Okalee of Medina

Pros

• The staff at Okalee of Medina is described as warm, helpful, and caring, creating a welcoming environment for residents and families alike.
• Residents enjoy a beautiful and clean facility with ample amenities that make it easy to navigate.
• The activities offered are praised as great, with an enthusiastic activities coordinator who engages residents and fosters community spirit.
• Communication between staff and families has been excellent, contributing to a supportive atmosphere for both residents and their loved ones.
• Staff members take pride in their work and are dedicated to ensuring the comfort, safety, and happiness of the residents.
• The culinary team is noted for providing delicious food options that residents appreciate.
• Many staff members express joy in their work environment, highlighting a positive workplace culture centered around resident care.

Cons

• There are hidden costs at Okalee of Medina that were not explained initially.
• The shuttle service offered is insufficient, only accommodating a few people and is nearly impossible to access.
• Communication between staff and families is lacking, leading to misunderstandings about transportation options.
• The management has made major mistakes and failed to take responsibility for them.
• There are concerns about management prioritizing business considerations over resident well-being.
• Residents have expressed issues with safety and the treatment of individuals in the assisted living program.
• Some residents feel that the transportation options provided fall short of expectations and are overly costly outside the monthly allotment.
• The standard apartment layouts are poorly designed and excessively small for new residents.

Review

Okalee of Medina has attracted a varied mix of feedback from residents, families, and employees alike. At its core, the facility is praised for its warm and attentive staff who go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for all residents. Families express gratitude for finding a safe space where their loved ones can thrive, enjoying amenities tailored to their needs while also having opportunities to engage in new activities and make friends. The sense of community cultivated within Okalee is highlighted as a significant strength; the genuine care exhibited by both staff and residents fosters an atmosphere that feels more like home than just another assisted living facility.

However, despite the positive experiences regarding care and community interactions, several reviews highlight issues related to transparency concerning costs and transportation services. Families have expressed concerns over hidden fees that were not communicated at the outset of their stay, leading to dissatisfaction among some residents about unexpected expenses. Furthermore, while Okalee offers transportation options such as a shuttle service purportedly running weekly, many feel it falls short of expectations. Residents report limited availability on the shuttle—making it nearly impossible for them to secure rides—and note an inadequate number of round-trip rides provided each month. This inadequacy has led families to voice worries that without better transportation support or alternative options, seniors might struggle with mobility and access to essential services.

While criticisms exist surrounding management practices related to communication and resident safety protocols—some families expressing concern over how issues are handled—it is essential to acknowledge the significant efforts made by the staff at Okalee. Employees from various roles describe their work environment as supportive and positive; they take pride in creating enjoyable experiences for residents despite challenges faced during recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Colleagues emphasize teamwork through diligent adherence to health guidelines that have successfully kept infections at bay within the building, further demonstrating commitment toward safeguarding resident well-being.

The Activity Director stands out in particular feedback segments—a person who goes above and beyond in engaging residents with creative programs designed even amid pandemic restrictions. Described as patient and inspiring, she works tirelessly alongside fellow staff members who share similar passions for improving residents' lives daily. The dietary department similarly receives accolades for crafting appealing meals reflective of what many seniors enjoyed cooking during earlier stages in their lives.

Despite mixed reports regarding management decisions—ranging from employee turnover issues to perceived prioritization of business models over resident welfare—many commend Okalee's overall value proposition when it comes down to quality care provided on-site by dedicated professionals who genuinely desire their residents’ comfort. Visitors note how meticulously maintained facilities enhance livability standards while fostering relationships built around shared experiences among peers in this nurturing setting.

In summary, Okalee of Medina has proven itself as an admirable option within contemporary assisted living landscapes with beautiful amenities complemented by thoughtful caregiving teams committed not just toward physical wellness but also emotional happiness among those they serve. While there are areas identified for improvement such as clearer communication regarding add-on costs or enhanced transport solutions—overall satisfaction remains high based on numerous heartfelt testimonials detailing joyous engagements between devoted staff members passionate about ensuring every resident feels valued within their community framework fostered throughout this special place called home.

Medina, Minnesota, offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors considering the area for living. With a variety of restaurants nearby such as Detour 19 and Mama G's, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, several parks like Corcoran Lions Park and Churchill Farms Residents' Park provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the vicinity including CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens for easy access to medications and health supplies. In terms of healthcare, there are hospitals like Plymouth Surgery Center and various physicians' offices providing medical services. Places of worship such as St Therese of Deephaven and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church offer spiritual support within the community. Overall, Medina is a welcoming and well-equipped area for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful yet vibrant neighborhood.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2.3 miles)
• Detour 19 (2.4 miles)
• The Stanchion (3.2 miles)
• McGarry's Pub (4.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (5.2 miles)
• Mama G's (6 miles)
• McDonald's (6.8 miles)

Parks

• Corcoran Lions Park (3.7 miles)
• Churchill Farms Residents' Park (4.3 miles)
• Plymouth Dog Park (4.4 miles)
• Parkers Lake Park (7 miles)
• French Regional Park (7.9 miles)
• Delano City Park (9.8 miles)
• Central Park (9.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• MPFC Maple Plain Food Center (4.7 miles)
• Walgreens (5.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.8 miles)
• Walgreens (6.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.7 miles)
• Walgreens (7 miles)

Cafes

• Blackwater Cafe (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (7.3 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (9.2 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (9.2 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (10 miles)

Hospitals

• Plymouth Surgery Center (5.7 miles)

Physicians

• Minnesota Gastroenterology PA (5.8 miles)
• Northwest Family Physicians Plymouth (6 miles)
• Partners In Pediatrics (7.1 miles)
• North Memorial Gastroenterology (7.3 miles)
• Metropolitan Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery PA (7.4 miles)
• Northstar Pain Care Clinic (7.9 miles)
• Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center (8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Therese of Deephaven (9 miles)
• Crow River Church (9.4 miles)
• Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church (9.4 miles)
• Woodridge Church (10 miles)