Living with Dignity Art Center

Pros

• Mandie and Janet are amazing to work with for a smooth transition into Boden Assisted Living.
• They have a strong understanding of Medicaid and EW processes when this type of financial assistance is needed.
• They are compassionate and committed to serving their residents.
• They are available for questions and approachable with any concerns.
• The staff across the board are amazing; the facility is clean with activities, and Lifespark Homecare is great - highly recommended.
• Boden provides uplifting and welcoming support during transitions, including holding spots and checking in with concern.
• The community is described as a five-star place for their mom.
• Cynthia Harris is such a kind and caring person.
• Cynthia Harris is incredibly helpful, organized, and friendly; she sets the bar high.
• Cynthia Harris is a joy to work with and always smiling.

Cons

• The reviewer is extremely disappointed in Boden for promising everything is okay and then taking their money while turning down their loved one at the last moment due to a sundowning event.
• The reviewer questions Boden's ability to care for dementia patients, suggesting that if they cannot handle a sundowning event, they cannot care for multiple dementia patients.
• The reviewer believes Boden should not be accepted as a memory care facility.
• The reviewer questions the intake staff, particularly the nurse, for not understanding dementia.
• The reviewer found the customer service after the grandmother's passing disappointing, noting that the office staff never called to discuss final steps despite multiple emails.

Review

Several families describe Boden Assisted Living as a place where the transition into care can go smoothly, thanks in part to a clear understanding of how Medicaid and EW support work for this level of assistance. They note that the staff is not only knowledgeable about the financial side but also approachable, making it easier for families to ask questions and get the help they need during what can be a stressful process. The overall tone from these accounts is one of reassurance: Boden is presented as a resourceful partner for navigating benefits while prioritizing resident well-being.

Across the board, reviewers consistently praise the people who work at Boden. The sentiment is that the staff are amazing and engaged, with a warmth that comes through in everyday interactions. While many names aren't singled out because there are so many people deserving of recognition, the consensus is that the team shows compassion and dedication. The facility is described as clean, with ongoing activities that keep residents engaged. Lifespark Homecare is specifically mentioned in a positive light, and many reviewers feel confident in recommending the facility to others based on the quality of care and the overall environment.

Several families highlight how Boden shines during the transition phase of a loved one's move. The staff are described as wonderful and the setting as cozy, with a rambler-style layout that fosters a home-like atmosphere. In moments of difficulty, Boden's team is said to uplift and welcome new residents with open arms. Families report that Boden held spots for them and maintained communication, checking in with concern and offering help as needed. For those facing challenging transitions, this sense of support and stability is repeatedly cited as a strength of Boden.

Yet not every experience is without concern. One reviewer expresses deep disappointment, describing a situation in which Boden allegedly indicated everything was fine, accepted funds, and then turned down a loved one at a critical moment due to a sundowning event linked to dementia. The reviewer questions whether Boden can manage a single sundowning episode and suggests that this would cast doubt on the facility's ability to care for multiple dementia diagnoses. The reviewer urges prospective residents to consider whether this placement would be appropriate for memory care, signaling that expectations about dementia management are crucial for families to align with the realities of care in such settings.

There is an update within this thread that introduces a shift in perspective about the intake process. The same reviewer acknowledges that Cynthia Harris is a standout in many interactions, calling her kind and caring, even as they question the intake nurse's understanding of dementia. With the passing of their loved one, the reviewer notes some relief that their relative did not come to Boden, but this relief sits alongside ongoing concerns about how intake decisions and dementia training are handled. The personal nuances of this experience illustrate how one family's hopes for seamless transition can collide with more troubling questions about care decisions in memory-related scenarios.

After the loss of their grandmother, families reflect on post-visit and post-death service experiences. While the caregivers who attended to her were described as wonderful, the family expresses disappointment with the office side of things - final steps and communication about procedures were not consistently followed up, despite multiple emails. Even amid these frustrations, the presence of a compassionate staff member emerges as a bright spot in an otherwise difficult time. Cynthia Harris is repeatedly highlighted as a kind and caring person, whose demeanor and actions leave a lasting positive impression.

In the tapestry of praise and critique, Cynthia Harris emerges as a central figure. Several reviewers laude her for being a joyful, organized, and genuinely helpful presence for residents and staff alike. They describe her as having a big heart, with interactions that demonstrate care and commitment to others. The sentiment is that Cynthia's influence sets a high standard - she is someone who makes residents and families feel seen and supported. Statements about her kindness, smiling demeanor, and the practical help she provides are threaded through multiple testimonials, painting a portrait of a caregiver who goes above and beyond to ensure people's needs are met.

As Boden transitioned to LifeSpark, the stories surrounding Cynthia's role and the overall care environment continued to reflect a strong sense of continuity and dedication. The recollections of those who worked with Cynthia prior to LifeSpark taking the helm convey confidence that the spark she brings would persist under new leadership and guidance. The partnership with Lifespark Homecare is consistently framed in the light of positive outcomes, with many reviewers explicitly noting that Lifespark is a great fit for maintaining the level of care and attentiveness they experienced at Boden.

Taken together, these accounts present a complex but largely favorable portrait. The facility is praised for its cleanliness, its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and its robust activities program. The staff are repeatedly described as compassionate, approachable, and deeply committed to residents' well-being, with Cynthia Harris standing out as a particularly exemplary presence. While there are meaningful critiques about certain aspects of the intake process and the management of dementia-related challenges, the overarching narrative remains one of care, dedication, and a person-centered approach that helps families feel supported during transitions, losses, and everyday life at Boden and in partnership with Lifespark.

This part of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to live in the area. There are several places of worship nearby, such as Epiphany Catholic Church and Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, providing opportunities for spiritual fulfillment. A range of restaurants like New Mandarin Restaurant and Shortstop Bar & Grill offer dining options close by. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and Cub Pharmacy within a short distance for easy access to medications. For entertainment, AMC Coon Rapids 16 and Andover Cinema provide movie options, while parks like Pinebrook Park and Crooked Lake Park offer outdoor recreational activities. The presence of medical facilities like North Suburban Eye Specialists and Unity Hospital ensures convenient healthcare services in close proximity. Overall, this part of Coon Rapids provides a well-rounded community for seniors seeking a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Places of Worship

• Ephiphany Catholic Church (0.6 miles)
• Fridley United Methodist Church (6.3 miles)
• Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church (7.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Alloy Brewing (0.9 miles)
• New Mandarin Restaurant (1 miles)
• Burger King (1.3 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.6 miles)
• Shortstop Bar & Grill (2.4 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Caribou Coffee (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Cub Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Coon Rapids 16 (2.2 miles)
• Andover Cinema (3.9 miles)

Physicians

• North Suburban Eye Specialists (2.4 miles)
• Suburban Radiologists (2.5 miles)
• Mercy Orthopedics Clinic (2.8 miles)
• Dr Kara Durick, Optometrist, and Associates - Coon Rapids (3.1 miles)
• The Dental Specialists (3.3 miles)
• Eyeklinic of Edinburgh (3.7 miles)
• Northtown Mall (3.9 miles)

Parks

• Pinebrook Park (2.5 miles)
• Crooked Lake Park & Beach (3.4 miles)
• Riverdale Park (3.6 miles)
• Pennisula Park (3.9 miles)
• Sunshine Park (5.6 miles)
• Kelsey Round Lake Park (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (4.6 miles)
• Unity Hospital (5.2 miles)