Heartwood

Pros

• The Heartwood facility is clean, courteous, and treats its residents with kindness and respect.
• Residents enjoy a variety of daily activities, including bus tours and community events.
• The dining experience at Heartwood offers nutritious and delicious food that surpasses typical hospital meals.
• The atmosphere at Heartwood is comfortable, classy, and inviting for both residents and visitors.
• Independent living residents have opportunities to engage socially through Bible study, dinners, monthly birthday parties, and movie nights.
• Residents are encouraged to stay active and involved in the community, fostering friendships through exercise and volunteer opportunities like being a hall monitor.

Cons

• The shared room option may not provide the level of privacy some residents desire.
• The dining room is smaller, which might feel crowded for some residents during meal times.
• While the food is nutritious, it may not meet every individual's taste preferences.
• The facility's activities may not appeal to all residents, especially those who prefer more independent lifestyles.
• Some residents in independent living might feel left out of activities designed for assisted or memory care units.

Review

Heartwood is a distinguished senior living facility located in the picturesque Brainerd Lakes area, known for its commitment to providing exceptional care and a comfortable living environment. With its recent expansion efforts aimed at increasing resident capacity, Heartwood is continuously improving its ability to serve the needs of seniors seeking both memory care and independent living options. The facility boasts cleanliness and a friendly atmosphere, where staff members exhibit courtesy and respect towards every resident, creating an environment that promotes dignity and well-being.

The memory care unit at Heartwood comes highly recommended by family members of residents, especially for those like my mother who require specialized support. She shares a room but has access to private accommodations as well. One of the most commendable aspects of this facility is its diverse range of daily activities designed to engage residents mentally and physically. Residents are taken on bus tours that provide much-needed stimulation and enjoyment outside the confines of the facility, making them feel part of a larger community.

Heartwood’s dining experience stands out as a significant benefit for residents. Unlike many facilities where meals can resemble bland hospital food, Heartwood provides nutritious, delicious options that residents genuinely enjoy. The dining room may be smaller than some might expect, yet it offers a nurturing ambiance filled with flowers and comfortable seating arrangements that encourage social interaction among diners. Families can take solace in knowing that their loved ones are enjoying quality meals in an inviting setting.

On another note, Heartwood caters not only to those needing memory care but also provides excellent services for independent living residents, such as my father. Previously residing in assisted living before my mother's move to memory care, he continues to thrive in his current environment. The independent living section is notably classy and welcoming, attracting both active individuals who wish to maintain their independence while engaging with others in the community.

Socialization plays a crucial role in promoting mental health among seniors at Heartwood. My father actively participates in various activities within the community - including joining men’s Bible study groups and attending dinner gatherings with fellow residents each evening. He appreciates the opportunity to dine with different people regularly and enjoys special monthly events like birthday parties complete with live music. Movie nights further enhance social engagement among residents while ensuring everyone feels connected.

Physical activity is also encouraged at Heartwood through amenities such as an exercise gym where residents can work out independently or engage socially by walking together through hallways or participating in organized group exercises. My father's enthusiasm about his role as a hall monitor reflects his commitment to maintaining safety within the community while contributing positively by checking on fellow residents during designated times each morning and evening—a task he finds fulfilling.

Overall, both parents have embraced life at Heartwood wholeheartedly due to its supportive atmosphere dedicated to enriching seniors' lives through meaningful activities and premier services tailored specifically for their needs—be it memory care or independent living options. Families searching for compassionate places for their loved ones will find Heartwood not just an option but rather an excellent choice filled with warmth, respect, entertainment opportunities along with healthy meal preparations tailored for every dietary necessity—a truly fabulous place worth recommending.

Physicians

• Central Lakes Medical Clinic PA (0.3 miles)
• Essentia Health St. Joseph's-Crosslake Clinic (14.9 miles)
• UR Country Doc (15 miles)
• Essentia Health St Joseph’s Cancer Center (15.2 miles)
• Essentia Health-Lakeland Psychiatry Clinic (15.2 miles)
• MRO Brainerd Radiation Therapy Center (15.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (0.3 miles)
• Minnesota Institute-Minimally (0.3 miles)
• Riverwood Healthcare Center (11.5 miles)
• Riverwood Healthcare Center (12 miles)
• Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center (15.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Cuyuna Lakes Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Super One Foods (0.4 miles)
• Health Mart (0.6 miles)
• Guidepoint Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (11.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (11.7 miles)
• Cub Pharmacy (14.1 miles)

Cafes

• North Country Cafe (0.6 miles)
• Wings Airport Cafe (11.4 miles)
• The Beanery (11.7 miles)
• The Beanery Garrison (13.9 miles)
• Crosslake Coffee (15 miles)
• Knotty Pine Bakery (15.1 miles)
• Coco Moon (15.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Josephs Deerwood Rectory (1.2 miles)
• Cascade United Methodist Church (2 miles)
• St John's Lutheran Church (6.9 miles)
• St James Church Office (11 miles)
• St James Catholic Church (11 miles)
• Journey North Aitkin Campus (11.1 miles)
• Aitkin Assembly of God (11.4 miles)

Transportation

• Hali-Brite (1.4 miles)
• Anderson's Taxidermy (5.4 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (11.2 miles)
• Aero Minnesota/Aitkin Aviation (13.1 miles)
• Aitkin Airport (13.2 miles)

Parks

• Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (1.7 miles)
• Cayuna Mountain Bike Rec Area (2.3 miles)
• Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (2.4 miles)
• Garrison Concourse Wayside Park (14.3 miles)
• Crosslake Community Playground (14.7 miles)
• Kiwanis Park (15.7 miles)

Restaurants

• 40 Club Restaurant & Bar (11 miles)
• Forty Club Convention Center (11 miles)
• Valerina's Pizza (11.1 miles)
• Subway (11.4 miles)
• Donatos Pizza (11.6 miles)
• Birchwood Cafe (11.7 miles)
• Bird's Nest (13.1 miles)

Theaters

• Realto Theater (11.7 miles)