The Rivers Assisted Living

January 2026

Google

Amy Comee

The Rivers is a wonderful community that my mother in law lived for 8 years. She made so many friends of residents and staff. She enjoyed lots of enriching activities and was able to live life to the fullest. She passed away a few weeks ago and our family came to realize that everyone at The Rivers is like a second family to us.

December 2025

Google

Terry Collins

The Rivers does a tremendous job of caring for their residence ensuring comfort and Dignity. The community has a wonderful charm in a very welcoming atmosphere.

December 2025

Google

Deborah Taylor

The rivers was a perfect place for my mom to live. She was there for 13 years and the staff from the housekeepers to facilities to nursing to the desk workers to activities director and of course Ellie made the last 13 years of her life a quality experience both for her and her family members. We were always made to feel welcome there and most of all heard when there were concerns. If I missed any area it was an oversight because what made the rivers thatspecial is the pride that all the employees took in making the rivers a welcoming place for seniors to call home. That pride made everyone feel that they mattered. At that point in a person's life when they have left their home and much of what is familiar that is so important.

December 2025

Google

Austin Berger

This is how every single independent/assisted living/memory care community for seniors should be. Some highlights 1) Incredible quality and speed of dining services. You get restaurant-level quality for a fraction of the price. 2) Fantastic, passionate, and professional caregivers that will ensure your friends and family who live here get to live life with purpose and dignity. This is arguably the most important part when it comes to assisted living and memory care. No one wants to feel like they are losing their independence when they get older and need more help. The Rivers makes sure that this is not the case. It feels like everyone matters and like no one is a number here. If you need your transfer or other care service performed in a way that is personalized to your preference, they meet you where you’re at. If you have a loved one in memory care, you should know that this is a community that trains their staff to compassionately live in the world of their memory care residents and read between the lines when communication becomes difficult for members of this population. 3) The variety in the activities and life enrichment program keeps the community fun and connected. The life enrichment director is very responsive to feedback and ideas for new activities/events. They do holiday parties and other seasonal/topical events too. 4) Maintenance is not only fast to respond, but has the philosophy of performing their duties to prevent future problems, not just fix current ones. 5) Housekeeping services are quick, but thorough, and their housekeepers are some of the friendliest and hardest working people you will ever have the good fortune of meeting. 6) Their Executive Director, Ellie at the time of writing, is one in one million. She takes any message from residents very seriously and does not stop at any cost to ensure every resident has an experience that is dignified and meaningful. She has curated a wonderful community, and she will always have the back of people who live here. Overall, The Rivers gets a 5/5 from me. You simply cannot do better than this community when it comes to independent living, assisted living, or memory care.

December 2025

Google

Don Zimmerman

My father lives at The Rivers independent living. The staff are so welcoming, friendly, supportive of all his needs. He loves his apartment and living here, which is great comfort for all his children.

November 2025

Google

Jane Lonsky

Very beautiful, clean. Residents looked happy

November 2025

Google

Deb Braun

The rivers is a beautiful place. The grounds are amazing! The building is beautiful! The inside is very welcoming and the staff is also! The director is very professional yet personal, with her 17 years experience at the Rivers, she know and greets everyone by name and Knows Her Stuff!

November 2025

Google

Kristel Lastine

I’ve been so impressed with my experience at The Rivers! The atmosphere is inviting, everything is clean and comfortable, and you can tell the team genuinely cares about the residents. I have to highlight Kayley in particular ” she’s truly fantastic.

November 2025

Google

rosalie christensen

The first feeling I get when visiting The Rivers is so welcoming and friendly! It’s bright and clean, and the residents all seem happy! The administration seems very responsive and positive. Lots of laughter!

November 2025

Google

Roxanne Ornat

My experience at The Rivers in Burnsville has been nothing but wonderful. The community feels welcoming from the moment you walk in, and the entire place is very well maintained. The staff are attentive and ready to help. a special shout - out goes to Kayley!

November 2025

Google

Colin Hodges Groovy Music

The Rivers Senior is warm, welcoming, and always full of life. The residents are constantly out and about enjoying the spaces, which really shows how vibrant and active the community is. And a special shout-out to Kayley, who is absolutely wonderful!

November 2025

Google

Kathy Swanson

The Rivers is warm, lively, and full of positive energy! A special shout-out to Kayley”she is an amazing resource for senior-living education and options!

November 2025

Roxanne Ornat

The Rivers in Burnsville has been wonderful! The community feels welcoming from the moment you walk in the community, the entire place is lovely and cared for. The staff are attentive and always ready to help. A special shout- out goes to Kayley!

November 2025

Google

J B

I’ve had a wonderful experience at The Rivers in Burnsville! The community is warm, the environment is well-kept, and the staff truly go above and beyond. I especially want to give a shout-out to Kayley ” she is absolutely awesome!

November 2025

Google

Kathy Vogel

November 2025

Google

Melissa Lindsay

The Rivers has been a wonderful place for my mom. She loves living there because of the caring and compassionate staff, and all the activities that are offered. They have been so helpful for me as a caregiver, offering help and support in many areas. Ellie and Victoria, as well as the nursing staff are amazing. I highly recommend The Rivers.

August 2025

Tiffany Bernier

If you need anything other that a place of residence The Rivers is not the place for you or your loved one. If you ignore the privacy issues and the basic cleaning issues and just look at the medical and in-house doctor service I would not recommend The Rivers. The bate-n-switch is just amazing. I've seen people walking the floors and no one to help them, The ICU doctor said I see you have Kidney diesase, first time family or resident heard of this. Inhouse doctors (Twin Cities Physians) said everyone with Diabetes has Kidney diease (not true) and we don't tell you until you're two levels higher - two levels higher would be we can make you as comfortable as possible while you prepare for end of life. Everytime you leave say bye like you're saying bye for the last time, it could be reality base of service not age. I'd say more, but overall I'd ask that you speak to residents not just the marketing/sales staff. My recommendation is getting a live in nurse/care giver. Upon residents end life, which we learned of by the police showing up at house, not even from The Rivers offering a heads up. The body was released assuming natual causes because of an Assistend Living facility, the body was taken back for possible neglect (we were called telling us this by the state). Because of possible neglect we couldn't even get a Death Certificate right away to get affairs in order, we had to wait months. August of 2025.

June 2025

Google

Nancy Gray

From the moment we walked into The River's we felt welcomed. The staff from the nursing staff, maintenance, the activity personnel, the dining room staff to the receptionist and resident's make you feel welcome. Everyone is so friendly. There is a nice variety of activities to choose from everyday. The dining experience with open dining seating is like going to a restaurant. The food is delicious and when we first moved in meals weren't repeated for about 5 weeks. If you're not liking the main meal there's always additional choices for you to choose from. We are very pleased that we made the choice to move into The River's

June 2025

Bad fit bec. cancer

I was excited about moving in. My husband has stage 4 cancer and wanted me to be a part of a community after he dies and me not feel lonely. We filled out paperwork & paid pet deposit.. We then saw nurse for assessment rand she asked my hubby mostly questions. She then told me we are not a good fit;" We would have.been a good addition to The Rivers. They cashed check vs mailing back. 6 wks I finally have check. .I will have my hubby for 1 to 5 years. I am on waiting lists and hope to be called for one of them. #hurtful #cancer shouldn't be feared.

June 2025

Google

Emily Meyers

I have enjoyed working with the TR staff at the Rivers! They are knowledgeable, kind and hard working.

June 2025

Google

Colleen Boller

June 2025

Google

Pat Hutchison

I've been here for 2 years today and have been pleased even beyond expectations. Physically, the first impression was bright and clean and I really like my apartment. The staff is outstanding, friendly, and helpful. From maintenance and housekeeping to management and activities. It's not unusual to see managers waiting tables or helping anywhere needed. The food is very good and is headed by the master chief. Everyone is so friendly and always knows your name. The shear number and variety of activities offered almost require a social secretary. It is your choice as to how much or little you want to participate. The nursing staff is always available and helpful. Housekeeping team goes out of their way to help you. I would like to commend everyone by name, but that would include the whole staff.

June 2025

Google

Leslie Allan

The Rivers is a special place I enjoy visiting my step mom and know how supported she is in this beautiful setting. Always inviting and welcoming staff. Could not have picked a better place. Thank you for all the kindness and support for my family.

June 2025

Google

Martha

June 2025

Google

Mary Kozak

The staff at the Rivers made it easy for my husband and I to transition to a new way of life. Very friendly and helpful environment!

June 2025

Google

RICKY JUNIOR PROVIDENCE

June 2025

Google

Dorie Steffes

Living at The Rivers is very enjoyable! I appreciate how friendly the residents are and the staff is exceptional. The large front porch is wonderful. And they even have a General Store that is so homey! I moved here because I loved the beautiful grounds. The Rivers looks like a well kept southern mansion! From the time I came through the front door it felt like home. I highly recommend taking a tour of the Rivers. DS

June 2025

Google

MANDI FLEMMER

June 2025

Google

Geri hetterick

I have lived here for 9 years and counting. I have enjoyed every minute. There is so much to do. I feel secure and have made many friends.

June 2024

Google

Terri Cheney

From an email I shared with the leadership of The Rivers this week: I just clicked Submit on the survey from DHS on assisted-living facilities. I was a bit surprised that there was no opportunity for narrative responses. So since I can’t say it on the survey, at least I can share some praise with you. I am absolutely delighted that my mom chose The Rivers from among the options I researched for her. The value for the price is outstanding ” especially compared to what I hear about other facilities. You maintain such a clean, pleasant, welcoming home for your residents, and your staff knows them by name and cares about how they are doing. And I feel welcome every time I walk through the door, where I am almost always greeted by name by whatever staff I happen to encounter. Best of all, my mom is happy there. She often praises the food and especially the activities. She maintains many positive social connections, and her morale remains consistently good. Thank you for your leadership in sustaining the community centered around The Rivers. I’m grateful that my mom and I are part of it.

May 2024

Google

Jan Kauls

My mother-in-law was at the Rivers in the early 2000's for approximately 4 years. She loved it and so did we. She was engaged and enjoyed the residents as well as the many activities. We shared many special events with her and thoroughly enjoyed each and everyone. This February my brother-in-law and his partner moved into one of the most spacious apartments we've seen in senior/assisted living. They had a bay window and a fireplace which gave them the charm that made their apartment a home. They, too, loved the Rivers and ALL of the staffing from house keeping, aides and professional staff. All are awesome. Unexpectedly, my sister-in-law passed approximately eight weeks after moving into their new "home". The staff could not have ben more helpful, caring and most of all comforting to the entire family. The Rivers is a place for seniors that can be a home for anyone. Talking to several of the residents, many voiced the same.Thank you ALL from the bottom of our hearts! When we have to make a decision to move into senior living, the stately Rivers will be our choice!

March 2023

Google

Cindy Bottem

If your loved one only needs Independent Living then The Rivers is acceptable but they do not provide a heart healthy or diabetes menu. If your loved one needs Assisted Living or Memory Care I would strongly advise you to find another care facility. The Rivers has poor management and their Nursing department doesn’t communicate and their lack of care nearly killed my Father. We experienced many medication omissions and errors ; I.e. I don’t feel 6 medication errors in 8 days with family members present is acceptable!!

October 2021

Google

Tish Keahna

I have family here! When we were looking at assisted living, The Rivers was immediately my top choice. It took a little convincing, but after several months in residence my relative has admitted that this was an excellent move. The staff is kind and engaging, the food is fresh and varied, and the chefs actually ask what residents like. This place is SAFE, clean, and well appointed. The grounds are beautiful with several walking routes and well-tended gardens. There are seating areas and reading nooks everywhere with full book shelves. Every public space welcomes activity and engagement. My teenage son came with me to visit one day, and as we were leaving commented that he wasn’t used to people smiling! Even with masks, you see a smile from staff members and residents. I think that says a lot.

January 2021

Google

Steve Flaten

Following the passing of my sister's husband, her living independently soon resulted in poor health, failure to take medications and hygiene issues. We moved her to The Rivers. It was one that she felt "like home". Since being at The Rivers her health has improved so she no longer needs a walker and is more "with it" in being able to communicate with people. She also has a greater interest in getting out of her apartment and participating in activities. Her friends and I have noted the improvement of 100%. Part of it is getting her medications on time, better meals, but also the staff, from Luke, the Assistant director to the nurses, Meagan the intake person and Tina the resident representative are all friendly and interested in the care and happiness of the residents. Food is good, and portions more than my sister can eat, but never has she said there was a bad meal. We have a friend that had her parents move into The Rivers the same week as my sister, and the reports we have heard indicate they are having the same success that we experienced. We would highly recommend this facility, as we visited and compared many others places before choosing The Rivers.

November 2020

Google

Edina Hornets

sent my father to live here. was fine for the first couple weeks until I received a call that my father was hit over the head with a bed pan by a nurse. he was fine but not a big fan of that behavior. they serve great chicken though.

September 2020

Google

Raymond Bishop

I have always enjoyed living at The Rivers. The people here are nice. I do not know too many of the residents as I am a private person. My husband always loved congregating with the people.

September 2020

Google

Ed & Dorothy Kruse

My Rivers. It has a way of sneaking in on us every morning. There is a brief period when it perches on the roof top, and then rises to shine down upon the beautiful landscaping that surrounds us at The Rivers. And, it enlightens us to know, that in so many ways we are home. Not simply in a place to live, but home. It’s a comforting feeling. Our first visit, to determine if we wanted to become residents, was awe inspiring. As we walked through the front door we were first struck by the elegance of the front lobby, and its two-sided fireplace. Our guide was polite, informative, and didn’t need to use high pitch sales tactics. We soon found that The Rivers sold itself. We were impressed by the spacious dining room, and how efficiently the meals were served. Cooking is now a thing of the past for us. We were pleased to see an exercise room and a pool. It’s our choice to make use of these facilities, and we must take this challenge seriously. We paused by the aviary on the second floor, and could hear the birds chirping what sounded like; Come live at The Rivers, and stop by to visit us. The bird feeder in the courtyard draws a parade led by, and dominated by, Boss’ squirrel. But, with crafty maneuvering, the rabbit, the crows, and doves are able to pick out their meal. The pretty lady who fills the feeders on a regular basis waves back when I tap on the window. It makes my day. It was the time for us to make a decision, and not place that burden on our children. Having looked at several other Senior Living Communities, it was easy for us to put The Rivers on the top of the list. We are home.

September 2020

Google

Jim Lawser

We must have looked at 15 senior communities before we chose The Rivers. The friendly staff knows everyone's names. And we've made lots of friends. The floor plans were more interesting and diverse. The ongoing remodeling has made the place look very chic. It's located on a huge, lovely piece of land so that especially during the pandemic, there's plenty of places to walk, inside and out. We even watch the baby ducks grow up and fly away every year only to return as the cycle repeats itself.

August 2020

Google

Anita Bischoff Renzetti

Our Mom Grace and her longtime partner Philip moved into The Rivers this year before the pandemic struck. We don't know how our family would have supported them if they were still 4 hours away from the nearest family members. We have peace of mind knowing they are in a community with strong leadership, an abundance of caution and safeguards to avoid Covid-19, clear communications to residents and families, and regular meals/wellness checks/medication management. Additionally, Ellie Braun, the life enrichment director, kindly shared a few of our Zoom recordings with the dynamic duo, such as a family talent show and a riveting story about my brother-in-law's crawling out of the BWCA after breaking his ankle(!). The staff do what they can to stave off loneliness, boredom and isolation while residents are in their rooms and meeting family outdoors at a distance/masked. We feel so appreciative of the staff for going above and beyond, and we're also glad they're getting a new food service company in September to make the meals better. As I know from being an Activity Director at an assisted living community in SF, food's a big deal for seniors, and I imagine much more so when you're sheltering in place! Thanks to The Rivers' team from Anita and Roberto Renzetti, SF Bay Area.

May 2018

Google

Debra Wolfe

Before considering this facility be aware that they do not even provided walk in bathtubs/showers in all apartments ( some apartments do have them). We were told they do not intend to upgrade the apartments that currently do not have them. This seems like a very basic way to show they care for the safety of their residents. Their website says safety is important to them, but apparently not important enough if it is going to cost them money. We had however been told that the resident or family can pay to have one installedi which we would do except it is costly to have it removed when the resident moves from that apartment and my guess is The Rivers will not be happy to find it had been removed. Also,. If you do have any issues, just a heads up; the current Executive director is not responsive; however that may be because she seems to be out of the office at seminars and conferences often and opts to not check or reply to emails, but hopefully she is learning a lot. Go to her boss and you will get a quick response and will be directed to someone who will be able to assist you.

May 2018

Google

Stephanie Caswell

Great place! I wouldn't bring Mom anywhere else!

July 2017

Google

K D Quanbeck

May 2017

Google

Vincent Rose

Large and clear senior living residence. Great mix of folks of different ages, background, and levels of care.