Suite Living - Little Canada

Pros

• The staff members are dedicated to ensuring that residents receive assistance when needed, despite the challenges of high turnover.
• The opportunity for residents to have meals in their rooms provides them with a sense of comfort and privacy.
• Residents have the option to take care of personal items, like walkers, which allows families to maintain control over what they dispose of.
• Families are actively involved in helping maintain a clean and caring environment for their loved ones.
• The facility offers a range of services and amenities that some residents may appreciate during their stay.

Cons

• The facility has a high turnover rate for staff, leading to inconsistency in care.
• The bedside commode is emptied by family members, indicating a lack of proper assistance from staff.
• The quality of food served is poor, forcing residents to eat meals in their rooms instead of dining areas.
• Residents pay a monthly fee yet receive inadequate services and support.
• When my mom's walker broke, the facility refused to dispose of it properly, causing additional inconvenience for us.

Review

In the realm of assisted living facilities, the experience can vary significantly from one establishment to another. Unfortunately, some residents and their families encounter a series of challenges that can overshadow any potential benefits of such living arrangements. A recent review captures several troubling issues faced by one family as they navigate the complexities of caring for an elderly loved one in a facility, shedding light on significant concerns regarding staff turnover, inadequate sanitation, subpar meal quality, and lack of proper amenities.

One major issue highlighted is the "revolving door" of staff at the facility. Consistent staffing is crucial in environments that cater to vulnerable populations like seniors who may require assistance with daily activities. When employees frequently come and go, it not only disrupts the continuity of care but also creates an atmosphere of instability. For families entrusting their loved ones’ well-being to such establishments, habitual staff changes may raise concerns about the quality and consistency of care provided. These changes hinder relationship-building between residents and staff members, which is essential for fostering trust and understanding.

The recounting of personal experiences by family members underscores another pressing concern: cleanliness and hygiene standards within the facility. The task of emptying bedside commodes typically falls to the staff; however, when family members are compelled to undertake this unpleasant duty themselves, it raises serious questions about the operational protocols enforced at the facility. Such responsibilities should be managed by trained personnel who are equipped to handle these duties efficiently and hygienically. The need for families to intervene signals deeper systemic problems within management practices that could ultimately affect residents’ dignity and comfort.

Moreover, mealtime experiences further compound dissatisfaction among residents and their loved ones. One family member noted that due to poor food quality—so terrible that their mother opts to eat two out of three meals in her own room rather than join others for communal dining—the overall dining experience becomes less enjoyable than it should be in a community setting designed for social interaction and support. Quality nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining health among seniors; thus, when meals fall short of expectations or fail to cater to dietary needs or preferences, it adversely impacts both physical health and emotional well-being.

The family's frustration doesn't end there; they have encountered logistical challenges related to essential equipment like walkers. In situations where mobility aids break down—tools vital for independence—families expect immediate support from care facilities regarding repairs or replacements. However, being told that a broken walker cannot be disposed of on-site creates additional stress during already difficult times. Such policies can seem unreasonable and do little to foster a supportive environment geared toward enhancing resident autonomy.

The cumulative effect of these issues paints a stark picture of life within this particular assisted living facility—a place where expectations based on financially significant residency agreements often clash with lived realities marked by dissatisfaction in care quality amid administrative shortcomings. Residents pay substantial monthly fees intending to receive comprehensive support throughout their golden years but instead find themselves confronting a host of preventable problems stemming from mismanagement.

Ultimately, reviews like this serve as poignant reminders for potential residents—and their families—to thoroughly investigate assisted living options before making commitments. Prospective clients must seek transparency regarding staffing practices, dining services, sanitation protocols, and equipment handling policies before selecting a place that promises care during vulnerable stages in life. Open communication channels between management teams and families can pave pathways toward improving resident experiences while ensuring they receive appropriate attention vital for maintaining dignity in their later years.

This part of Little Canada, Minnesota offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities that can cater to the needs and interests of seniors. With multiple pharmacies nearby, accessing medication and healthcare services is convenient. The area also boasts several parks for leisurely walks or outdoor activities, along with various dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants. Places of worship are also close by for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, medical services are easily accessible with a variety of physicians' offices in the vicinity. For entertainment, there is a movie theater within a short distance. Hospitals are also within reach for any emergency medical needs. Public transportation options are available for easy access to neighboring areas. Overall, this part of Little Canada provides a well-rounded community with amenities suitable for seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)

Parks

• Acorn Park (0.4 miles)
• Owasso Park (0.9 miles)
• Central Park Playground (2 miles)
• Bear Park (2.7 miles)
• Flicek Park (3 miles)
• Snail Lake Regional Park (3.1 miles)
• Harvest Park (3.2 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Taco John's (1.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.6 miles)
• McCarron's Pub and Grill (1.6 miles)
• Karen Thai food (2.4 miles)
• Olive Garden (2.9 miles)
• Noodles & Company (3.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Jerome Elementary School (2.1 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (2.8 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (4.9 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (5.3 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (6 miles)
• St Mary of the Lake Church (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Retina Center (2.6 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (3 miles)
• HealthPartners Clinic (3.4 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (3.5 miles)
• Jacobs Carol RN (3.6 miles)
• Entira Family Clinics (3.9 miles)
• Minnesota Vein Center (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Groundswell (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rosedale 14 (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (3.5 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (4.7 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (5.2 miles)
• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (4.5 miles)
• Union Depot (5.3 miles)