Brainerd Carefree Living LLC in Brainerd, MN
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2723 Oak St, Brainerd, MN 56401
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
The staff has been great. The facility is clean. It was the best move for the reviewer’s brother. The staff made the reviewer feel welcomed. The reviewer met good people and enjoyed playing cards and games. The reviewer felt like family when things started going well.
The care the mom and dad received was almost nonexistent. The mom was left to wet herself because calling a caregiver took at least an hour, if anyone showed up at all. She was not given her medication for days because they wouldn't order it. Temporary staff were able to pass out pills. The family believed her death was preventable. The reviewer would not trust them to watch a dog. The facility was a nightmare from the beginning. They refused to order her medicine until she was completely out, resulting in days without medication. She was given other people's medicine regularly. They refused to call an ambulance when she needed one. The staff did not inform residents about bed bugs until the whole place was infested. The high turnover of staff made consistent care impossible. She was forced to bathe only once a week despite needing at least two. There were neglectful moments that were reported to the state and ombudsman. The facility was very dirty and had a smell that made people sick. The reviewer urged others not to place a relative there. They couldn't get basic care. They gave the facility a thumbs down.This Brainerd Carefree Living LLC is best suited for relatively independent seniors who want social engagement and a sense of community, and for families willing to stay actively involved in oversight. The strongest fit appears to be residents who do not rely on consistent, hands-on medical attention and who can tolerate a variable level of staffing. In practical terms, that means a resident who can navigate daily life with occasional help, but who does not require reliable medication administration, rapid response to needs, or frequent clinical oversight. For someone who expects a high level of nursing supervision or seamless, consistently delivered care, this community is not the right match. It functions best when family members are prepared to monitor care closely and step in when issues arise.
This setting is not suitable for anyone who must have dependable medication management, timely assistance, or strict safety protocols. Families seeking predictable care should consider alternatives with proven medication administration systems, stable staff, and clearer accountability. Residents who have complex medical needs, need regular nursing interventions, or rely on caregivers to coordinate care with external providers will likely encounter troubling gaps here. The negative patterns repeatedly cited, delayed or skipped medications, reluctance to summon emergency services, and inconsistent caregiving, set a ceiling on what can be reasonably expected from day to day. In short, the facility’s strengths in social opportunities do not compensate for the corecare shortfalls that put health and safety at risk.
Pros in this setting tend to center on social connectedness and the potential for a welcoming community when staffing is present. Some residents note that the environment can feel homey, with opportunities to participate in games and communal activities, and with staff who, on good days, show warmth and engagement. For families who place a premium on social interaction and a sense of belonging, these elements can provide meaningful quality-of-life benefits. When staff cohesion is solid and turnover is low, the feeling of being part of a small, friendly orbit can be a real asset. However, such positives are inconsistent across shifts and weeks, and they fail to overcome the larger problems that recur in care delivery and safety.
The most serious drawbacks are not incidental: they are systemic concerns that undermine trust and safety. Chronic delays or outright withholding of medications, occasional poor judgment in medical decisions, and a pattern of high staff turnover culminate in a care environment that feels unstable. Reports of bed bugs and persistent odors point to cleanliness and infection-control challenges that cannot be ignored in choosing a long-term home. The absence of reliable medical oversight, including the hesitancy to call for urgent help when needed, erodes confidence that residents will be protected in a crisis. These factors carry greater weight than the social perks and require careful weighing before committing to residency.
For families evaluating options, a disciplined due-diligence plan is essential. Ask to review current care plans and medication administration policies, and request copies of recent state inspection reports and any corrective action plans. Tour multiple days and speak directly with frontline staff as well as current residents and their families to gauge consistency of care across shifts. Inquire about staffing levels, turnover rates, and how emergencies are handled, including escalation protocols. Look for transparent processes around pest control and housekeeping, and verify how bed bug incidents are managed and communicated. If choosing to proceed, insist on a trial period with clear milestones, and set up a direct line of accountability with the administrator for rapid issue resolution.
Bottom line: this community represents a high-stakes trade-off. For seniors who can manage with variable caregiving and whose families are prepared to supervise closely, the social atmosphere and occasional positive staff interactions may offer meaningful value. For anyone who cannot accept frequent lapses in medication delivery, emergency responsiveness, or sanitation, alternatives that provide steadier staffing, stronger medical oversight, and more consistent safety protocols are strongly advised. The prudent path is to compare this facility against higher-rated options and, if proceeding, enter with explicit, measurable expectations and a clear plan for ongoing oversight.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional (3 miles away)
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.Brainerd Carefree Living LLC in Brainerd, MN is an assisted living community that specializes in providing memory care for individuals with cognitive challenges. Residents at this facility receive personalized and compassionate care to meet their unique needs.
The community offers a range of amenities to enhance the residents' quality of life, including devotional services off-site for those who seek spiritual fulfillment, as well as indoor common areas where residents can socialize and engage in various activities.
In terms of care services, Brainerd Carefree Living LLC excels in providing diabetic care to ensure that residents with diabetes receive the required attention and monitoring. This specialized care helps individuals maintain their health and well-being.
An array of activities are organized for the residents, including devotional activities offsite. These activities aim to stimulate the mind and provide opportunities for social interaction, while also catering to individual spiritual needs.
Furthermore, Brainerd Carefree Living LLC boasts a convenient location within close proximity to numerous essential amenities. There are 5 cafes nearby where residents can enjoy meals or outings with family and friends. Additionally, there are 3 parks nearby where residents can take strolls or participate in outdoor recreational activities.
Access to healthcare services is also readily available with 11 pharmacies and 23 physicians located nearby. This ensures that residents can easily obtain medications and receive timely medical attention when needed. The community's location also offers a variety of dining options with 21 restaurants nearby, allowing residents to enjoy different cuisines without having to travel far.
Transportation services are provided by 3 nearby options, facilitating easy mobility for residents who may require assistance getting around town or attending appointments. Moreover, individuals seeking spiritual support will find comfort in knowing that there are 9 places of worship located conveniently close by.
Lastly, the presence of 5 hospitals nearby provides reassurance that residents have easy access to urgent medical care if ever required.
Overall, Brainerd Carefree Living LLC in Brainerd, MN offers a caring and supportive environment with specialized memory care services, an array of amenities, and convenient access to various local resources to ensure the well-being and comfort of its residents.
This part of Brainerd, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities and services that would make it a convenient and comfortable place for senior living. With several places of worship nearby, such as Brainerd 7th Day and St Andrews Church, seniors can easily continue their spiritual practice. There are also numerous dining options including McDonald's and Yesterday's Gone, providing easy access to meals. Additionally, pharmacies like Cub Pharmacy and Thrifty White Drug are located within close proximity for medication needs. For recreational activities, there are parks like Kiwanis Park and Northland Arboretum nearby for outdoor enjoyment. Medical services are readily available with hospitals such as Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in the area, ensuring quality healthcare access. Transportation options such as Lakes Express and Enterprise Rent-A-Car make getting around convenient. Overall, this part of Brainerd provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful community with essential services close by.
Brainerd Carefree Living LLC is located at 2723 Oak St, Brainerd, MN 56401 in Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Yes, Brainerd Carefree Living LLC provides memory care services for residents with mild or advanced stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
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