Highland Gw

Pros

• The staff at Gracewood is exceptionally friendly, attentive, and caring towards the residents.
• Residents are encouraged to participate in activities, promoting engagement and socialization.
• The facility has a homey atmosphere that makes it feel more like a family environment rather than an institutional setting.
• Many caregivers genuinely care about the well-being of the residents and go above and beyond to provide support.
• The community is clean, well-kept, and offers a beautiful outdoor space for residents to enjoy.
• Gracewood maintains a reasonable patient-to-staff ratio, allowing for personalized care tailored to individual needs.
• Families appreciate the all-inclusive pricing structure, which simplifies financial planning without hidden costs.
• Residents have reported positive experiences with recreational activities that contribute to their overall happiness and engagement.
• Communication from staff during critical times, such as hospital stays or hospice transitions, has been accommodating and supportive.
• The head nurse and house manager are recognized for their exceptional interaction with residents and families alike.

Cons

• There are concerns about insufficient staffing in the evening hours, which may affect the level of care.
• The food quality is reported to be poor, with residents expressing dissatisfaction.
• Personalized programming for memory care and evaluations were not provided as promised during orientation.
• The manager is described as defensive when issues arise, making it difficult to resolve concerns.
• There were complaints about lost clothing items due to laundry mishandling.
• Some caregivers may feel unsupported or face retaliation when raising concerns about resident care.
• One reviewer felt that additional one-on-one attention for their loved one would benefit their specific needs.

Review

Gracewood of Highland Park has garnered a range of reviews from families who have entrusted their loved ones to the care provided within its walls. Many reviewers have expressed profound gratitude for the supportive atmosphere and dedicated staff who prioritize the well-being of residents, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. One family noted that their mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, has not only been involved in various activities but has also seen a marked improvement in her health since moving to Gracewood. They highlighted how attentive and responsive the staff is compared to previous experiences at other facilities, creating a nurturing environment filled with kindness.

The experience of families at Gracewood reflects a balance between heartwarming support and areas needing improvement. Several reviews pointed out that while the overall atmosphere feels like home rather than an institutional memory care facility, there were concerns about staffing levels during evening hours. Despite experiencing generally positive interactions with caregivers—who are described as patient and helpful—some families felt that staffing shortages could compromise personalized attention crucial for those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. A few reviewers expressed disappointment over the food quality and variety offered to residents, describing it as starchy and unappealing.

One family specifically praised the community's smaller size, which cultivates an intimate atmosphere where both staff and residents feel like family. Many expressed contentment with Gracewood's cleanliness and well-maintained grounds while noting that activities such as singalongs keep residents engaged socially. Furthermore, there was commendation for specific staff members who went above and beyond in providing individualized care—recreational coordinators like Julie received accolades for their compassionate engagement with residents.

However, some reviews mentioned issues concerning laundry protocols and communication with management when problems arose. Instances of lost clothing were troubling for one family who felt inadequately supported by management when these issues were raised. A desire for more open lines of communication without fear of retaliation often came up among reviewers expressing frustration regarding how concerns were handled by upper management.

Despite some challenges, several families recounted positive transitions into Gracewood with relatives feeling welcomed almost immediately. One son shared his mother’s initial apprehension towards “nursing homes,” which was alleviated after her first visit to Gracewood; she loved it instantly. Families appreciated that Gracewood offered reasonable all-inclusive pricing structures tailored to individual needs—which was particularly beneficial for clients requiring extensive daily assistance associated with conditions like Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's.

As Gracewood is relatively new on the scene, many families emphasized their satisfaction knowing they had chosen a less-known yet high-quality facility for their loved ones' care. With 5:1 patient-to-staff ratios allowing for customized attention throughout daily routines, many found themselves relieved by the level of care provided—a refreshing contrast to previous experiences elsewhere that relied on confusing add-on costs based on services rendered.

In summary, while individual experiences may vary somewhat based on specific needs or circumstances faced during residency at Gracewood of Highland Park, overall sentiment leans toward appreciation for its nurturing environment characterized by committed staff members and a loving community culture geared toward elderly care. The facility captures what many families deem essential—the peace of mind associated with knowing someone they love is well cared for in an environment that feels comforting rather than clinical.

This part of St Paul, Minnesota offers a convenient and well-rounded neighborhood for senior living. With a variety of parks nearby such as Hidden Falls Park and Lake Hiawatha Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and nature walks. Access to healthcare is easily accessible with hospitals like VA Medical Center and United Hospital Joint Replacement Center within a short distance. Additionally, there are several pharmacies and physicians' offices in the area for convenient medical care. For dining options, there are a range of restaurants offering diverse cuisines such as Twins Grill and Sea Salt Eatery. Places of worship like St George Greek Orthodox Church provide spiritual support for residents. Overall, this neighborhood provides a peaceful and accessible environment for seniors looking to settle in St Paul.

Parks

• Hidden Falls Park (0.4 miles)
• Minnehaha Falls Dog Park (0.9 miles)
• Wabun Picnic Area (1.6 miles)
• Bossen Field (2.5 miles)
• Lake Hiawatha Park (3.2 miles)
• Taft Park (3.4 miles)
• Longfellow Park (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• VA Medical Center (1.2 miles)
• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (4.6 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (5.3 miles)
• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (5.5 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (5.8 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (6.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (4.5 miles)

Physicians

• Parkway Family Physicians (1.6 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants P.A. (3.6 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Eagan - Viking Lakes (4.3 miles)
• Southwest Dermatology Specialist (4.8 miles)
• Mngi Digestive Health - Eagan Endoscopy Center & Clinic (4.9 miles)
• HealthPartners Health Center for Women Clinic St Paul (4.9 miles)
• Entira Family Clinics-West St Paul (5.2 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse A (1.6 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (1.6 miles)
• Concourse C (1.6 miles)
• Concourse D (1.7 miles)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) (1.7 miles)
• Escape Lounge (1.8 miles)
• Concourse E (1.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Twins Grill (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Sea Salt Eatery (1.8 miles)
• Stone Arch (1.9 miles)
• Pool and Yacht Club (2.3 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (3.4 miles)
• Brew Hall (3.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• WW Studio (1.6 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (3.4 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Groundswell (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.9 miles)