2025

Today is the day!! Although the weather is quite frightful, our Christmas party will surely be delightful! Join us TODAY from 2p-4p for our Christmas Party! We will see you there!

12/10/2025

🎄We are seeking caroling groups to perform at our facility and spread holiday cheer to our residents. Despite reaching out to several groups, they are all currently booked. If you know of any caroling or music groups available, please contact me.🎄

Austin RN Director
218-252-7162
Agertgen@diamondwillow.com

12/06/2025

The Christmas decorating has begun! We are in full swing! The residents loved helping with all of the decorating! 🎄

Make sure to get those RSVPs in for our holiday party! December 13th 2-4p!