Highlands on Graham

Pros

• The community is well maintained and has a home-like feel, making residents comfortable.
• The apartments are pleasant with plenty of sunshine pouring in daily.
• Residents appreciate the grocery delivery system and the on-site salon.
• Three meals a day are offered in a nearby building, enhancing convenience for residents.
• Maintenance requests inside apartments are handled quickly and efficiently.
• The building features nice woodwork, cabinets, and spacious rooms that residents enjoy.
• Many residents find the community friendly and welcoming, which adds to their overall satisfaction.

Cons

• The management is terrible and does not treat senior citizens with respect.
• Residents feel neglected and are frustrated by a lack of communication regarding important issues, such as gas leaks.
• Maintenance requests are often ignored or poorly handled, leading to dissatisfaction among residents.
• The building's cleanliness is a concern, with reports of dirty elevator floors and windows that haven't been washed in a long time.
• The common areas are described as dark, dreary, and outdated, contributing to an unwelcoming atmosphere.
• Security intercom volume is too low to hear from inside apartments, posing a safety issue for residents.
• There is insufficient indoor parking available for residents with mobility challenges.
• The community management system appears disorganized and unresponsive, leaving residents feeling frustrated and unheard.

Review

The experience of seniors residing in independent living facilities can vary dramatically, as evidenced by the mixed reviews of a particular community. For some residents, the facility initially provided a welcoming ambiance and positive amenities, especially before the property management changed hands. One reviewer shared their heartfelt sentiments about their mother’s transition from her longtime home to this community four years ago. The initial environment fostered happiness with various personal touches, such as customizable paint colors and an affordable rent structure. However, this idyllic situation took a turn for the worse following the sale of the building to Oppidan, managed by Ebenezer.

The new management's decisions have left several long-term residents feeling disheartened and disrespected. Significant rent increases of $120 monthly were imposed along with a shift from yearly leases to month-to-month arrangements that allow for arbitrary future rent hikes. More alarmingly, forced relocations from well-liked apartments to temporary housing devoid of essential services emerged as a controversial issue among residents. For instance, one elderly resident was compelled to vacate her apartment to accommodate renovations she did not request or want; these alterations reportedly aim at enhancing profitability rather than genuinely improving residents' quality of life.

Residents describe myriad inconveniences that highlight deficiencies in both communication and basic maintenance within the facility. Complaints about inadequate communication permeated several reviews; numerous individuals expressed frustration over what they termed "poor management." Longtime inhabitants have reported gas leaks without sufficient notice or updates regarding critical safety issues like non-working air conditioning systems in communal areas. Furthermore, delays in communication regarding maintenance requests only exacerbated concerns about overall care for senior citizens inhabiting the space.

Those who rated their apartments positively acknowledged appealing features such as charming architecture, sizable rooms with nice woodwork and cabinets, and clean community spaces. However, dissatisfaction emerged regarding specific logistical shortcomings: long-standing concerns about unwashed windows and dimly lit hallways indicated neglect in upkeep. Additionally, frustratingly inconsistent elevator cleanliness and low intercom volume representing safety risks illustrated that attention to detail may be lacking under current management.

Parking posed another significant issue highlighted across various testimonials; some residents lamented the absence of indoor parking options crucial for accessibility needs—especially when supporting loved ones utilizing wheelchairs during harsh winter conditions proved burdensome without adequate resources available close at hand. This void reflects broader challenges related to accommodating seniors’ mobility needs while ensuring their comfort amid changing circumstances.

In conclusion, these contrasting narratives reveal a fragile landscape within independent living facilities where once-thriving communities grapple with management changes that can disrupt established patterns of care tailored specifically for elderly residents. While some individuals strive to adapt to evolving environments—voicing reluctance yet maintaining hope—others feel cornered into choices against their will through escalating costs or restrictive policies driven solely by profit motives rather than compassion towards elderly inhabitants' well-being. As families consider options for relatives transitioning into independent living arrangements seeking safety in sociable surroundings—a deep dive into potential accommodations becomes vital so they might steer clear from disappointing experiences plaguing those affiliated with less caring establishments today.

This part of Saint Paul, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several parks nearby like Hidden Falls Park and Lake Hiawatha Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and nature walks. Additionally, there are multiple hospitals and pharmacies within a short distance, providing convenient access to healthcare services. The presence of reputable physicians' offices such as Parkway Family Physicians and Dermatology Consultants P.A. ensure quality medical care for seniors in the area. In terms of transportation, the proximity to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport makes traveling convenient for both residents and visiting family members. Places of worship like St George Greek Orthodox Church offer spiritual support, while nearby restaurants and cafes provide dining options for socializing with friends. Overall, this neighborhood provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in Saint Paul.

Parks

• Hidden Falls Park (0.5 miles)
• Minnehaha Falls Dog Park (1 miles)
• Wabun Picnic Area (1.7 miles)
• Bossen Field (2.5 miles)
• Lake Hiawatha Park (3.2 miles)
• Taft Park (3.5 miles)
• Longfellow Park (3.5 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 (5.6 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (5.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 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) (1.8 miles)
• Escape Lounge (1.8 miles)
• Terminal 1-Lindbergh (1.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• WW Studio (1.6 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (3.4 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (4.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Twins Grill (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Stone Arch (1.9 miles)
• Sea Salt Eatery (1.9 miles)
• Pool and Yacht Club (2.3 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (3.5 miles)
• Brew Hall (3.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Groundswell (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.6 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (4.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Inver Grove 16 (6.3 miles)