The Lakes at Stillwater

Pros

• The staff at The Lakes at Stillwater are described as very nice and friendly, contributing to a warm atmosphere.
• Residents enjoy active and engaging activities, fostering a sense of community among them.
• The facility is praised for its cleanliness and high-quality housing.
• Families appreciate the individualized care and accommodating nature of the staff, making residents feel supported.
• Many families express satisfaction with their loved ones' happiness in the community.
• The director of nursing is viewed positively by some residents who appreciate efforts to maintain standards within the facility.
• Overall, several families recommend the community based on their experiences so far.

Cons

• The Director of Nursing cares less about the residents and more about her own image, often lying to families and speaking negatively behind closed doors.
• Some staff members were reported as uncaring and unfriendly, treating residents poorly at times.
• During COVID, the experience was described as horrible, with excessive quarantining and lack of access for family members.
• One resident went 52 days without a shower, highlighting neglect in care.
• There were significant issues with the billing department, including unexplained charges and disorganization that required retraining.
• A family member had to deal with inconsistencies in the apartment setup upon moving in, which caused additional stress during an already difficult time.
• Overall care quality was deemed lacking in comparison to the facility's aesthetics; while beautiful, it did not meet expectations for resident care.

Review

The Lakes at Stillwater has garnered a diverse array of reviews from families and residents alike, showcasing both commendations and criticisms that reflect the complexity of long-term care facilities. On one hand, many reviewers praise the friendly and attentive staff, highlighting their dedication to creating a warm and welcoming environment. Comments like “excellent staff,” “kind people,” and “everyone feels supported” illustrate an overall positive sentiment regarding interpersonal interactions within the facility. Families appreciate how the active community fosters engagement through various activities, encouraging residents to remain physically and mentally active.

However, despite these positive impressions, some concerns about the quality of care have surfaced. For instance, one reviewer mentioned that while staff were generally friendly, they sometimes were perceived as dismissive or condescending towards residents. This raises issues regarding how eldercare is delivered on a day-to-day basis; caring interactions are critical in maintaining residents’ dignity and well-being. Another point of concern shared across several reviews was the timeliness of medications being administered, with patients experiencing delays which can significantly impact health outcomes.

Dining experiences at The Lakes at Stillwater have also elicited mixed feedback. Several reviewers remarked positively on the quality of meals served but expressed a desire for improvements that could elevate them to a more restaurant-like experience rather than merely family-style dining. While most felt that the food was satisfactory or even good in taste, some noted that it lacked variety and excitement—an essential factor given that meals represent an important aspect of daily life for elderly residents.

Additionally, many comments highlighted the beautiful aesthetics of The Lakes at Stillwater itself—described as a "brand-new facility" with modern amenities and appealing common spaces. This appeal draws families looking for a visually impressive environment; however, some detractors caution against valuing beauty over compassionate care. One reviewer who moved their loved one out due to feelings of neglect referenced that although aesthetically pleasing, it seemed less focused on providing genuine support compared to other places.

COVID-19 has undeniably affected operations at The Lakes at Stillwater as evidenced by numerous reviews documenting challenges experienced during this time. Issues related to social restrictions hampered family visits and hindered effective communication between staff and families regarding care plans, leading to misunderstandings about needs such as moving assistance or shower schedules for residents. A review specifically lamented a situation where their loved one went without basic hygiene care for 52 days—a serious lapse in attention to personal health—which highlights systemic deficiencies exacerbated by pandemic conditions.

Moreover, billing issues arose frequently in conversations among reviewers who cited confusion over unexpected charges that lacked clarity from administrative staff overseeing financial matters. Such disorganization can create additional stress for families already navigating complex caregiving requirements amidst significant emotional burdens associated with placing loved ones into assisted living environments.

In conclusion, while The Lakes at Stillwater stands out due to its friendly atmosphere and stunning design features alongside engaging activities for residents, issues surrounding care processes—including medication management, uncovered bathing schedules during crucial times such as COVID-19 lockdowns—and operational hurdles like unclear billing practices must be addressed diligently if it aims to truly serve its resident population effectively moving forward. Families contemplating this facility would benefit from weighing these aspects based on personal priorities: whether they prioritize aesthetic enhancements or seek assurances regarding consistent levels of compassionate care throughout everyday living situations.

This part of Stillwater, Minnesota offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With a variety of restaurants such as Culver's, Arby's, and Acapulco Mexican Restaurant nearby, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. Additionally, pharmacies like Cub Pharmacy and Walmart Pharmacy are readily accessible for any medical needs. The proximity to parks like Benson Park and Teddy Bear Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities, while nearby physicians and hospitals ensure quality healthcare services. Places of worship such as St Paul Lutheran Church offer spiritual support, and cafes like Dock Cafe provide a cozy atmosphere for socializing. For entertainment, theaters like St Croix Hilltop Drive-In offer a fun outing option. Overall, this part of Stillwater combines convenience, healthcare access, and recreational opportunities that make it a great choice for senior living.

Restaurants

• Culver's (1.3 miles)
• Arby's (1.6 miles)
• Lift Bridge Brewing Company (1.6 miles)
• Nelson's Ice Cream (1.6 miles)
• Taco John's (1.6 miles)
• Applebee's (1.8 miles)
• Acapulco Mexican Restaurant Stillwater (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Cub Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (6.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (7.9 miles)
• Mix Compounding Pharmacy (8 miles)

Parks

• Benson Park (1.4 miles)
• Teddy Bear Park (2.2 miles)
• Summer Tuesdays (2.3 miles)
• Jenson Memorial Park (6.2 miles)
• Joy Park (7 miles)
• Square Lake Park (7.2 miles)
• Eastside Park (7.4 miles)

Physicians

• St Croix Orthopaedics (1.6 miles)
• Assocted Eye Physcans Surgeons (1.7 miles)
• St Croix Orthopaedics PA (1.8 miles)
• Stillwater Medical Group (1.8 miles)
• Dakota Eye Care Associates (2 miles)
• Bluestone Physician Services (2.3 miles)
• Persing James S MD Psychiatric Consultants of Western Wisconsin (6 miles)

Hospitals

• Stillwater Good Samaritan Center (1.7 miles)
• Stillwater Health System (1.8 miles)
• Hudson Hospital (8.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Paul Lutheran Church (2.1 miles)
• St Mary of the Lake Church (8.2 miles)
• Eagle Brook Church - Woodbury Campus (8.4 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (8.8 miles)

Cafes

• Dock Cafe (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (8.5 miles)
• Joe To Go (8.6 miles)

Theaters

• St Croix Hilltop Drive-In (4.3 miles)
• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (6.2 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Woodbury (8.4 miles)