Almond House

Pros

• The staff at Almond House are kind, polite, and genuinely care about the residents, demonstrating long-term dedication to their well-being.
• Residents receive top-quality nursing care that is impressive compared to other facilities.
• Many residents experience improved moods and outlooks on life thanks to the caring interactions they receive from the staff.
• The facility has made significant improvements recently, enhancing the overall quality of care.
• Almond House provides a warm and home-like environment for its residents, with private or shared rooms that promote comfort and community.
• The cost of care at Almond House is more affordable than other options, making it accessible without compromising quality.

Cons

• The residents are so cold that they have to lay under blankets due to the facility's temperature being kept at 68°F in the spring and summer.
• There are no physical activities offered, and requests for walks result in negative attitudes from staff.
• The food served lacks freshness, with residents eating very little fresh food.
• Some residents are left to sleep for most of the day, indicating a lack of engagement or stimulation.
• While the place isn't horrible, there are several areas where improvements could easily be made.
• The owners of Almond House are not considered the best by some reviewers.

Review

Almond House is a facility dedicated to providing care for elderly individuals suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive impairments. The experiences shared by families of residents paint a diverse picture of the quality of care offered at this establishment. While some have voiced concerns over certain aspects, others have lauded the staff’s commitment and the overall environment. As with any care home, there are areas needing improvement as well as notable strengths that make Almond House stand out in comparison to other options.

One recurring theme among reviewers is the staff's dedication and professionalism. Many families have highlighted that most caregivers at Almond House have been long-term employees who genuinely care about their residents. These caregivers respect the independence of their charges while also offering high-quality assistance tailored to each individual's needs. This blend of kindness and competence appears particularly beneficial for residents like one grandmother who had been experiencing slow-progressing dementia. Her family noted that the staff not only provided excellent medical care but also fostered an atmosphere that honored her autonomy, leading her to build meaningful relationships within the facility.

In contrast to previous experiences in nursing homes where residents felt restricted—such as being left tied to chairs in day rooms—those who transitioned to Almond House reported significant improvements in their loved ones' emotional wellbeing. Families observed a positive shift in outlook for their relatives upon joining this community. For instance, one review reflected on how a resident improved greatly thanks to consistent interaction with caregivers, demonstrating how essential human connection can be for mental health, even amid ongoing cognitive decline.

Despite its strengths, some reviews pointed out areas ripe for improvement within Almond House. Concerns were raised regarding environmental conditions, such as the consistently low temperature maintained throughout spring and summer months—the staff reportedly kept it at 68°F—leading many residents feeling cold enough to require blankets regularly. Furthermore, activities seem scarce or poorly organized; one family expressed frustration when they requested regular walks for their mother but received an unhelpful response instead.

Another area identified as needing enhancement was dietary offerings; several reviews noted that residents were not being provided with sufficient fresh foods which could significantly impact their overall health and quality of life. Nutrition is crucial for all seniors but especially so for those dealing with memory-related issues since proper nourishment can affect mood and cognition directly.

On a brighter note, there were commendations about recent improvements being implemented at Almond House which indicate a responsive management team open to feedback aimed at enhancing resident experiences further. The affordability of Almond House compared to other nursing facilities also emerged positively; it offers services at nearly half the price of typical nursing homes while maintaining adequate staffing ratios—three caregivers per ten residents—which is indeed commendable considering the intimate attention needed by those facing complex medical circumstances.

Overall, while there are valid critiques regarding environmental comfort and activity levels at Almond House, the overarching sentiment suggests that it remains a commendable option for families seeking compassionate and professional care for their loved ones battling dementia or related illnesses. The personal stories shared highlight both meaningful caregiver interactions and positive outcomes experienced by residents which speak volumes about the potential impact of appropriately administered eldercare solutions on individual lives amidst challenging circumstances.

This part of Brainerd, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to settle in the area. With several places of worship nearby, individuals can continue practicing their faith without having to travel far. There are also plenty of dining options ranging from fast food chains to local cafes, providing convenience and variety for meals. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies and medical facilities in close proximity, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy the nearby parks or take advantage of transportation options for convenient travel around the area. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment suitable for seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living experience.

Places of Worship

• Brainerd 7th Day (0.2 miles)
• St Andrews Church (1.2 miles)
• Oak Street Chapel (1.2 miles)
• First Presbyterian Church (1.4 miles)
• Evangelical Good Samaritan (1.9 miles)
• Heritage Assembly of God (3 miles)
• The Church on the Wise Road (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Jimmy John's (1.1 miles)
• Sakura Express (1.2 miles)
• Yesterday's Gone (1.4 miles)
• Chocolate International Etc (1.5 miles)
• Dennis Drummond Wine Co. (1.7 miles)
• Jr's No. 19 BBQ (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Cub Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Thrifty White Drug (1.4 miles)
• Thrifty Nystrom Drug (1.5 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Guidepoint Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Service Drug (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Knotty Pine Bakery (1.5 miles)
• Coco Moon (1.6 miles)
• Wings Airport Cafe (3.2 miles)
• Stonehouse Coffee (3.7 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (4 miles)

Parks

• Kiwanis Park (1.8 miles)
• Northland Arboretum (2.9 miles)
• Berrywood Park (3.1 miles)
• Baxter Park (5.5 miles)
• Kart Kountry (6.8 miles)
• Brainerd Region Geological Marker (8.9 miles)
• East Gull Lake Tennis Courts (9.7 miles)

Physicians

• Lakes Urology Clinic (1.8 miles)
• Northern Orthopedics (2 miles)
• Essentia Health-Lakeland Psychiatry Clinic (2 miles)
• Essentia Health St Joseph’s Cancer Center (2 miles)
• MRO Brainerd Radiation Therapy Center (2 miles)
• Northern Eye Center PA (2 miles)
• David I Sabir (2 miles)

Transportation

• Lakes Express (1.9 miles)
• Executive Express (3.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (3.8 miles)
• Anderson's Taxidermy (8.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center (2 miles)
• Brainerd Lakes Integrated Health System (2 miles)
• Brainerd Medical Center (2 miles)
• Allina Health (4 miles)
• Community Behavioral Health (4.3 miles)