Lutheran Brethren Homes Inc

Pros

• The facility is beautiful.
• The staff are great.
• Integrity, compassion, dedication, teamwork, and customer service are emphasized.

Cons

• They describe the place as a poor facility with a poor closing of Woodlawn Lodge and a crappy situation.
• They claim the staff should not be trusted to care for loved ones, alleging the social worker is clueless and easily manipulated.
• They describe the nurse coordinator as hostile and not keeping the family informed, and as refusing to answer questions.
• They allege the administrator did not follow up and would not return phone calls.
• They contend staffing issues were not properly communicated, with a family call reportedly coached by staff in the room.
• They say billing practices are misleading, with charges for what was supposed to be included and a need to carefully check the bill.

Review

A set of feedback comments presents a complex picture of a care facility, blending sharp criticisms with occasional praise. On the negative side, reviewers describe a place they deem to be ill-prepared to meet the needs of residents and their families. The initial impression is stark: "Poor place," followed by a harsh take on the facility's closure of Woodlawn lodge and an overall sense of a "Crappy situation." These lines set the tone for a broader concern about how care is delivered and how families are treated when they need support the most.

Several criticisms focus on individual staff members and how families are treated. One reviewer singles out Debbie Grimes, describing her as clueless and easily manipulated, and arguing that she should not be in the role of a social worker. The critique implies that the social work support provided (or not provided) is inadequate and raises questions about who is making important, time-sensitive decisions for residents. The sentiment is that the person in that position lacks the guidance or expertise necessary to advocate effectively for families and loved ones.

Another thread of the reviews centers on Carrie Oren, a nurse coordinator. The reviewer claims she did not keep family members informed on a weekly basis, characterizing her as hostile and as someone who would not answer questions. The narrative here is not just about communication gaps but also about a perceived emotional distance or resistance that left families feeling shut out during a critical period when information and transparency are essential.

A further concern is raised about Rachel Rollie, identified as the administrator. The reviewer states that Rollie did not follow up with the family and would not return phone calls. In the view of the reviewer, this pattern of non-response compounds the frustration families feel when they are trying to navigate care plans, updates, or urgent decisions about a loved one's welfare.

There is also a troubling account involving John Zwiers, described as being informed of a staffing problem. The reviewer alleges that his call to a family member was staged, with employees present in the room coaching him on what to say. This allegation suggests an attempt to manage appearances or mislead family members regarding staffing realities, which, if true, would raise serious concerns about transparency and integrity in management practices.

Amid these criticisms, there is a brief counterpoint of praise: "Beautiful facility. Great staff." This line acknowledges that, despite the reported issues, there are elements of the experience that some reviewers valued. The facility's physical environment and some members of the staff are seen as positive, offering a counterbalance to the more pointed critiques about processes, communication, and leadership.

A recurring warning in the reviews concerns billing and what is promised versus what is charged. The sentiment is that "these people say one thing then do/charge you for what was supposed to be included." The advice accompanying this claim is practical and blunt: families should carefully review their bills and verify what is included with care services. This emphasis on billing accuracy underscores a broader theme in long-term care: clear, upfront communication about costs is as important as the care itself.

Finally, the reviews reference a set of stated values - Integrity, Compassion, Dedicated, Teamwork, and Customer Service - paired with the question, "Need I say more?" This suggests that the facility brands itself around these core principles, but the reviewers feel there is a disconnect between those ideals and the day-to-day experiences described. The juxtaposition of praised facility features and contested staff behavior invites questions about whether values are being lived out consistently or merely promoted as part of the facility's public-facing narrative.

Taken together, these perspectives offer a multifaceted view of the care environment. On one hand, the physical setting and some staff appear to be strengths, contributing to a sense of quality and warmth in parts of the experience. On the other hand, the accumulated criticisms point to significant gaps in communication, leadership responsiveness, and accountability for staffing and financial commitments. For families weighing options, the content highlights the importance of asking direct questions about staffing transparency, regular family updates, and the exact in-network services included in any care plan, as well as carefully reviewing bills to ensure alignment with promised services. This blend of praise and alarm serves as a reminder that the quality of care hinges not only on what a facility can offer in theory, but on how well it translates into reliable, respectful, and transparent practice in daily operations.

This part of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, offers a peaceful and convenient environment for senior living. With several places of worship nearby, including Augustana Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren, seniors can easily maintain their spiritual practices. Access to healthcare is also readily available with Lake Region Healthcare Cancer Care & Research Center and Fergus Falls Medical Group PA located within walking distance. The area boasts a variety of dining options such as Dough For Joe Fergus Falls and Big Easy Bistro, providing seniors with diverse culinary choices. Additionally, parks like Adams Park and Grotto Lake offer opportunities for leisurely walks in nature. Transportation services like City Cab Service ensure easy mobility around town, while pharmacies such as Thrifty White Drug and Walgreens provide crucial medication access. Overall, this neighborhood provides a serene and convenient setting for senior residents to enjoy their golden years.

Places of Worship

• Augustana Lutheran Church (0.2 miles)
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren (0.2 miles)
• Bethlehem Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• Church of Peace United Methodist (0.5 miles)
• First Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• Hilltop Celebration Church (0.6 miles)
• Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church (0.7 miles)

Physicians

• Lake Region Healthcare Cancer Care & Research Center (0.2 miles)
• Lake Region Healthcare Corporation (0.3 miles)
• Fergus Falls Medical Group PA (0.3 miles)
• Lake Region Healthcare (0.4 miles)
• Fergus Falls Optometric Center (0.6 miles)
• Lake Region Healthcare Clinic (2.1 miles)
• Battle Lake Clinic (16.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Dough For Joe Fergus Falls (0.3 miles)
• Big Easy Bistro (0.4 miles)
• Human Spring Chinese Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchen (0.6 miles)
• Viking Cafe (0.7 miles)
• Taco John's (1.5 miles)
• Dairyland Drive-In (1.5 miles)

Parks

• Adams Park and Grotto Lake (0.3 miles)
• N P Park (0.4 miles)
• Veterans Memorial Park (0.4 miles)
• Lake Alice (1 miles)
• Kirkbride Park (1.7 miles)
• Delagoon Park (1.8 miles)
• Playground On Western (2.3 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.3 miles)
• City Cab Service (1.2 miles)
• Fergus Falls Airport (4 miles)
• Natural Images Taxidermy (9.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Thrifty White Drug (0.4 miles)
• Shopko (0.6 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Seip Drug (16.9 miles)

Cafes

• Cally's Cafe & Coffee (0.6 miles)
• The Fabled Farmer (0.8 miles)
• Big Chief Cafe (5.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Minnesota State Offices, Community Behavioral Health Hospital (1.8 miles)
• Fergus Falls State Hospital Complex (1.8 miles)
• Veterans Home (1.9 miles)
• Lake Region Healthcare Corporation (16.9 miles)

Theaters

• Westridge Cinema 5 (2.1 miles)