Enhanced Assisted Living & Care Suites in Chanhassen, MN: A Thoughtful Option When Care Needs Increase

When a parent experiences a significant change in health or physical ability, a fall, hospitalization, or loss of mobility, families are often faced with difficult care decisions.

You may be navigating discharge conversations, learning new care requirements, and trying to understand what level of support your parent truly needs, while still wanting to preserve their dignity, comfort, and quality of life.

If your loved one needs more support than traditional assisted living, but isn’t quite ready for a nursing home, Enhanced Care Assisted Living at Riley Crossing in Chanhassen, MN may be a better next step.

What Is Enhanced Assisted Living—and How Is It Different?

Enhanced assisted living—often referred to as care suites or higher-acuity assisted living—is designed for older adults who need significantly more hands-on support than traditional assisted living can safely provide.

This level of care is often most beneficial for individuals who:

• Need high physical assistance, such as two-person transfers
• Require mechanical lift equipment for safe mobility
• Have experienced a decline in strength, balance, or endurance
• Need frequent assistance throughout the day and night
• Have complex care needs that go beyond what standard assisted living can support

At Riley Crossing, this care model is called Enhanced Care. It is a private-pay option focused on safety, consistency, and individualized support—without the institutional environment of a nursing home.

When a Parent Needs More Than Assisted Living

Many families start by exploring assisted living, only to realize it may no longer be the safest option.

Enhanced Care is often the right fit when:

• Physical care needs increase rapidly
• Transfers or mobility require two caregivers or specialized equipment
• A hospital discharge plan identifies safety concerns at home or in assisted living
• Families want to avoid repeated moves as needs change
• Independence still matters, but hands-on support is required

This level of care allows support to scale appropriately—reducing risk while maintaining a residential, community-based setting.

Care & Support Available in Riley Crossing’s Enhanced Care Suites

Riley Crossing’s Enhanced Care Suites are designed to support residents with higher daily care needs through:

Hands-On Personal & Clinical Support

• Extensive assistance with transfers and mobility, including mechanical lifts
• Support with all activities of daily living
• Complex medication administration and monitoring
• Ongoing assessment and coordination by nursing leadership

Coordinated Medical & Support Services

Some services are provided directly on site, while others are coordinated with trusted partners, including:

• On-site physician visits
• Podiatry services
• Hearing and vision services
• Coordination with home health for complex wound care when needed
• Coordination with hospice services, when appropriate

This coordinated approach allows residents to receive needed care without frequent trips off campus, easing stress for both residents and families.

Is This the Same as a Nursing Home?

This is one of the most common questions families ask—and an important one.

Enhanced Care is not the same as a skilled nursing facility (nursing home).

At Riley Crossing:

• A licensed nurse is not physically on-site 24 hours a day, as in a nursing home
• Nurses are on-site frequently throughout the day and are available by phone 24/7 when not physically present
• Caregivers and medication aides are on-site 24 hours a day, providing continuous support

Enhanced Care offers:

• A residential community environment—not an institutional setting
• Private apartments that support dignity and privacy
• Individualized care plans focused on daily support needs
• A balance of safety, oversight, and quality of life

Families often find clarity by reviewing the full range of senior living options at Riley Crossing.

Will My Parent Lose Independence?

Enhanced assisted living is designed to support independence where possible, while ensuring safety when hands-on care is required.

Residents receive the assistance they need—especially with mobility and transfers—while continuing to make choices about daily routines, activities, and lifestyle within the broader spectrum of senior living options at Riley Crossing.

Life Beyond Care Needs

Even with higher support requirements, residents remain part of an engaged community, enjoying:

• Chef-prepared dining
• Social and recreational activities
• Intergenerational programming with on-site child care

Care is integrated into daily life—not the center of it.

Clear Communication When Families Need It Most

When care needs increase, communication becomes essential.

Riley Crossing emphasizes:

• Ongoing communication with families
• Collaborative care planning as needs evolve
• Flexible visitation and accessibility

Families are supported not just at move-in, but throughout their loved one’s time in Enhanced Care.

Is Enhanced Assisted Living Too Expensive?

Enhanced Care is a private-pay option. Families often see value in:

• The ability to safely support higher physical care needs
• Avoiding multiple disruptive moves
• Receiving consistent, coordinated care in one setting

For many families, this provides stability and peace of mind during a challenging transition.

When Care Is Needed Now, What Are the Next Steps?

If you’re searching because something has recently changed, you’re not alone. Many families come to Riley Crossing during moments of urgency.

Enhanced Care provides a safe, supportive option for individuals with higher physical care needs. Speaking with our care team can help clarify whether enhanced assisted living is the right next step and what timing may look like.

Take the Next Step

Schedule a tour to learn more about Enhanced Care at Riley Crossing.

FAQ — Enhanced Assisted Living & Care Suites

Is enhanced assisted living the same as a nursing home?

No. Enhanced Care provides higher hands-on support in a residential community. While nursing oversight is available, it differs from a nursing home in staffing structure and environment.

Who is a good fit for Enhanced Care?

Individuals who need extensive physical assistance—such as two-person transfers or mechanical lifts—or who require frequent daily support.

Can care be coordinated with outside providers?

Yes. Riley Crossing coordinates with home health, hospice, and on-site medical providers as needed.

Will my parent still have independence?

Yes. Support is provided where needed, while residents maintain choice and autonomy in daily life.

How quickly can someone move in?

Availability varies, but the team works closely with families when care needs increase quickly.