Everything is really good with Birchwood Cottages Owatonna; there were no issues whatsoever. They've got nurses on staff, and enough staff to take care of everybody. When we went there, it seemed like everything seemed clean. We can't go in there because of the COVID lockdown. You can go over outside the fence, and view from a distance if you want to see them. So they've been really good on that. The nurses all have masks on, they all take temperature checks when they come in, gloves and everything. It's an apartment that she's in, it's just a studio or 1-bedroom that just has her dresser, cupboard, and bathroom. She doesn't do activities at all, she's not functional but as far as arts and crafts, they try and she just does what she can. It seems that the staff was friendly. When we were there, they were doing things with her, and taking her to her room. And she's always dressed nice and clean. We were there and she's got plenty to eat, then when she can't take down the solid food because they're watching her diet, they bring her jellos and soft food. There are times she can't swallow so they let us know. I really feel that she's in very good care. They've got an outdoor fence in space with a garden, they have a music room, it was very pleasant, and there are birds. Pricing-wise they were fair, we got a lot better care than where she was. We got what we're paying for.

We visited Birchwood Cottages - Owatonna for my mom. They were very friendly, knowledgeable, and also very available. We saw a lot of staff. They were modern, good-sized rooms that flowed well when you go from one room to another, like from the dining room to the activity area to their own apartment. It all seemed to flow very well. It was in a neighborhood, but it was on a busy street. It was very homelike. Their common room was set up like a living room in anybody's house, and that just seemed to be very comforting to those who are looking for a place that looks like home.