Northern Oaks Place

Pros

• Residents at Landings of Blaine appreciate the small facility, which fosters a family-like atmosphere and allows for more personal attention from staff.
• The staff at Landings of Blaine are described as friendly, helpful, and caring, contributing to a positive living experience for residents.
• The facility provides engaging activities such as facials, exercise sessions, and musical performances, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
• Meals prepared on-site are praised for their quality, with a variety of healthy options made available to residents.
• The environment at Landings of Blaine is noted to be clean and welcoming, making it a pleasant place for residents to live.
• Brookdale Blaine is recognized for offering a small space that allows bonds to form among residents and staff, ensuring individualized care and attention.
• Positive experiences regarding cleanliness and regular housekeeping services contribute to residents' overall satisfaction with their living conditions.

Cons

• The management at Northern Oaks made numerous procedural changes that negatively impacted the care of residents, leading to an increase in staff turnover and a decline in quality care.
• Several residents have left due to poor treatment and lack of proper communication about falls or incidents, creating additional distress for families.
• The LPN on duty lacks understanding and compassion for residents with dementia and Parkinson's disease, resulting in inadequate care.
• Residents experience limited activities and community engagement; the facility appears disorganized and dark, lacking a cheerful environment.
• The food served is subpar, often consisting of sandwiches or pizza delivery rather than meeting dietary needs, leading to dissatisfaction among residents.
• Staff members do not wear name tags, making it difficult for families to identify caregivers; there is a perception of rudeness and impatience from employees towards clients.
• There are complaints about insufficient staffing levels during nighttime shifts, which raises concerns about the safety and well-being of residents.
• The facility is perceived as outdated and less professionally maintained compared to competitors, with fewer amenities available for residents.
• Negative reviews about the facility are reportedly removed from public view, raising transparency concerns regarding resident experiences and care standards.
• Families report feeling overcharged for services that do not meet expected standards of quality care, leaving seniors with little financial resources at month's end.

Review

The search for suitable assisted living and memory care facilities often reveals stark contrasts in the quality of care and the environments offered to residents. In particular, the reviews of Northern Oaks and Landings of Blaine highlight a spectrum of experiences that can significantly impact the well-being of residents and their families. As family members navigate this emotionally charged journey, it becomes essential for them to weigh not only the physical attributes of these facilities but also the level of care provided by staff.

Initially, many reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with Northern Oaks following its managerial shift from The Landings. Concerns were raised about drastic procedural changes that adversely affected resident care. Prior to this change, The Landings had maintained a high standard across multiple categories, garnering praise from families who felt confident in their loved ones' well-being. However, since Northern Oaks took over, critical issues emerged: caregiver shortages frequently left just two staff members—one sometimes serving as the cook—responsible for attending to numerous residents' needs. This staffing inadequacy has led to struggles in providing proper care, exacerbated by poor communication practices between shifts and infrequent bathroom cleaning.

One particularly alarming issue noted repeatedly was the lack of notification when residents fell—a critical concern for those with conditions like Parkinson’s disease or dementia. One reviewer mentioned that their husband experienced 39 falls in a year but had not been informed about any incidents since October. The departure of knowledgeable nursing staff led to additional concerns regarding compassion and understanding among remaining personnel, resulting in several residents relocating to other facilities due to perceived neglect.

In contrast to Northern Oaks, reviews of Landings of Blaine painted a more mixed picture. Some visitors found beauty in its intimate size—offering only 19 beds—which created an environment resembling a family home rather than an institutional atmosphere. Residents enjoyed engaging activities ranging from singalongs and exercises to celebratory events such as birthday parties hosted within a welcoming community space. However, some potential new clients perceived shortcomings concerning organization and amenities compared to larger establishments.

Several reviewers noted that while there were signs of friendly staff interaction at Landings of Blaine, overall structure seemed lacking—with some feeling disheartened by dimly lit spaces that did not promote an uplifting atmosphere conducive to social interactions among residents. Despite these critiques, others praised specific aspects such as cleanliness and food quality, highlighting dedicated meal planning efforts aimed at catering healthy options tailored to specific dietary needs.

Moreover, concerns arose regarding inadequate staffing levels during evenings at both establishments; however, positive reviews emphasized individual attention received by residents at smaller facilities like Brookdale Blaine or similar small venues reviewed alongside Landings of Blaine. Many expressed appreciation for how staff fostered bonds with residents through personalized interactions while ensuring cleanliness in rooms and assistance with personal appointments—a reflection that resonates strongly with families seeking compassionate environments for their loved ones.

Ultimately, these varied reviews underscore the complexity involved in selecting suitable memory care or assisted living facilities. Family members must consider not only operational aspects but also emotional support systems provided within each place they evaluate. The overwhelming feedback suggests that prospective clients should prioritize homes where individualized care is prioritized over sheer capacity—a crucial element conducive toward creating safe spaces filled with respect and dignity for vulnerable populations navigating life’s later stages.

This part of Blaine, Minnesota offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. Within a short distance, there are multiple restaurants to enjoy dining out with friends or family. Nearby pharmacies ensure easy access to medications and healthcare supplies. Various healthcare facilities, including imaging centers, physician offices, and hospitals, are located within a few miles for medical needs. The area also provides opportunities for entertainment with theaters nearby, as well as cafes for socializing over coffee. Places of worship offer spiritual support and community connections. Additionally, numerous parks and recreational areas allow for outdoor activities and nature walks. Overall, this neighborhood in Blaine provides a comfortable and well-equipped environment for seniors looking to settle down in a vibrant community.

Restaurants

• The Roadside (0.4 miles)
• Blainbrook Entertainment Center (0.6 miles)
• Axel's Bonfire (1.8 miles)
• The Tavern Grill (1.8 miles)
• Wild Bills Sports Saloon (1.8 miles)
• Shortstop Bar & Grill (1.9 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Fairview Pharmacy Services (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4.9 miles)
• Cub Pharmacy (5.7 miles)

Physicians

• Suburban Imaging (0.7 miles)
• Multicare Associates (0.7 miles)
• Oakdale OBGYN (0.7 miles)
• Pain and Brain Healing Center (1.1 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Blaine (1.4 miles)
• Northtown Mall (4.7 miles)
• The Dental Specialists (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Coon Rapids 16 (3.3 miles)
• Andover Cinema (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (6.7 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (7.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Ephiphany Catholic Church (3.8 miles)
• Open Range Cowboy Church (6.6 miles)
• Fridley United Methodist Church (7.5 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (8.9 miles)

Parks

• Ham Lake City Park (4.1 miles)
• Lexington Athletic Complex (4.2 miles)
• Crooked Lake Park & Beach (4.6 miles)
• Sunshine Park (4.8 miles)
• Riverdale Park (5.4 miles)
• Pinebrook Park (6.1 miles)
• Kelsey Round Lake Park (7 miles)

Transportation

• Lino Air Park (5.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Unity Hospital (6.1 miles)
• Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (6.7 miles)