The Shores of Lake Phalen

Pros

• The residents at The Shores of Lake Phalen are generally happy and well-adjusted, often participating in activities and socializing with others.
• The staff at The Shores of Lake Phalen is described as extremely helpful, friendly, and kind, contributing to a positive atmosphere for the residents.
• The facility is noted for its beautiful environment and accommodating community, making it a pleasant place for residents to live.
• Many visitors have observed that the dining setup is nice and the food is well-received by the residents.
• The Shores of Lake Phalen has made efforts to improve caregiver training, focusing on interaction and communication with residents in Memory Care.
• Residents have access to a variety of activities and outings, promoting engagement and socialization within the community.

Cons

• There are reports of unprofessionalism and a lack of empathy from the administration, particularly in dealing with families during difficult times.
• The evening staff at The Shores of Lake Phalen is described as overworked and unresponsive, leaving residents without assistance when needed.
• Caregivers in the memory care unit were noted to be insufficiently trained, leading to rough handling and unsafe transfer practices.
• High staff turnover rates have been recognized as a persistent issue, impacting the quality of care provided to residents.
• Cleaning standards were criticized for being inadequate, with facilities not kept clean and mold present in showers.
• Communication failures regarding medication management led to residents going without necessary medications.
• Incidents involving safety concerns, such as improper belting on transportation outings, highlighted lapses in staff training and protocols.
• Experiences related to interactions with caregivers were often described as task-oriented rather than patient-centered.
• Concerns about transportation arrangements for medical appointments indicate a gap in service provision that affects resident care continuity.

Review

The experiences shared by families regarding memory care and assisted living facilities highlight a crucial discussion about the quality of care provided to vulnerable residents, as well as the administrative oversight necessary for fostering a healthy environment. One resonant critique comes from individuals who had unfortunate experiences in a particular memory care facility. Their description paints a picture of alarming negligence and unprofessionalism. It was reported that staff members lacked proper training, which manifested in multiple instances where residents were treated roughly during transfers. The consequences of such inadequate practices ranged from physical pain to safety hazards, exemplified when a resident's wheelchair broke due to mishandling.

Moreover, the administration’s unresponsiveness to concerns raised by families exacerbated the situation. Essential medications were reportedly neglected or omitted altogether, leaving residents without necessary treatments—an oversight that could have dire implications on their health and wellbeing. The pattern of dismissive responses like "we will investigate this" further illustrated an environment where accountability seemed absent. This lack of action contributed to an unsafe atmosphere where even basic hygiene standards fell short; dirty showers with mold indicated inadequate cleaning protocols.

In stark contrast, reviews related to The Shores of Lake Phalen present a more positive perspective on assisted living facilities. Several families expressed contentment with their loved ones’ experiences at The Shores, noting the beautiful surroundings and abundance of activities available for residents. For instance, one family member highlighted how their mother-in-law was thriving in this setting—becoming socially engaged and enjoying the food provided at meals—a common concern among families searching for suitable care environments.

The staff at The Shores received commendations for their friendliness and attentiveness as well. Although there were sufficient complaints related to staff performance during evening shifts in another review, overall assessments suggested that most caregivers were genuinely dedicated to providing quality interactions with residents throughout the day. Residents participated in engaging activities such as bingo and outings, which fostered socialization while enhancing their quality of life.

However, some recurring issues marred these positive comments regarding The Shores of Lake Phalen; particularly staffing turnover rates remained troubling across both facilities mentioned in various reviews. High turnover can indicate deeper systemic problems within elder care institutions—overworked staff potentially leading to burnout and diminished quality of service over time. Families voiced concern regarding not only retaining good caregivers but also attracting new talent capable of meeting the emotional and physical needs of aging adults under their care.

Despite certain critiques regarding evening staff performance at The Shores, it is encouraging to hear about management’s efforts towards improvement since they acknowledged past problems with ownership changes impacting stability within the facility. Reports suggest that current management has implemented enhanced training programs aimed at fostering better communication between caregivers and residents in memory care units—an effort certainly noted by families who have seen gradual improvements over time.

In conclusion, these testimonials underscore two distinct narratives within assisted living: one filled with distressing accounts showcasing negligence versus another highlighting nurturing environments conducive to positive resident experiences. By emphasizing ongoing communication between management and family members alongside prioritizing comprehensive staff training initiatives geared toward empathy-based caregiving practices, communities like The Shores may continue evolving into models reflecting what dignified elder care ought to represent: respect, compassion, and unwavering commitment towards improving lives during their twilight years.

Parks

• Flicek Park (0.2 miles)
• Harvest Park (1.5 miles)
• Hazelwood Park (2.2 miles)
• Casey Lake Park (2.8 miles)
• Legacy Pines Park (2.8 miles)
• Rotary Park (3 miles)
• Acorn Park (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• HealthPartners Clinic (1 miles)
• Retina Center (1.3 miles)
• Healthpartners Clinics (1.7 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (2.4 miles)
• Jacobs Carol RN (2.5 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (3.5 miles)
• West Side Community Health Services (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Jerome Elementary School (1.3 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (4.2 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (4.3 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.5 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (5.8 miles)
• St Mary of the Lake Church (6.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Karen Thai food (1.5 miles)
• White Castle (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• McCarron's Pub and Grill (2.3 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (2.4 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (3.4 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (4 miles)
• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (4.6 miles)

Transportation

• Union Depot (3.8 miles)
• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (5.9 miles)

Theaters

• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (4.8 miles)
• AMC Rosedale 14 (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Groundswell (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)