712 Vista Boulevard Ste 149, Waconia, MN 55387
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Always Best Care is described as a poorly run, one-star company. The intake process had scheduling failures, including a no-show and unanswered calls. A staff member was unprofessional and rude about the driver's distance. Services started late after multiple cancellations and required rework. There was a failure to inform the social worker about staff changes, indicating poor communication. Emily repeatedly did not show up and did not answer calls, delaying replacement for a long period. ABC's internal communications were described as nearly nonexistent, causing confusion and frustration. All services were halted with little notice, causing disruption and dissatisfaction.The experience with Always Best Care unfolds as a troubling and disjointed sequence of events from the very beginning. It starts with a ward who has dementia and relies on a single contact point that is difficult to reach, since the ward uses the phone only sparingly. On February 1, 2022, the ward's social worker informed the family that ABC had begun services. An intake appointment was eventually scheduled for February 25, 2022, but it quickly became clear that the process would be chaotic. Brooke, one of ABC's staff, did not show up for the appointment and did not answer her phone. When she finally returned the call later that day, she explained that she lived more than 80 miles away in New Ulm, MN, and did not feel compelled to drive in because the ward hadn't answered the phone. Her attitude came across as nasty, adding to the frustration of coordinating care for someone with dementia who is difficult to reach. The appointment was then rescheduled for March 8, 2022, but the underlying communication gaps remained.
By March 18, 2022, Rachel from ABC called to check on how the services were progressing over the past few months. The caller on the other end of that line was not aware that services had not yet started, indicating a surprising lack of awareness within ABC about the actual status of the case. It would be a repeated pattern: assumptions and mixed messages from the company about the start of services, with important information slipping through the cracks. Despite these early missteps, services did finally begin on April 5, 2022. However, the initial period was marked by numerous cancellations, and some of the work that was done had to be redone, signaling an ongoing lack of coordination and follow-through.
On April 27, 2022, Brooke again reached out, this time for a 45-day review. The caller had to point out that only 22 days had elapsed since the start of services, underscoring a misalignment between ABC's expectations for timelines and the reality on the ground. The following weeks amplified concerns about reliability and accountability. On May 10 and May 11, 2022, Emily, the service provider, did not show up and did not answer phone calls. The absence created gaps in care just as the ward needed consistent support. On May 11, 2022, Stacy from ABC stated that Emily would no longer be coming due to "personal reasons" and claimed they had informed the social worker. Yet the social worker later claimed she had not been contacted by ABC and was unaware of what was happening, highlighting a critical communication breakdown between ABC and the social worker overseeing the ward's care.
There was no effort by ABC to inform the ward or to arrange a replacement until June 1, 2022, when Brian from ABC finally called. By that point, the ward's family was clear that ABC was unwelcome. The lack of timely communication and the late attempt to address the staffing gap only compounded the frustration and confusion surrounding the care arrangement. Then, on June 26, 2022, Rachel from ABC called again to inquire about how the services were going. She demonstrated a striking lack of awareness about the ongoing situation and confirmed that ABC had stopped all services as of May 5, 2022. She also remarked that internal ABC communications were nearly nonexistent, a claim that echoed the pervasive sense of organizational dysfunction reported by the family. The overall impression left by these repeated episodes is that Always Best Care operates in a manner that is poorly coordinated, with inconsistent staff, gaps in follow-through, and limited internal communication.
Taken together, the experience paints a troubling view of how the process was managed from intake through a premature cessation of services. The ward's family faced repeated no-shows, long distances for staff travel, and a pattern of unclear or uncommunicated status updates. The social worker, who was supposed to coordinate care, found herself in the middle of mixed messages and incomplete information, while ABC's staff members - Brooke, Rachel, Emily, Stacy, and Brian - appeared to operate with inconsistent communication and accountability. The result was a highly frustrating and disorganized experience that culminated in the conclusion that Always Best Care was not meeting the needs of the ward or the family, leaving the family with the strong belief that the company is a one-star operation.
21 resident community capacity
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Beauty salonBeauty salons are important for seniors because they provide a space for them to feel pampered, socialize, and maintain their personal grooming and hygiene. Regular visits to a beauty salon can help boost seniors' self-esteem and overall well-being.
Cable or satellite TVCable or satellite TV is important for seniors because it provides entertainment, news, and companionship, helping to combat loneliness and boredom. It also offers a wide range of programming options tailored to different interests and preferences.
Dining roomDining rooms are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, connection, and nutritious meals. They offer opportunities for residents to bond over shared meals, foster a sense of community, and promote healthy eating habits. Dining rooms also ensure that seniors have access to well-balanced meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences.
Fully furnishedFully furnished senior living communities are important for seniors because they provide convenience, comfort, and a hassle-free moving experience. Seniors can easily settle into their new living space without the stress of having to buy and move furniture. This allows them to focus on enjoying their new home and community.
GardenGardens are important for seniors as they provide a peaceful and therapeutic environment for relaxation, physical activity, and socialization. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Gardens also offer opportunities for seniors to engage in gardening activities, which can improve mobility, flexibility, and cognitive function. Additionally, gardens create a sense of community and connection with others who share a passion for plants and outdoor spaces.
Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
KitchenetteKitchenettes are important for seniors living in senior living communities because they provide the convenience and independence of being able to prepare simple meals and snacks in the comfort of their own living space. This can help promote a sense of autonomy and well-being for seniors, allowing them to maintain some level of control over their dietary choices and daily routines.
Move-in coordinationMove-in coordination is important for seniors because it helps ease the transition into their new living environment. It ensures that all logistics, such as packing, organizing movers, and setting up utilities are taken care of, allowing seniors to focus on settling in and adjusting to their new home. Having a smooth move-in process can alleviate stress and anxiety, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for seniors.
Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaces are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, exposure to natural light and fresh air, and a sense of connection to nature. Having access to outdoor spaces can improve overall well-being and quality of life for older adults living in senior communities.
TelephoneTelephones are important for seniors as they provide a lifeline for communication with loved ones, emergency services, and healthcare providers. They offer a sense of security and independence, enabling seniors to stay connected and access assistance when needed.
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.
24-hour call system24-hour call systems are important for seniors because they provide peace of mind and immediate assistance in case of emergencies. This technology ensures that help is always available, promoting safety and security for elderly individuals living alone or in assisted living facilities. 24-hour supervision24-hour supervision is important for seniors to ensure their safety, well-being, and access to immediate assistance in case of emergencies or health issues. This constant support provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones, allowing them to age in place with dignity and security.
Activities of daily living assistanceActivities of daily living assistance are important for seniors because they provide essential support with tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility. This assistance helps seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and overall quality of life as they age.
Assistance with bathingAssistance with bathing is crucial for seniors as it helps maintain personal hygiene, prevents infections, and ensures their overall well-being and comfort. It also provides a sense of dignity and independence for seniors who may struggle with this task on their own.
Assistance with dressingAssistance with dressing is important for seniors because it helps maintain their independence, promotes personal hygiene, prevents accidents and injuries, and improves overall quality of life. This service ensures that seniors can continue to dress comfortably and confidently, despite any physical limitations they may have.
Assistance with transfersAssistance with transfers is crucial for seniors as it helps prevent falls and injuries, maintains their independence, and ensures they can safely navigate their living environment. It also provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones. Coordination with health care providersCoordination with health care providers is crucial for seniors to ensure proper medical care, medication management, and overall well-being. This collaboration helps prevent overlapping treatments, track progress more effectively, and provide comprehensive support tailored to individual needs.
Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
Meal preparation and serviceMeal preparation and service are crucial for seniors as they may have limited mobility or energy to cook nutritious meals. Having access to healthy and convenient food options can ensure they are getting the proper nutrition needed to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.
Mental wellness programMental wellness programs are essential for seniors as they promote cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and social engagement. These programs help prevent isolation, depression, and cognitive decline, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for older adults.
Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.
Transportation arrangement (medical)Transportation arrangements for medical purposes are essential for seniors as they may have difficulty driving themselves to appointments or accessing public transportation. Having reliable and safe transportation options ensures that seniors can receive timely medical care and maintain their health and well-being.
Transportation to doctors appointmentsTransportation to doctors' appointments is crucial for seniors as it ensures they have access to necessary medical care and support for their health needs. Without reliable transportation, seniors may struggle to attend important appointments, leading to potential delays in treatment and health complications. Providing transportation services helps seniors maintain their overall well-being and quality of life. Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life. Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications. Community-sponsored activitiesCommunity-sponsored activities are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity. These activities can help improve overall well-being, combat loneliness and isolation, and promote a sense of belonging and purpose among older adults. Resident-run activitiesResident-run activities are important for seniors as they encourage social interaction, creativity, and a sense of autonomy. These activities empower seniors to stay engaged and active in their community while fostering meaningful connections with their peers. Scheduled daily activitiesScheduled daily activities are important for seniors because they provide structure, socialization, mental stimulation, and physical activity. Engaging in regular activities can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors living in a community setting.The assisted living community at Always Best Care SW Metro in Waconia, MN offers a wide range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents. Each apartment is fully furnished and equipped with cable or satellite TV, a kitchenette, telephone, and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access. The community also provides housekeeping services to maintain cleanliness.
Residents can enjoy their meals in the dining room, which offers special dietary restrictions options. Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers is available around the clock. The staff at Always Best Care SW Metro coordinates with healthcare providers to ensure that each resident receives appropriate medical attention. Medication management is also provided.
The community promotes mental wellness through its mental wellness program and encourages residents to engage in resident-run activities and scheduled daily activities. Outdoor space is available for residents to relax or socialize. Transportation arrangement for medical appointments is offered for convenience.
Always Best Care SW Metro is conveniently located near various amenities including cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals. This ensures that residents have easy access to essential services as well as opportunities for recreation and entertainment.
Overall, the assisted living community at Always Best Care SW Metro in Waconia, MN provides a comfortable and supportive environment where seniors can receive personalized care while enjoying a variety of amenities and nearby conveniences.
This part of Waconia, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to settle in the area. With a selection of restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, theaters, physicians, hospitals, parks, places of worship, and transportation options all within close proximity, residents have easy access to essential goods and services. The presence of reputable healthcare facilities like Ridgeview Medical Center and Twin Cities Orthopedics provides peace of mind for seniors in terms of medical care. Additionally, the nearby parks offer opportunities for leisurely strolls or outdoor activities. Overall, this area combines convenience and comfort, making it a desirable location for seniors seeking a vibrant community with convenient amenities.
Always Best Care Sw Metro is located at 712 Vista Boulevard Ste 149, Waconia, MN 55387 in Hennepin County, Minnesota
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