Long Lake Assisted Living

Pros

• The Long Lake Assisted Living facility is extremely clean, with no cobwebs or spiders, thanks to the dedicated cleaning staff.
• Residents have access to fun activities like bingo, fostering social engagement and community spirit.
• The community bus provides residents with opportunities to explore interesting places and go shopping at local stores like Wal-Mart and Target.
• The bathrooms are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable living environment for all residents.

Cons

• The resident felt that the director was overly authoritarian, as she had control over admissions and evictions without much oversight.
• The lack of outdoor activities limited opportunities for engagement with nature and fresh air.
• Residents feared being punished with restrictions on outings for minor behavioral issues, leading to a sense of anxiety and frustration.
• The reliance on a single cleaning lady meant that while the facility was clean, it may not have enough staff to maintain a high standard in all areas effectively.
• The relationship between residents and the director was often strained due to her strict enforcement of rules and harsh consequences for rule-breaking behavior.

Review

Long Lake Assisted Living has been a significant part of my life for the past five years. During my time there, I experienced both the commendable aspects and some of the more challenging dynamics that come with living in such a facility. The establishment prides itself on cleanliness; in fact, one dedicated cleaning lady works tirelessly to ensure that every corner is immaculate. Her efforts result in spaces free from cobwebs and pests, creating an environment that feels welcoming and well-maintained. Residents can appreciate the spotless bathrooms and common areas, which contribute to a sense of comfort and health.

However, my journey at Long Lake was not without its hurdles. One of the primary challenges stemmed from my interactions with the director—the sole authority responsible for much of the facility's operations. Not only did this individual oversee admissions and nursing duties, but she also held the power to evict residents based on their behavior. This centralized control can create a tense atmosphere where conflicts may arise, particularly for those who value their independence or possess strong personalities like mine. My outspoken nature often put me at odds with her expectations, leading to disciplinary measures that were sometimes disproportionate.

Activities at Long Lake are designed to foster community engagement among residents, yet they fall short in certain areas. For instance, while bingo nights are popular events meant to bring joy and camaraderie, outdoor activities are notably lacking. Instead, residents have access to a community bus that facilitates trips to various local points of interest. On paper, this seems ideal; however, the experience is contingent upon maintaining good relations with management. If you happen to irritate the director—whether through rule-breaking or simply not adhering to her preferred behavior—you might find yourself stuck at home for long stretches.

The bus rides themselves offer opportunities for socialization and excitement as we venture out each week—either to Wal-Mart or Target—for shopping needs and leisure treats like clothing purchases or holiday gifts. However, these excursions come with stipulations tied directly to behavior expectations set by the director. It's disheartening when a single person's subjective assessment can impact your ability to enjoy such outings; even minor disagreements or misunderstandings could result in losing access altogether.

This connection between behavior and access raises broader questions about autonomy within assisted living environments like Long Lake. While rules are established for safety and orderliness, it's essential that facilities strike a balance between oversight and individual freedoms—especially among adult residents who seek companionship as well as personal agency over their lives.

Ultimately, living at Long Lake Assisted Living offered me insights into both its strengths—such as cleanliness—and its weaknesses related to governance and resident independence. My eviction serves as a reminder of how critical it is for assisted living facilities to cultivate an environment where all voices are heard while also ensuring fairness in policy enforcement so that residents can thrive socially without excessive fear of punishment or exclusion.

This part of Long Lake, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living. There are several restaurants within a few miles radius offering different dining options. Additionally, there are numerous parks where residents can enjoy outdoor activities and peaceful walks. Access to medical care is also convenient, with various physician offices and pharmacies in close proximity. Furthermore, there are several places of worship for spiritual needs, as well as a hospital nearby for medical emergencies. Overall, this area provides a mix of services and facilities that would be beneficial for seniors looking to live in a supportive community.

Restaurants

• 6Smith (2.9 miles)
• McCormick's Pub & Restaurant (3.2 miles)
• COV Wayzata (3.2 miles)
• Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge (3.6 miles)
• McGarry's Pub (4.3 miles)
• McDonald's (4.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (4.7 miles)

Parks

• Churchill Farms Residents' Park (3.5 miles)
• Parkers Lake Park (4.9 miles)
• Surfside Park (6.1 miles)
• Freeman Park (6.2 miles)
• Plymouth Dog Park (6.5 miles)
• French Regional Park (7.3 miles)
• Corcoran Lions Park (7.5 miles)

Physicians

• Northwest Family Physicians Plymouth (3.5 miles)
• Metropolitan Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery PA (3.7 miles)
• Ellgaard Annemarie Park Nicollet Clinic Carlson Parkway Minnetonka (5.1 miles)
• Minnesota Gastroenterology PA (5.4 miles)
• Wayzata Children's Clinic P A (5.4 miles)
• Pinnacle Dermatology- Excelsior (5.7 miles)
• MN Otolaryngology (5.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• MPFC Maple Plain Food Center (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.6 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (4.7 miles)
• Spring Park Pharmacy (4.7 miles)
• Walgreens (5 miles)
• Walgreens (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Blackwater Cafe (4.2 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (5.4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (6.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (8.9 miles)
• Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar (9.7 miles)
• Starbucks (10 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Therese of Deephaven (4.3 miles)
• Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church (5.7 miles)
• St Victoria Catholic Church (9.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Plymouth Surgery Center (5.4 miles)
• Wedge Industries (9.1 miles)