75507 240Th Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Good Samaritan Society - Albert Lea
Pros
The campus is great and the staff are great.- The staff are consistently kind and welcoming.
- The care is outstanding and compassionate.
- The goats and chickens are a fun touch for residents.
- The home looks great, is spacious, and is well-maintained.
- Ms. Ann is an outstanding physical therapist who helps patients regain life.
- Families are highly likely to recommend Good Samaritan for exceptional care and compassion.
Cons
The nurse forgot to include her medication list, which was stressful.- The food wasn’t great, with small portions and not very tasty.
- The beds and pillows didn’t look very comfy.
- The admin staff appeared inefficient and failed to return promised callbacks.
- The assessment team did not respond to calls after multiple attempts.
Review
Good Samaritan Society – Albert Lea is best suited for seniors who want a care-focused, rehab-ready environment and a warm, community-oriented campus. The facility delivers a strong blend of nursing care and rehabilitation services within a single, well-staffed setting, making it a practical choice for residents who benefit from steady clinicians, predictable routines, and daily opportunities to engage with peers. The campus vibe matters here: a large, welcoming site with visible activity, a clean overall presentation, and small touches, like goats and chickens, that keep daily life engaging for residents and families alike. For independent living apartments, there is a waitlist and an application process, so this option is better for families who can plan ahead rather than those seeking immediate move-in. In short, the place excels for rehab-focused seniors who prize dependable care, respect, and a lively but orderly environment.
On the care side, the strengths are substantial. Staff are repeatedly described as kind, professional, and attentive to dignity, with a culture that centers residents’ needs. Rehab stands out, particularly the work of therapists who help patients regain function and confidence, contributing to meaningful progress. The overall atmosphere is consistently friendly, and the facility remains clean, with staff across roles, nurses, aides, cooks, and maintenance, seemingly aligned around resident well-being. The combination of a robust care team and a spacious campus creates ample opportunities for therapy, social interaction, and routine activities, which matters for recovery, mood, and motivation. These elements collectively offer a reliable foundation for families seeking steady, compassionate support as days unfold in a care setting.
Yet, several drawbacks demand attention before choosing. Discharge planning has shown room for improvement, with at least one case where a missing medication list caused stress during transition. Dining is not consistently satisfying, portions can be small and flavors lacking, and comfort items like beds and pillows fall short of ideal. Administrative responsiveness can be uneven; inquiries into assessments or admissions may require multiple follow-ups, creating friction at crucial moments. Apartment living is not immediate; the three 2-bedroom options are accessed only through an application and waiting period, which can slow a decision for residents ready for more independent living. These realities don’t overturn the core strengths but they do complicate planning for families with tight timelines or specific preferences.
Still, the major positives help offset these challenges for the right resident profile. The unmistakable dedication of the staff tends to compensate for administrative lags, translating into daily reassurance and consistent care quality that families remember. For rehab needs, the facility’s therapists and nursing team typically deliver measurable gains, making the care investment worthwhile even when meals or logistics aren’t perfect. Cleanliness, orderly operations, and staff attentiveness collectively create a trustworthy baseline, so families can feel confident in the environment while navigating a few friction points. Those factors , care culture, rehab effectiveness, and a respectful, stable community , are what keep Albert Lea competitive against alternatives that may offer nicer meals or faster admissions but not the same depth of rehab and personal touch.
Consider alternatives if certain deal-breakers matter. If timely onboarding, consistent dining quality, and responsive admissions support are non-negotiable, exploring other communities with shorter waitlists and clearer intake processes makes sense. If apartment availability needs to be immediate, or if a gourmet dining experience is a top priority, alternatives with faster access or stronger culinary programs may be a better fit. Smaller facilities may offer quicker access and tighter staff ratios but often lack the breadth of rehab services that Albert Lea provides. In essence, this community is strong for those prioritizing a compassionate care culture and rehabilitation potential; for those with rigid timelines or dining expectations, evaluate other options carefully.
Actionable next steps center on clarity and alignment. Engage admissions with a direct plan: confirm the exact timeline for apartment openings, request a designated contact for ongoing communications, and verify discharge processes and medication handling. Schedule a comprehensive tour that includes therapy spaces, dining options, bed comfort, and living-area layouts, and press for realistic expectations on wait times. Ensure a clear fallback plan if apartment placement takes longer than anticipated. The combination of a devoted staff, proven rehab outcomes, and a welcoming campus makes this community a compelling choice for families who can tolerate the admin signal-to-noise while prioritizing consistent, compassionate care and meaningful recovery.
85 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Air-conditioning
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Community operated transportation
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Concierge services
Planned day trips
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