18594 Tyler Street Nw, Elk River, MN 55330
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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Guardian Angels Care Center presents itself as a place of contrasts, where heartfelt kindness and professional skill sit alongside significant concerns about staffing, safety, and consistency. The collection of experiences paints a picture of a facility that can feel like a comforting, home-like environment on some days, while at other times revealing serious gaps in care that worry and frustrate families. A strong through-line is the impact of individual caregivers: when nurses and aides go above and beyond, patients and loved ones remember them fondly; when delays and gaps in attention occur, the same facility can feel deeply troubling.
On the positive side, many reviewers highlight specific staff members who stood out with exceptional care. On the 3rd shift, a nurse is noted for responding quickly to pain medication requests, and an aide named Zeke is repeatedly praised for being caring, attentive, and dedicated to patient comfort. Other caregivers receive heartfelt compliments: Nicole, a blond-haired nurse on the first shift, is described as very caring and responsive to needs for pain medication and support; Maria, tall with dark hair, is described as going above and beyond, treated almost like a granddaughter by the patient, with frequent, friendly interactions that helped brighten days. Amanda, another aide, is commended for assisting with dressing, personal care, and even applying lotion - care that made a meaningful difference on the patient's last day before going home. Such testimonials help underscore the facility's strength when staff are engaged and present.
Several reviews underscore the facility's strengths beyond individual staff members. The environment is described as clean, spacious, and on a single level, with amenities such as a Beauty Shop and a Coffee Shop that contribute to a comfortable, accessible atmosphere for residents who need walkers or other assistance. Families note good communication and compassionate care, especially during transitions - placing a loved one into care and supporting both the patient and the family through an emotional process. The therapy services are frequently praised, with some reviewers singling out the physical therapy team as among the best and noting productive, respectful interactions that helped patients regain or maintain function. Overall, many families perceive Guardian Angels as a place where a patient can feel safe and well cared for, particularly when the care team is attentive and the facilities are well maintained.
There is also praise for the administrative and support framework that helps families navigate complex situations. The business office staff is described as helpful with county and financial questions, a crucial factor for families facing the realities of long-term care. Reviewers recount experiences where the admissions process and ongoing communication from therapy and care teams contributed to smoother transitions and clearer expectations, even when the overall experience encountered bumps along the way. A few reviewers convey a sense of gratitude for the attentive, open communication they received during their loved one's stay, reinforcing that the facility's human touch can make a meaningful difference.
However, the overall portrait cannot ignore a substantial stream of negative experiences that raise red flags for potential residents and their families. Several reviews label Guardian Angels as the "worst place" for a family member, based on repeated delays in response to calls for help, sometimes ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour. Pain management inconsistencies emerge, with complaints that pain medications are not administered on schedule or that staff are slow to respond to requests for relief. There are troubling accounts of mislaid medications, including a five-day supply that reportedly went missing or was placed incorrectly, and concerns about whether certain prescribed meds - such as blood thinners - were available when needed. The safety of bed mobility and assistance is questioned in several narratives, with mentions of patients left waiting on toilets, inadequate transfers, and skin assessments that were not performed promptly, resulting in pressure ulcers in some cases.
Food quality and meal options also surface as a recurring complaint. Some reviewers describe the meals as unpalatable - limited choices, cold dishes, and overall dissatisfaction with nutrition, which can be particularly distressing for patients who rely on ward meals as a daily staple during recovery. Security concerns are raised as well: a few reviewers describe the transitional care area as easily accessible, with doors left unlocked and no robust check-in protocols, which contributes to a sense of vulnerability for patients and families.
Another thread of critique centers on communication and training gaps. Several families report that registered nurses and aides sometimes do not know the schedules for medications or do not clearly explain what medications are being given. There are anecdotes of staff appearing distracted or overwhelmed, including instances of staff talking on a computer rather than tending to a patient in need. In some cases, reviewers describe feeling ignored or dismissed when bringing concerns to staff, or encountering a lack of urgency in addressing urgent needs, such as timely assistance with the bathroom or with mobility in and out of bed.
Amid the mixed experiences, a clearer picture emerges of what Guardian Angels can offer: a clean, well-maintained building with welcoming spaces and committed caregivers who can truly elevate a patient's experience when they are at their best. When staff members like Zeke, Nicole, Maria, and Amanda rise to the occasion, residents respond with gratitude and families feel reassured. When systemic issues - understaffing, inconsistent pain management, security gaps, and insufficient transparency - take hold, the same facility can feel unsafe and disappointing, placing emotional and practical stress on loved ones during already challenging times. The overall takeaway is nuanced: Guardian Angels Care Center has the potential to provide compassionate, high-quality care, especially in the hands of engaged, attentive staff and well-organized systems; but it also exposes vulnerabilities in staffing, communication, safety, and operational transparency that families should carefully assess and discuss before making decisions about care.
Gabby Care Homes is an assisted living community located in Elk River, MN. Our community offers a range of amenities to ensure our residents have a comfortable and enjoyable living experience. Each suite is fully furnished and equipped with cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, and a telephone for easy communication. Residents can also enjoy outdoor space in our beautiful garden.
We understand the importance of maintaining a clean and organized living environment, which is why we provide housekeeping services to all residents. We also offer move-in coordination services to make the transition into our community as seamless as possible.
At Gabby Care Homes, we prioritize the well-being of our residents by providing 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Our dedicated staff coordinates with health care providers to ensure that each resident's specific needs are met. We also offer medication management services to ensure the proper administration of medications.
Our dining options cater to residents with special dietary restrictions, providing delicious meals that meet their needs. In addition, we have options for diabetes diets and meal preparation and service.
Residents have the opportunity to engage in various activities to promote mental wellness and socialization. We offer resident-run activities as well as scheduled daily activities to keep our residents entertained and engaged.
Gabby Care Homes is conveniently located near several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, and hospitals. This allows our residents easy access to essential services and amenities in the surrounding community.
Overall, Gabby Care Homes provides a supportive and comfortable environment for seniors needing assistance with daily living tasks. With our comprehensive care services, engaging activities, convenient amenities, and prime location, we strive to enhance the quality of life for each resident in our community.
Gabby Care Homes is located at 18594 Tyler Street Nw, Elk River, MN 55330 in Wright County, Minnesota
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