8309 Garfield Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Caring Friends Costs & Pricing
Caring Friends offers competitive pricing for housing options compared to both Hennepin County and the broader state of Minnesota. For a studio apartment, Caring Friends charges $2,585 per month, which is notably lower than the county's average of $3,713 and slightly below the state average of $3,617. The one-bedroom option at Caring Friends is priced at $2,780, which remains more affordable than Hennepin County's rate of $3,550 and is also less than the state's median of $2,893. However, when it comes to two-bedroom accommodations, Caring Friends' cost of $4,120 exceeds both the county's average of $3,848 and the state median of $2,955. Overall, while Caring Friends presents a favorable choice for studio and one-bedroom units within this market landscape, potential residents should weigh their options carefully regarding two-bedroom availability.
| Floor plans | Caring Friends | Hennepin County | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,585 | $3,713 | $3,617 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,780 | $3,550 | $2,893 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,120 | $3,848 | $2,955 |
Assisted Living communities with a similar price nearby
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Overall Review of Caring Friends
Pros
The program at My Friends is described as the best childcare imaginable.- Natalie’s love for early child development is evident in everything she does.
- Parents entrust their children to My Friends, knowing they are in capable hands and that their children grow in new skills, independence, and self-confidence.
- Families frequently recommend My Friends to others because of its excellence.
- The daycare operates like a small school, teaching a wide range of academic and social skills.
- My Friends is regarded as high quality, with universally positive experiences reported by families.
Review
Caring Friends in Bloomington is best suited for families seeking a high-touch, home-like childcare environment where development is the core mission. The program operates with the feel of a small school, led by Natalie, and it earns trust through deliberate planning and a clear devotion to early childhood growth. Reviews describe a setting where children are not only cared for but actively taught, blending academic basics with social skills in a way that fosters independence and self-confidence. For families prioritizing a warm, intimate atmosphere over a large, impersonal program, Caring Friends represents a standout option that delivers measurable developmental value.
Those evaluating elder-care options or adults with complex medical needs should consider alternatives. The home daycare model that characterizes Caring Friends is excellent for young children but is not a substitute for assisted living with licensed medical oversight, nursing support, or specialized memory care. Families seeking extended, around-the-clock supervision, rehab services, or coordinated health care will need a facility designed for adult care. In practice, Caring Friends excels as a premier childcare setting, but it is not equipped to meet the needs of aging loved ones requiring professional healthcare management.
The strongest positives are clear and substantial. The caregiver’s commitment comes across as more than routine care; it is a genuine, intentional investment in each child’s development. Natalie’s approach saturates daily activities, turning ordinary routines into learning opportunities. The program’s “small school” dynamic means individualized attention, structured curricula, and a focus on both academic and social-emotional growth. Parents repeatedly describe feeling confident their child is in capable hands, with noticeable progress in skills and confidence over time. This level of care translates into a rare credibility for families seeking serious developmental outcomes in a nurturing setting.
There are caveats to balance. One reviewer awarded a single star, signaling that not every family experience will align perfectly. The intimate, home-based model inherently limits capacity, scheduling flexibility, and the breadth of services available when compared with larger centers. While not stated as a health or safety risk, the absence of clinical oversight means this setting is not suitable for medical needs, complex care plans, or situations requiring professional rehabilitation. Those factors are important to weigh against the core strengths.
When the pros and cons are weighed, the fit becomes clear for the target audience. For families prioritizing top-tier developmental care in a warm, school-like home setting, the strengths dramatically outweigh the drawbacks. The small scale, high-quality instruction, and trusted caregiver relationship offer a compelling value proposition for early childhood development. By contrast, for aging loved ones or individuals needing medical supervision, the cons are decisive enough to steer toward elder-care facilities with nursing and memory-care programming. In short, Caring Friends shines as a premier childcare option in Bloomington; for senior care, pursue facilities designed specifically for adult health needs.
21 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Minneapolis-St Paul International (4 miles away)
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
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