109 East 7Th Street, Starbuck, MN 56381
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
The two accounts reflect a facility that can feel like two different places depending on who is there and what they experience. On one hand, there are distressing, specific allegations about neglect and unsafe conditions that left a family angry and worried for a loved one. On the other, there is a deeply positive testimony from another family member who portrays the same community as genuine, attentive, and capable of providing care with integrity. Taken together, the reviews sketch a complex picture of a place that can feel profoundly supportive to some residents and deeply troubling to others.
In the troubling account, the family describes a frightening lapse in safety and responsiveness. They recount that the ring camera was not working, and their mother - who was living there - was locked in a foyer that was not heated for over two hours. The incident is framed not as a minor glitch but as something that could place a vulnerable adult at real risk, and the reviewer does not hesitate to say that the staff placed the blame on the resident herself. The emotional weight of that moment comes through in the language, highlighting fear for the resident's safety and a sense that the facility did not take appropriate responsibility for keeping her secure.
The same reviewer goes on to detail additional concerns that feel like ongoing neglect. They report that their mother suffered from incontinence, yet the facility had not placed an order for briefs for more than two weeks. The description of the room afterward - "the smell of urine was so strong it burned your nostrils" - paints a vivid and painful image of unsanitary conditions. The reviewer questions whether the staff would tolerate living in such conditions themselves or for their own mothers, underscoring a sense of betrayal and moral disappointment. The cumulative impression is one of neglect, lack of timely care, and a failure to maintain a respectful, livable environment for a resident who needed advocacy and attentive care.
This negative experience culminates in a clear personal verdict: the reviewer would not bring a loved one to this facility again. It is a strong, personal repudiation born of fear for safety, discomfort, and a sense that basic dignities and needs were not being reliably met. The emphasis is on the consequences of those failures - an injustice felt most acutely by someone who trusted the facility with the care of a vulnerable family member - and the lasting impact that such an experience can have on a family's sense of security and trust.
Counterbalancing this, the other review presents a markedly different experience, one that speaks to warmth, reliability, and ongoing, attentive care. The reviewer declares a strong affection for the assisted living community, describing it as genuine and attentive and praising the overall quality of care delivered with integrity. They emphasize that their family member has been a part of the community for some time and that the care received has supported not just physical health but mental and emotional well-being as well. In their words, the facility and its staff have provided care that the family themselves would struggle to match if trying to care for their loved one outside the community.
The transition into the community is framed as initially daunting rather than comforting. The reviewer acknowledges the fear that comes from hearing rumors about elderly care facilities and worrying about whether a loved one would be safe and well cared for after the move. Yet, the narrative shifts to a positive arc: once settled, the loved one has reliable access to contact family whenever they wish, a foundational element of reassurance and ongoing connection. This accessibility helps ease the transition and maintain a sense of closeness even as care responsibilities are shared with trained professionals.
Communication and independence emerge as key themes in the positive account. The reviewer notes that while the loved one can call at any time, the pattern of contact evolved from daily, often anxious and lonely conversations to less frequent, but more effective communication - eventually settling into a weekly call that still allows for honest, open dialogue without the constant tone of fear. Importantly, the staff's role is depicted as enabling independence: with professional support, the resident experiences greater autonomy than before, and the family can trust that their loved one is in capable hands. The closing sentiment is warm and affirmative: this is a great place for elders to be safe and independent.
Together, these perspectives illustrate how assisted living communities can deliver profoundly different experiences. For one family, lapses in safety and care raised urgent concerns and disillusionment, highlighting the critical need for accountability, timely supplies, and respect for residents' dignity. For another family, a similar setting became a source of reassurance, steady companionship, and enhanced independence, underscored by attentive staff and a culture of genuine care. The contrast reminds readers that the quality of daily life in such communities hinges on consistent staffing, timely caregiving, and the ongoing, compassionate engagement of caregivers who honor both the practical and emotional needs of their residents.
Holly Ridge Manor I in Starbuck, MN is a well-appointed assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to ensure a comfortable and supportive living environment for its residents.
The community features fully furnished apartments with cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, and telephone services. Each apartment also has a kitchenette, allowing residents the option to prepare their own meals if desired. Housekeeping services are provided to ensure that the living spaces are maintained in a neat and tidy fashion.
Residents can enjoy the outdoor space available at Holly Ridge Manor I, which includes a garden area where they can relax and soak up the sunshine. There is also move-in coordination assistance available to help new residents settle into their new home seamlessly.
In terms of care services, Holly Ridge Manor I provides 24-hour supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers is available as needed. The staff also coordinates with health care providers to ensure that residents receive necessary medical attention. Medication management is provided for those who require it.
The community understands that each resident may have unique dietary needs, and therefore accommodates special dietary restrictions. Meal preparation and service are offered, including diabetes diet options. In addition to this focus on physical health, Holly Ridge Manor I also offers a mental wellness program to support the emotional well-being of its residents.
Transportation arrangements can be made for medical appointments or other outings as needed. Nearby amenities include two cafes for socializing or dining out, one park for outdoor recreation, four restaurants for variety in dining options, and seven places of worship for spiritual fulfillment.
Holly Ridge Manor I also promotes an active lifestyle through resident-run activities and scheduled daily activities. These engagements provide opportunities for socialization, entertainment, and personal enrichment.
Overall, Holly Ridge Manor I offers a welcoming environment with comprehensive care services tailored to meet individual needs. The community strives to provide a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents, ensuring they are supported in both their physical and emotional well-being.
Holly Ridge Manor I is located at 109 East 7Th Street, Starbuck, MN 56381 in Pope County, Minnesota
Minnewaska Community Health Services
Starbuck, MN
Caring, dedicated staff; clean, well-maintained facility; good meals and engaging activities.
Minnewaska Community Health Services reviews
Minnewaska Community Health Services images
Minnewaska Lutheran Home
Starbuck, MN
Warm, home-like atmosphere with caring staff, cleanliness, and engaging activities.
Minnewaska Lutheran Home reviews
Minnewaska Lutheran Home images
Understanding the True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Assisted living in 2025 offers a crucial balance of independence and support for seniors, with costs varying from $2,500 to over $7,000 per month based on factors such as location and care level. Understanding pricing complexities, including regional differences and potential hidden fees, is essential for families to plan financially while ensuring quality care for their loved ones.
Understanding Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living: A Comprehensive Guide
The guide outlines the complexities of Medicaid coverage for assisted living, highlighting significant state-to-state variations, limited coverage often restricted to personal care services, and the existence of specialized waivers for certain needs like memory care. It advises families to consult local Medicaid offices for options while emphasizing the importance of understanding state-specific regulations and facility policies.
How and When Medicaid May Cover Assisted Living Costs
Medicaid coverage for assisted living varies by state and is primarily available to low-income individuals, with eligibility dependent on strict income and asset limits. Some states offer HCBS waivers for specific services in assisted living, but families must generally cover room and board costs, and should verify facility acceptance of Medicaid while considering potential waiting lists.