Northern Lights Community

Pros

• The staff were hardworking and understanding.
• The atmosphere was good.
• They offered ways to cope.
• They provided practical, helpful groups.
• Transportation for medical and recreational needs was available.
• They had great staff and good food.

Cons

• She said this facility is by far the worst.
• She wants everyone to know that they should stay away from here.
• She feels like staff don't care about the residents.
• They are extremely unorganized.

Review

A picture emerges from the mixed pool of impressions left by residents and their networks: a facility that can feel like a blessing in some moments and a cautionary tale in others. On one hand, there are vivid notes about a team that is described as hardworking and attentive, with staff who seem to understand what people in recovery or treatment need. The accounts highlight a culture where staff strive to supply necessities, keep a supportive atmosphere, and offer practical coping strategies through groups designed to help residents navigate daily life and tougher moments. Transportation assistance is mentioned as a concrete perk, helping residents access medical appointments and recreational activities, which many reviewers interpret as a sign that the program is thinking beyond a strict treatment itinerary and toward real-world living. In these voices, the environment feels constructive and caring, described in luminous terms as a blessing.

Within these same reflections, a more nuanced note comes from someone who completed a 90-day program at the facility. This reviewer offers a largely positive verdict: four out of five stars. The praise centers on the staff and the overall experience - "great staff" and "good food" are singled out as tangible positives. Yet the reviewer flags a significant limitation that colors the rating: a prohibition on CBD use. The individual shares that CBD has been helpful for their schizoaffective condition and emphasizes that CBD does not produce a high. Because access to CBD was blocked, this particular experience tempered the overall impression, keeping the rating from a perfect score. The takeaway here is not a rejection of the program but a clear call-out of how policy and personal medical needs can shape satisfaction levels even when other aspects are solid.

Another voice adds a stark contrast, underscoring how experiences can diverge within the same place. A friend who is currently at the facility asks for a review with a warning flag - advocating that prospective residents should stay away. According to this account, the facility stands out unfavorably after experiences at other centers. The friend frames this place as the worst she has encountered, suggesting that the staff do not seem to care about residents and that organizational issues are pervasive. The language is pointed and negative, painting a picture of disengagement and disarray rather than a cohesive program. If one person's experience hinges on the day-to-day reality of staff interactions and administrative flow, this perspective argues that the gaps in care and logistics can be significant enough to derail otherwise positive components of treatment.

Taken together, these reviews paint a complex portrait. They suggest that the facility can deliver meaningful support in terms of staffing, atmosphere, and practical resources. The repeated emphasis on hardworking, approachable staff and a conducive environment signals that, for many, the interpersonal dimension of care and the ability to meet basic needs are real strengths. The presence of practical groups and transport options adds a pragmatic layer - an acknowledgment that recovery is lived in the real world and not just within therapy sessions or a tightly scheduled routine.

Yet, the similarities among these accounts end there for many readers. The CBD concern stands as a substantive point of contention, illustrating how personal medical regimens and regulatory boundaries intersect with program design. For someone who benefits from CBD as part of managing schizoaffective symptoms, policies restricting its use can feel like a meaningful obstacle, reducing the perceived effectiveness of an otherwise solid program. This detail matters because it speaks to the broader question of how flexible a facility can be in accommodating individual treatment needs within a standardized framework.

On the other end of the emotional spectrum, the third account serves as a cautionary counterpoint. The friend's testimony emphasizes a perception of coldness or indifference on the part of staff and a sense of organizational chaos. In this view, confidence in the program erodes not because the core treatment is poor, but because the day-to-day administration - communication, scheduling, responsiveness - feels misaligned with residents' needs. For prospective residents and their families, this perspective highlights the importance of asking pointed questions about staffing continuity, response times, and how crises or emergencies are handled, as well as requesting recent tour observations to gauge whether the facility's operational standards match the stated mission.

Where does that leave someone evaluating this facility? The landscape of opinions suggests that experiences are not monolithic. A strong, supportive staff and a welcoming atmosphere can be the bedrock upon which recovery activities and essential services are built, creating a sense of safety and community. At the same time, policy rigidity around medications and treatment modalities, such as CBD, can blunt otherwise solid gains for individuals whose treatment needs deviate from the norm. And finally, a perception of disorganization or apathy among staff can undermine trust, even when other elements are functioning well.

For anyone considering this facility, a balanced approach is wise. It's worth asking detailed questions about how staff respond to emergencies and daily needs, how consistent the care teams are across shifts, and how transportation and activity options are scheduled and managed. If CBD or other individualized treatments are important, inquire about what accommodations might be possible or what alternatives exist within the program. In short, the place appears capable of delivering meaningful support and a positive environment for many, but it also requires prospective residents to scrutinize policies, organizational clarity, and the fit between their personal treatment plans and what the program can offer.

This part of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several parks nearby such as Northrup Park and Floyd B. Olson Park, residents can enjoy outdoor recreational activities and beautiful green spaces. Additionally, there are several places of worship in the area including Zion Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church for spiritual support and community engagement. For transportation needs, U-Haul and Northland Taxi are just a short distance away, providing easy access for travel purposes. The proximity to restaurants like South China Buffet and pharmacies such as Thrifty White Pharmacy ensures seniors have convenient options for dining and healthcare needs. With healthcare facilities like SANFORD MED Center THIEF RVR FALL nearby, seniors can rest assured knowing that medical care is easily accessible in the area. Overall, this part of Thief River Falls offers a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Parks

• Northrup Park (0.1 miles)
• Red Robe Park (0.4 miles)
• LaFave Beach Park (0.5 miles)
• Floyd B. Olson Park (0.6 miles)
• Thief River Falls Parks & Rec (0.7 miles)
• Oakland Park (1.7 miles)
• Engelstad Park (1.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Zion Lutheran Church (0.4 miles)
• First Baptist Church (0.4 miles)
• Epiphany Station (0.5 miles)
• Trinity Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• The Shepherds Inn (0.6 miles)
• Nexus Church (0.7 miles)
• St Bernard's Church (0.7 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul (0.5 miles)
• Northland Taxi (0.8 miles)
• Mesaba Aviation (3.7 miles)
• Thief River Falls Regional Airport (TVF) (4.2 miles)
• Red Lake Falls Municipal Airport (D81) (21 miles)
• Red Lake Falls Municipal Airport (21.2 miles)
• Back 2 Life Taxidermy (22.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Eagles Club Rooms (0.5 miles)
• South China Buffet (0.6 miles)
• Arby's (0.6 miles)
• Subway (0.6 miles)
• Biff's Kitchen (0.6 miles)
• Wing Street (0.7 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Canada Discount Health Care (0.5 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Hugo's (0.8 miles)
• Hugo's Family Marketplace (0.8 miles)
• Super One Foods (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Johnnies Cafe (0.5 miles)
• Eazy Pack & Ship (1.2 miles)
• Wired Bean (1.2 miles)
• Memories Cafe & Catering (17.9 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Mark Tsibulsky, MD (0.7 miles)
• Hope Pediatrics (0.9 miles)

Hospitals

• SANFORD MED Center THIEF RVR FALL (0.7 miles)
• Northwest Eye Clinic (1.6 miles)
• North Dakota Eye Clinic (2 miles)
• First Care Medical Services (24.9 miles)