The Farmstead

Pros

• The Farmstead offers a gorgeous and clean environment, with well-appointed facilities that are beautifully maintained.
• Residents appreciate the warm and friendly staff, who are welcoming, understanding, and attentive to their needs.
• The variety of activities available at The Farmstead is impressive, with residents actively involved in planning and enjoying daily events.
• Families feel comfortable bringing in meals for their loved ones, allowing for enjoyable shared dining experiences.
• Residents enjoy beautiful views from their apartments, as well as access to walking paths and outdoor patios.
• Many families report high satisfaction with the care and services provided at The Farmstead, highlighting positive experiences from both residents and visitors.
• The community is described as small and welcoming, fostering a sense of connection among residents.

Cons

• The facility has experienced constant staffing changes, leading to concerns about availability and assistance in emergencies.
• There is no staff available after hours, forcing residents to rely on each other for help during falls.
• Recent renovations have detracted from the elegance of the facility, making it feel more like a farm rather than a senior-living community.
• Parking has become problematic due to construction, forcing residents and visitors to park far away from the entrance on uneven and muddy streets.
• Residents feel isolated due to limited access and lack of proper navigation routes during construction.
• The cost of living at The Farmstead is considered exorbitant by some residents and their families.
• An annual resident survey did not happen, leading to concerns about transparency and feedback from residents being ignored.

Review

The Farmstead has garnered a diverse array of feedback from its residents and visitors, painting a complex picture of the senior-living community. For many, the overall experience at The Farmstead stands out as positive, thanks to its aesthetically pleasing environment, attentive staff, and engaging activities. Several visitors have noted the beautiful setting, including individual rooms with large windows that overlook picturesque fields with horses and farms nearby. Many find this serene landscape appealing and appreciate the thoughtful layout of apartments designed to feel like home.

Visitors have frequently highlighted the warmth and friendliness of the staff at The Farmstead. Descriptions of staff members indicate they are welcoming, understanding, and non-pushy—qualities that significantly enhance the comfort felt by both residents and their families. The facility is meticulously maintained, evident from comments about cleanliness throughout common areas and resident apartments alike. Many have praised how quick staff members are to respond in emergencies or offer assistance when needed.

In terms of amenities, The Farmstead offers various options regarding living arrangements—ranging from efficiency apartments with small kitchenettes to more spacious one- or two-bedroom options. Notably discussed was the memory care unit's limited cooking capabilities for safety reasons; while stoves were unplugged to prevent accidents, families could arrange visits where they would be allowed to use the kitchen facilities under supervision. This flexibility in meal preparation is appreciated by those wanting to share dining experiences with loved ones.

Moreover, recreational opportunities abound at The Farmstead. Residents can engage in a wide variety of activities that foster interaction and engagement among them. Daily schedules featuring watercolor painting on patios or puzzle solving in a spacious library contribute positively to residents' social lives. Many current residents confirm that there are plenty of programs designed for different interests that allow for participation according to each individual's preference.

Despite these positive attributes, some concerns arose primarily related to location and recent developments affecting accessibility. Those living farther away expressed worry over longer travel times for relatives coming from urban areas like West Fargo due to its rural setting. Furthermore, increased construction activity around parking lots raised alarm about access issues; some frailer residents found it challenging to navigate muddy exits which now require street parking—a less than ideal situation for those with mobility limitations.

Another voice within this narrative comes from critiques regarding staffing consistency and infrastructure changes recently made at The Farmstead. Some long-term family members expressed frustrations over perceived declines in quality associated with frequent staffing changes and inadequate after-hours support during emergencies when help may not be readily available. These sentiments highlight a potential disconnect between management decisions—such as expanding commercial facilities over resident-centered services—and the needs of current residents who deserve reliable assistance and accessible accommodations in their senior-living environment.

In summary, while many accolades surround The Farmstead relating to its beauty, community atmosphere, engaged staff, activity-rich life for seniors—there lurk underlying challenges needing attention as well. Long-standing residents find joy within their lives here but seek assurances concerning continued quality service without losing sight of what makes their home enjoyable amidst operational shifts and growing focus on adjacent commercial enterprises.

This area of Andover, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors. With numerous restaurants nearby such as Pappy's and Mandarin Buffet, seniors can enjoy diverse dining options. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in close proximity for convenient access to medications and healthcare supplies. The area also boasts several parks including Riverdale Park and Crooked Lake Park & Beach, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For medical needs, there are multiple physicians' offices within a short distance, as well as Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center for specialized care. In terms of entertainment, seniors can visit Andover Cinema or AMC Coon Rapids 16 for movies. Coffee lovers will appreciate the nearby Caribou Coffee and Starbucks cafes for socialization. There are also places of worship nearby such as Epiphany Catholic Church and Nowthen Alliance Church for spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this part of Andover offers a well-rounded living experience with conveniences and attractions that cater to the senior population.

Restaurants

• Pappy's (0.3 miles)
• Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar (1.4 miles)
• Mandarin Buffet (1.7 miles)
• Willy Mccoys Of Andove (1.8 miles)
• Ambi Wine Bar (2.4 miles)
• 10K Brewing (2.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Cub Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Fairview Pharmacy Services (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)

Parks

• Riverdale Park (0.8 miles)
• Crooked Lake Park & Beach (1 miles)
• Kelsey Round Lake Park (2 miles)
• Sunshine Park (2.4 miles)
• Pennisula Park (2.8 miles)
• Pinebrook Park (6.5 miles)
• Ham Lake City Park (6.6 miles)

Physicians

• The Dental Specialists (1 miles)
• Dr Kara Durick, Optometrist, and Associates - Coon Rapids (1.3 miles)
• Mercy Orthopedics Clinic (2.6 miles)
• HealthPartners Riverway Clinic Anoka (2.6 miles)
• North Suburban Eye Specialists (2.7 miles)
• Allina Hospitals & Clinics (3.1 miles)
• Allina Health Ramsey Clinic (4.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (1.4 miles)
• Unity Hospital (9.3 miles)

Theaters

• Andover Cinema (1.9 miles)
• AMC Coon Rapids 16 (5.9 miles)

Cafes

• Caribou Coffee (2.5 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (9.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Ephiphany Catholic Church (3.8 miles)
• Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church (4.7 miles)
• Open Range Cowboy Church (7.5 miles)
• Nowthen Alliance Church (9.4 miles)