St John Home Care I in Minnetonka, MN

Pros

• The staff are friendly, helpful, and take time with residents.
• Joy is amazing, consistently supportive, and goes above and beyond for everyone.
• The homes are in nice neighborhoods with large yards and are well maintained.
• The houses are kept spotless and clean inside and outside.
• Residents enjoy free fast WiFi and each bedroom has a large smart TV with streaming.
• Monthly activities like movies, the zoo, the mall, or bowling are offered.
• The Plymouth location was kept spotless by staff, showing strong cleanliness standards.
• The place is clean, safe, and well managed, with Joy looking out for residents.

Cons

• The reviewer claims the staff are untrained and unable to communicate.
• The reviewer claims the homes are unsafe and not in compliance with building codes.
• The reviewer claims there are improper charges for services.
• The reviewer claims the premises have an overpowering chemical odor.
• The reviewer claims residents are put at risk and the environment is unsafe.

Review

St John Home Care I in Minnetonka is best suited for seniors who want a warm, home-like living environment and people-focused care. This community rewards residents who value daily human connection, routine social activities, and personalized attention from staff who remember preferences and interests. It suits those who are largely independent but appreciate light assistance, frequent companionship, and the sense of belonging that comes from a smaller, neighborhood-style setting. Families drawn to a strong, personally led culture, where one manager in particular is repeatedly cited as a dependable advocate for residents, will likely feel confident in pursuing a placement here.

Those with paramount safety or medical needs should consider alternatives. For families prioritizing formal, highly standardized oversight, or requiring round-the-clock skilled nursing, the home-like model may fall short. The mix of experiences across reviewers signals that not every resident experiences the same level of consistency in care, communication, or safety practices. If building-code compliance, verifiable licensing uptime, or transparent billing practices are non-negotiables, this facility warrants careful due diligence and direct verification before committing. In short, this is not the choice for families seeking a strictly clinical, outcome-driven environment.

On the plus side, the strongest pros center on human connections and a home atmosphere. Multiple reviewers describe staff as friendly, approachable, and genuinely supportive, with caregivers who spend time in conversation, play games, or organize outings. The houses themselves are portrayed as well-maintained, clean, and situated in pleasant neighborhoods with ample outdoor space. Residents enjoy modern conveniences often found in private homes, fast Wi-Fi and large smart TVs in bedrooms, paired with regular social activities such as trips to the movies, shopping venues, and group outings. The presence of a consistent, engaged leader is viewed by many as a reliable backbone for residents’ well-being.

However, the main cons cannot be ignored. A pattern of mixed reviews includes serious accusations about billing practices, staff training gaps, and communication breakdowns. One account alleges criminal behavior by the manager and a pattern of unsafe conditions, including purported building-code violations, which would be a non-starter for most families. Other concerns cite overpowering chemical odors from cleaning routines, subpar meal preparation, and overall questions about safety and reliability. The overall rating of three suggests significant variability in experiences, with what works brilliantly for some residents falling well short for others.

The key question becomes whether the positives outweigh the risks. For families prioritizing companionship, a nurturing, almost familial atmosphere, and a residence that feels like a true home, the strengths can indeed offset the drawbacks when due diligence confirms a stable operation. The rapport with a supportive manager and the emphasis on social engagement offer real value that can ease transitions for both seniors and their families. Yet for those who cannot tolerate questions about safety compliance, billing transparency, or staff training, the potential downsides present enough risk to justify exploring other options first.

Practical next steps are essential before making a commitment. Schedule an on-site visit with prospective residents and their families, and request a candid tour of the facilities, including a look at current maintenance records, licensing, and any recent safety or code-related actions. Sit down with several staff members and, if possible, speak with current residents about day-to-day care and incident handling. Ask for a clear, itemized monthly bill and a written summary of included services, extra charges, and what triggers changes in rate. Verify staffing levels, turnover, emergency procedures, and the process for escalating concerns. If all checks align and the resident values a homelike, sociable environment, St John Home Care I can be a strong fit; if not, alternatives offering more standardized, medically supervised care will likely serve better.

Located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking to relocate. With a range of restaurants nearby such as Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, and Culver's, residents can enjoy dining out with ease. Additionally, there are several cafes like Dunn Brothers Coffee and Caribou Coffee for those who prefer a cozy atmosphere to socialize or enjoy a cup of coffee. The numerous parks in the vicinity provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, including Aquila Park and Parkers Lake Park. Access to pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy ensures convenient access to medication and healthcare needs. For medical care, there are several physicians' offices such as Ellgaard Annemarie Park Nicollet Clinic Carlson Parkway Minnetonka within a short distance, as well as hospitals like Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital nearby for emergency services. Places of worship such as Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church offer spiritual support for those seeking a community connection. Overall, this part of Minnetonka offers a well-rounded environment with various resources that cater to the needs of seniors looking to settle down in a vibrant community.

Restaurants

• Olive Garden (0.4 miles)
• BLVD Kitchen & Bar (0.5 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (1 miles)
• Kona Grill (1 miles)
• Taco Teresa's (1.3 miles)
• Culver's (1.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar (2.1 miles)
• Jinx Tea (5.4 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (6 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (6.5 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (6.6 miles)

Parks

• Aquila Park (2.2 miles)
• Dakota Dog Park (3 miles)
• Parkers Lake Park (3.4 miles)
• French Regional Park (3.7 miles)
• Churchill Farms Residents' Park (6.1 miles)
• Twin Lake Beach Park (6.2 miles)
• Loring Park (6.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.5 miles)

Physicians

• Ellgaard Annemarie Park Nicollet Clinic Carlson Parkway Minnetonka (2.7 miles)
• Metropolitan Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery PA (4.1 miles)
• Northwest Family Physicians Plymouth (4.6 miles)
• Minnesota Gastroenterology PA (4.9 miles)
• Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's Ear, Nose and Throat (5.3 miles)
• Northwest Family Physicians PA (6.3 miles)
• Partners In Pediatrics (6.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (3.8 miles)
• Regency Hospital (4.3 miles)
• Plymouth Surgery Center (4.9 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Hospital (7.2 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (7.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (3.9 miles)
• St Therese of Deephaven (5.1 miles)
• Elim Church Center (5.7 miles)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (6.9 miles)