Ingleside

Pros

• Ingleside has very nice staff who are helpful, kind, and considerate.
• The large grounds provide residents with opportunities for good exercise and enjoyment of healthy living outside.
• The food served at Ingleside is great, with meat that is easy to chew and well-prepared steamed vegetables.
• The rooms in Ingleside are kept neat, clean, and sanitary.

Cons

• Many residents seemed to think the staff wasn’t very helpful.
• The vegetables had no taste and could have used more salt and butter.
• The rooms were a bit small, which may not be ideal for everyone.
• There were fewer services compared to other places visited.

Review

Ingleside, a smaller assisted living facility, presents a mixed bag of experiences for potential residents and their families. During my visit, I found the room I inspected to be adequately sized—though not large by any means—which might not cater to those looking for more spacious accommodations. My initial impression was that the facility offered fewer services compared to other places I had toured, which could be a drawback for some individuals seeking comprehensive care and support.

One of the standout features of Ingleside is its exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that they genuinely care about their residents’ well-being. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, creating an environment where residents can feel comfortable. In addition to the helpful staff, Ingleside boasts large grounds that provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. These expansive areas encourage residents to engage in physical exercise while enjoying a healthy lifestyle outdoors—a clear advantage for those who appreciate nature and fresh air.

The dining experience at Ingleside also merits attention. During my visit, I had the chance to sample some food prepared on-site. The meats were tender enough for all residents to chew without difficulty, which is essential when considering dietary restrictions often associated with older age groups. However, one notable downside was the vegetables served alongside them; they were perfectly steamed but rather bland in flavor. While I recognize that this focus on health-conscious cooking likely aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among residents—avoiding excessive salt and butter—it did leave something to be desired in terms of taste.

Cleanliness and hygiene are key factors when choosing an assisted living facility, and Ingleside performed admirably in this regard. The rooms I observed were neat, clean, and completely sanitary—qualities that are non-negotiable in environments caring for older adults. Despite being somewhat small, the rooms were maintained impeccably well by the staff.

Nevertheless, my overall assessment of Ingleside was clouded by feedback from several current residents regarding their feelings towards staff support. Many expressed dissatisfaction with how helpful they found the personnel to be in their day-to-day experiences within the facility—something that weighed heavily on my decision-making process regarding my mother’s potential residence there. Although interactions between myself and the staff showcased politeness and courtesy throughout my visit, it became apparent that resident opinions carried significant weight in assessing whether this would be a suitable choice for my mother’s new home.

Ultimately, while Ingleside has several commendable attributes such as its dedicated staff members and beautiful outdoor grounds conducive to healthy living activities—including decent quality dining—the critical voices from residents troubled me enough not to consider it as a viable option for my mother’s assisted living needs. The combination of adequate facilities alongside crucial reservations expressed by those currently residing there led me toward other alternatives where both services provided and resident satisfaction seemed better aligned with what we were seeking.

This area of Fairmont, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that would be appealing to seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live. With several parks nearby such as Amber Lake Park, Cedar Park, and Veterans Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. There are also multiple dining options including Ambiance on Albion, Graffiti Corner, and El Agave Mexican Restaurant for delicious meals out. Places of worship like Fairmont Baptist Church and St John Vianney Catholic Church provide opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement. For medical needs, Fairmont Medical Center and Fairmont Orthopedics & Sports Medicine PA are within close proximity. In addition, there are pharmacies like Sterling Pharmacy and Walgreens nearby for easy access to medications. With transportation services like Fair Lakes Transportation available, getting around the area is convenient. Overall, this part of Fairmont provides a comfortable and well-rounded environment for seniors to consider residing in.

Parks

• Amber Lake Park (0.6 miles)
• Cedar Park (1 miles)
• Cedar Creek Park (1.1 miles)
• Gomsrud Park (1.5 miles)
• Fairmont Aquatic Park (1.6 miles)
• Veterans Park (2.5 miles)
• Wards Park (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Ambiance on Albion - Taphouse and Grill (0.7 miles)
• Channel Inn (1.5 miles)
• Dairy Freeze (1.5 miles)
• Graffiti Corner (1.8 miles)
• China Buffet (2.3 miles)
• Arby's (2.6 miles)
• El Agave Mexican Restaurant (2.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Mormon Missionary (1.6 miles)
• Fairmont Baptist Church (1.6 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (1.7 miles)
• Christian Church of Fairmont (1.8 miles)
• St John Vianney Catholic Church (2.1 miles)
• Lakeview Hospital (2.3 miles)
• Evangelical Covenant Church (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Fairmont Medical Center-Mayo Health - Sam Meals MD (1.9 miles)
• Fairmont Medical Center (1.9 miles)

Transportation

• Five Lakes Aviation (2.3 miles)
• Fair Lakes Transportation (3.4 miles)
• Brown Truck Lease (3.7 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (3.8 miles)

Cafes

• Caribou Coffee (2.3 miles)
• LaRows Wood Fire Grill (17.4 miles)

Physicians

• Fairmont Orthopedics & Sports Medicine PA (2.4 miles)
• Center for Primary Care (2.4 miles)
• Center for Specialty Care (2.4 miles)
• Dulcimer Medical Center (4.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Sterling Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Sterling Stores (2.6 miles)
• Sterling Drug - Five Lake Centre (2.7 miles)
• J & R Drug Gift & Floral (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Sterling Drug (6.2 miles)

Theaters

• Fairmont Movie Theater (2.9 miles)