Ashton Homes
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4913 Winchester Lane, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Two group homes, two very different but equally troubling experiences, weave together into a single, hard-to-forget account of neglect, manipulation, and everyday struggle. One of the facilities had already closed, but the memories and the ongoing concerns about care lingered long after. The overall impression is of a system that often treated residents more like problems to be managed than people to be cared for, with problems that seemed to compound rather than resolve over time.
A central thread across the experiences is pervasive neglect. The reviewer describes a setting where basic attention and proper oversight were severely lacking. Staff and even some residents were mentioned as engaging in marijuana use, which contributed to an environment perceived as hazardous and chaotic. The sense of neglect isn't just about occasional oversights; it's depicted as a sustained pattern that affected safety, dignity, and the ability to meet daily needs. The burden of navigating this kind of atmosphere fell largely on the reviewer, who felt ignored and underserved in ways that made every day feel unstable and stressful.
In the second group home, the tone shifts to accusations of deliberate tolerance for unsafe behavior and a troubling lack of accountability. The reviewer recounts that staff suggested smoking in the room would not be reported or documented, effectively creating a loophole that undermined safety and policy. They claim there was a promise or at least a possibility that the staff would not inform the resident's doctor about such behavior, which adds a disturbing layer of secrecy to the care environment. The implication is not only poor practice but a troubling disregard for medical oversight and the welfare of someone who may already be vulnerable.
The issues around basic needs extend beyond safety and policy. The reviewer emphasizes a strained relationship with food access and the administration of meals. They describe having to "yell for weekly food," suggesting a culture where simple needs required alarm and confrontation rather than respectful, timely service. The lack of consistent support for meals is framed as not just inconvenient but exploitative, as weeks and months passed without reimbursement for expenses or proper compensation. The claim that staff were stealing food compounds the sense of betrayal and distrust, painting a picture where even essential sustenance was compromised or siphoned away.
Activities, or the absence of them, paint another layer of neglect. The reviewer notes that there were no meaningful activities offered for residents until complaints were voiced. When programming is minimal or non-existent, residents can lose structure, purpose, and opportunities to engage with others in positive ways. The absence of routine, meaningful activities contributes to a sense of stagnation and isolation, making daily life feel monotonous and demoralizing over time.
Taken together, these experiences form a portrait of care environments that felt unsafe, untrustworthy, and unfair. The persistent neglect, the troubling suggestions of policy gaps around smoking and medical information, the troubling food insecurity and alleged theft, and the absence of engaging activities all contributed to a deep sense of vulnerability. The reviewer's stance - refusing to give the place a positive rating - speaks to the impact these experiences had on their perception of care, dignity, and entitlement to basic respect and consideration.
For others considering group home care, the account serves as a stark warning to scrutinize the quality and consistency of care, policies around substance use and documentation, transparency with medical professionals, and the handling of meals and reimbursements. It highlights the importance of clear safeguards, regular oversight, and accountability to prevent patterns of neglect and exploitation. While one cannot verify every claim without independent checks, the detail and consistency of these concerns suggest serious gaps that should prompt further review by authorities, advocates, or potential residents and their families.
In the end, the narrative is one of resilience tested by repeated disappointment. It underscores how crucial it is for facilities to maintain not only basic standards of care but also an environment where residents feel seen, heard, and protected. The experiences described point to a need for systemic improvements - stronger oversight, enforceable policies, and a culture that prioritizes safety, transparency, and respect above all else.
Located in Brooklyn Center, MN, Ashton Homes offers a comfortable and convenient assisted living community for seniors. Our fully furnished homes provide all the amenities necessary for a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.
Residents can enjoy their favorite shows with cable or satellite TV in their own private space. Our dining rooms are perfect for socializing with other residents during meals. We also offer housekeeping services to ensure a clean and tidy living environment.
Each home at Ashton Homes features a kitchenette, allowing residents to prepare their own meals if they prefer. Move-in coordination is provided to assist new residents in settling down seamlessly. Outdoor spaces allow residents to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Telephones are available for communication needs, and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet connection ensures that residents stay connected online. Furthermore, our dedicated staff is available 24/7 to provide supervision and assistance with activities of daily living.
We understand the importance of maintaining health and well-being. Ashton Homes coordinates with healthcare providers, offers medication management, and provides special dietary restrictions like diabetes diets. Meal preparation and service are also offered to ensure delicious and nutritious meals.
Mental wellness is prioritized with our mental wellness program, which aims to promote emotional well-being among residents. Transportation arrangements for medical appointments are available for convenience.
Residents can engage in various activities within the community, including resident-run activities and scheduled daily activities. Nearby amenities include cafes, parks, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, physicians' offices, and hospitals – ensuring easy access to essential services.
At Ashton Homes in Brooklyn Center, MN, we strive to create a welcoming environment where seniors can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while receiving the assistance they need.
Ashton Homes is located at 4913 Winchester Lane, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 in Hennepin County, Minnesota
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