Elimarc Health Care Network

Pros

• The manager Steve is praised for doing a good job, going out of his way to help every resident, and being consistently available.
• Roger and his team are working hard to deliver needed assisted living services for the mentally ill, with dedicated and passionate professionals who genuinely care for residents' well-being.
• The facilities are clean, caregivers appear engaged with the clients, and the administrative staff are highly involved, reflecting strong standards and care.
• Empowerment/Hidden Creek is ranked in the top 25% of facilities the reviewer has visited, indicating a positive impression.
• The team is described as a joy to work with, and the administration demonstrates care for clients.

Cons

• The reviewer described the standard of care as nearly inhumane and claimed mistreatment occurs throughout the organization.
• They alleged pervasive mistreatment, overbilling, non-compliance, undocumented employees, and outright neglect.
• They stated reporting mistreatment cost them their job.
• They warned readers to stay clear of the facilities.
• They cited understaffing and lack of training as systemic issues.
• They claimed a house was set up against them, medications were handed out without proper supervision, and there were uninvestigated issues with extra or missing meds.
• They accused the company of improper tax filings, underpaying staff, and cheating employees and clients on housing and staffing.
• They described the company as bad and untrustworthy, focused on profit, with most employees not performing their duties.
• They claimed residents were not fed adequately, meals were cheap, and there were no activities despite site claims.
• They alleged personal assault by a resident and that they were expelled as retaliation.

Review

The collection of reviews presents a striking contrast in experiences, centered around both individuals and the broader organization. On one hand, there is frequent praise for a particular manager, Steve, who is described as going out of his way to help every resident and always being available when needed. This positive sentiment frames Steve as a standout in an otherwise mixed landscape, suggesting that personal dedication at the local level can shine through in some facilities.

But the other side of the spectrum is loud and troubling. A number of reviewers describe the company as deplorable in its approach to client care, with warnings to keep loved ones away from these facilities. Allegations run from overbilling and non-compliance to more alarming claims about neglect and inhumane treatment. One reviewer recounts being involved in reporting mistreatment of clients and staff, only to end up resigning themselves after pressure from leadership, including HR and program directors. The reviewer frames the experience as not only unethical but potentially life-threatening, ending with a blunt admonition to stay clear of the organization.

Amid these stark criticisms, another perspective emerges from a service provider that partners with Empowerment/Hidden Creek. This viewpoint, seemingly grounded in extensive firsthand experience with hundreds of facilities, ranks Empowerment/Hidden Creek in the top 25% and highlights consistently clean homes, engaged caregivers, and an administrative team that is deeply involved in day-to-day operations. The provider describes a positive atmosphere during multiple visits and credits both the standards set by the organization and its genuine concern for client needs, painting a picture of competent, people-centered care at the point of service.

Yet the provider's testimony is not one-sided. They also recount serious supervisory and operational deficiencies: ongoing understaffing and a lack of training, a troubling incident in which the reviewer felt set up and ultimately resigned after expressing concerns about improper medication handling. The account alleges that medications were handed out without proper supervision, with claims that residents sometimes possessed extra meds and that investigations into these issues were unlikely. The combination of these stories - understaffing paired with risky medication practices - paints a troubling contradiction within the same system.

Further complaints touch on systemic administrative and financial concerns. Reviewers allege that tax returns for employees are not filed correctly with the federal government, and that the organization pays poorly while shortchanging both employees and clients on proper housing and adequate staffing. The consistency of such claims across multiple statements adds a layer of suspicion about the organization's compliance and financial practices, even as another reviewer insists that the staff's wages are uncompetitive and that living conditions fall short of expectations.

There are additional personal experiences that amplify the sense of danger and distrust. One review describes a hostile environment where staff faced assault from residents, and the facility allegedly responds by removing the staff member rather than addressing safety and care concerns. There are also accusations regarding food quality and activity programming, with claims that meals are not provided as promised and that the site's activities are not realized in practice. Together, these points reinforce a perception of neglect and disconnection between stated ideals and day-to-day realities.

Amid the friction, there is at least one clearly positive note: Roger and his team are acknowledged by at least some reviewers as working hard to deliver essential assisted living services for the mentally ill, with dedicated professionals who sincerely care about residents' well-being. This affirmation of commitment and compassion contrasts with the other side's allegations, suggesting that even within the same organization, experiences can be radically different depending on facility, management, and perhaps timing.

Finally, the overarching impression is one of a deeply polarized environment. Some individuals experience attentive leadership and positive, engaged care; others describe a cascade of problems - from understaffing and poor training to alleged neglect, improper medication handling, financial improprieties, and even unsafe working conditions. The recurring theme across these accounts is a tension between personal dedication at the local level and systemic issues that appear to undermine consistent, high-quality care. For someone evaluating these facilities, the messages demand careful, up-to-date verification, direct conversations with current staff and residents, and a cautious approach given the breadth of conflicting experiences.

This part of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable living environment. Within close proximity, there are multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy for easy access to medications. There are also several healthcare facilities nearby including the Eyeklinic of Edinburgh and Unity Hospital, ensuring quality medical care is readily available. In terms of dining options, there is a variety of restaurants ranging from fast food chains like McDonald's to sit-down establishments like Route 47 Pub And Grub. For recreation and relaxation, residents can visit parks like Pinebrook Park or Twin Lake Beach Park. Additionally, there are places of worship like Fridley United Methodist Church and cafes such as Caribou Coffee for social and spiritual fulfillment. With a nearby movie theater like AMC Coon Rapids 16, seniors have the opportunity to enjoy entertainment within reach. Overall, this area presents a well-rounded community with essential services and leisure activities suitable for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Park Nicollet Clinic (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)

Physicians

• Eyeklinic of Edinburgh (0.8 miles)
• Suburban Radiologists (3 miles)
• Aesthetic Reconstructive Plastic Surgery (3.1 miles)
• Fairview Fridley Clinic (3.1 miles)
• Northtown Mall (3.5 miles)
• Northwest Family Physicians PA (4 miles)
• Eye Care Center (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.1 miles)
• Culver's (1.6 miles)
• White Castle (1.8 miles)
• Wahlburgers (2.6 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (2.6 miles)
• Panchero's Mexican Grill (2.7 miles)
• Route 47 Pub And Grub (2.8 miles)

Parks

• Pinebrook Park (1.8 miles)
• Twin Lake Beach Park (4.3 miles)
• Silverwood Park (6 miles)
• Pennisula Park (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Unity Hospital (3.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Fridley United Methodist Church (3.4 miles)
• Ephiphany Catholic Church (4.8 miles)
• Elim Church Center (5.1 miles)

Cafes

• Caribou Coffee (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (4 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Coon Rapids 16 (4.1 miles)