7040 Lake Boulevard, Forest Lake, MN 55025
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Windy Acres Long Term
Pros
He looks happy and healthy.- The facility is always friendly.
Cons
The staff are described as rude and disorderly, and it is not recommended to work there.- The place is not warm or welcoming, and the owner is rude and unprofessional.
- The building is unkempt and untidy.
- The owner is extremely rude; the house is a mess and smells of cigarettes; care for the elderly is questioned.
- Since the past owners left, the facility has gone downhill; the current owner is controlling and unkind and lacks compassion for residents; some staff treat residents with contempt and disrespect.
- The facility denied a client medication and clothing.
Review
Windy Acres Long Term in Forest Lake is best suited for families with a very tight budget who are willing to accept a facility that prioritizes cost over polish and consistent, high-quality care. This is not the option for families seeking warmth, dignity, and a consistently welcoming atmosphere. The consensus from available impressions is that the environment can feel neglected and the caregiving culture unstable, making it a last-resort choice for those who cannot stretch to alternatives.
Those who should seriously consider alternatives include families that require reliable medication management, a clean, odor-free setting, and a caregiving team that treats residents with steady respect. Prospective residents who value administrative transparency, stable staffing, and a consistent, professional tone will likely find Windy Acres falling short. For anyone needing predictable daily routines, proactive oversight, and a facility that prioritizes resident comfort, exploration of nearby options with stronger reviews is strongly advised.
On the limited positive side, occasional mentions point to moments when the staff or environment appeared more supportive or friendly, suggesting that when engagement occurs, residents can experience genuine small-scale warmth. A rare positive note about a resident receiving attentive care hints that there is potential for better interactions, but these moments are inconsistent and do not compensate for the broader pattern reported by multiple sources. The low price may hold some appeal for families who must stretch dollars, but it is not a substitute for reliable, compassionate care.
The dominant concerns are persistent and impactful: the owner is repeatedly described as rude and unprofessional, with reports of controlling behavior and a lack of compassion toward residents and even staff. The building is characterized as unkempt and, at times, stinking of cigarettes, with a sense that upkeep and safety are not prioritized. Instances of disrespect by some staff and a perception of contempt toward residents contribute to a fragile trust framework, undermining any potential sense of security for families entrusting someone they love to this environment.
These significant drawbacks are not easily offset by the limited positives. The cost savings evaporate when care quality, personal dignity, and health safety are in question. Inconsistent maintenance, troubling cleanliness, and questionable management practices create ongoing risk for missed medications, unmet needs, and heightened anxiety for families. In short, the overall value proposition collapses under the weight of the reported experiences, making a strong case for pursuing alternatives first.
For families weighing a decision, a disciplined evaluation plan is essential. During visits, verify the current ownership situation and staffing stability since the noted turnover; inspect common areas for cleanliness and odor; ask about medication handling procedures, administration accuracy, and incident reporting; and request recent care plans for residents. Compare these findings with nearby facilities that have higher ratings and more consistent praise. If budget constraints force a stay, establish strict trial parameters with exit criteria and a plan to move if care quality does not improve within a defined period. In the end, Windy Acres Long Term should be set aside in favor of options that demonstrate stable leadership, respectful care, and a clean, well-maintained environment.
21 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Hospice waiver
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
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