Avantara Milbank
Save1103 South Second Street, Milbank, SD 57252
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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What lingers most in these memories is not just a place, but the way care is delivered when it matters most. One family describes a great grandmother who fought influenza A, only to receive a call days later that felt almost too late. By the time someone picked up the phone, she was unresponsive and described as purple from the knees down. The account makes clear that testing and treatment were not pursued early on, and that the family had to insist on actions that should have been standard. They recount asking for prompt testing, for evaluation, and for transfer to a hospital where she might receive the help she needed. A nurse's remark about DNR - "well you know she's DNR" - triggered a sharp response from the family: "she's not dead yet!!" The tension around whether the care was aligned with the patient's needs and wishes becomes a central thread in their narrative, underscoring how critical timely, attentive, and respectful communication is in moments of vulnerability.
The situation grew more difficult as the family faced a hospital transfer that took longer than they believed it should have. After various days, their loved one was finally moved to a hospital, where she passed away peacefully with pain and anxiety medication rather than lingering in discomfort. The sequence of events - delays in testing and treatment, the decision about hospital transfer, and the relief that final moments could be more comfortable - leaves a strong impression of what could have been done differently and what they believe was not done promptly in the nursing home setting. The account emphasizes not just the outcome but the experience of navigating a crisis, where families were forced to advocate, sometimes against the grain of what the staff suggested or accepted as routine practice.
The family's grief is entwined with practical losses as well. After the passing, they describe items that seemed to disappear or be misplaced - such as a walker found in another room and then used by other people, with other belongings still unfound. This detail adds to a sense of disorganization and fear about whether personal possessions are being cared for with the same attention given to medical needs. It is a reminder that the emotional and logistical aspects of a loved one's stay in a facility extend far beyond medical care itself, touching dignity, memory, and the sense that a person's life is treated with respect after they are gone.
Amid the heavy memories, there is also a note of recognition for individuals within the facility who stood out in a positive way. The family points to Ethan, described as "the new guy in charge," who has been extraordinarily helpful and respectful throughout the process. In their words, he has been the one consistently courteous and constructive contact, distinguishing himself even among others who were involved, including a social worker whose name they do not feel compelled to remember. This contrast highlights how one person can make a meaningful difference in a difficult, emotionally charged experience, offering a beacon of professional calm and responsiveness when families need it most.
Beyond this personal account, other voices speak more glowingly about the same facility. Short, direct reviews emphasize the strength of the staff: "Great Staff," "Excellent staff!! Very caring and respectful!" and "Such amazing staff!!!" These phrases celebrate a perception of warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care. Another line notes that relatives were given "extra ordinary care" and that the place provided "great care" and "great service." There is also a sentiment about longevity and trust - "Been here since 2002 and it is a great place to be!" - which suggests a stable community with residents and families who feel at home over many years. Taken together, these comments present a different face of the same institution: a place where many families feel truly valued and where staff are repeatedly praised for their dedication and kindness.
This juxtaposition creates a complex, nuanced picture of the facility. On one hand, a heartfelt family narrative mourns a loved one with a sense of missed opportunities, delays in urgent care, and a sense that some basic protections and attentions may not have been consistently available. On the other hand, a chorus of positive testimonials emphasizes compassionate staff, respectful treatment, and a long-standing reputation for good service. The contrast is not easily reconciled in a single, simple verdict; it instead reveals that experiences within the same facility can diverge dramatically depending on circumstances, moments of care, or who is involved in a given day.
For readers processing these kinds of stories, the message rings clear: in long-term care, the human elements matter just as much as the clinical ones. Accurate, timely medical responses, respectful communication, and careful handling of personal belongings are all part of honoring a person's dignity. The account of Ethan's helpfulness offers a concrete example of how a single respectful, proactive staff member can shape a family's experience during an intensely painful period. Meanwhile, the widely praised staff testimonials remind us that many families do feel seen, heard, and cared for within the same environment. The overall takeaway invites prospective families to ask pointed questions about admission, crisis care protocols, end-of-life decisions, and the processes in place to safeguard personal belongings, while also recognizing that dedicated, compassionate staff do exist and can make a meaningful difference day to day.
Avantara Milbank is a well-equipped assisted living community located in Milbank, SD. Our facility offers a range of amenities to ensure the comfort and convenience of our residents. Each room is fully furnished, with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. We provide cable or satellite TV and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet for entertainment and connectivity.
Our community boasts several common areas, including a dining room where residents can enjoy delicious restaurant-style meals prepared by our talented chefs. A small library provides a quiet space for reading and relaxation, while the gaming room offers opportunities for friendly competition. Residents can also take advantage of our beauty salon, fitness room, garden, and outdoor spaces to unwind and socialize.
We prioritize the well-being of our residents through various care services. Our 24-hour call system ensures that assistance is always available, and our trained staff provides 24-hour supervision to ensure safety. We offer assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management and diabetes care are also provided by our experienced team.
At Avantara Milbank, we believe in promoting mental wellness for our residents. We offer a mental wellness program to support emotional health. Special dietary restrictions are catered to through diabetic care and nutritious meal preparation.
Residents at Avantara Milbank have plenty of opportunities to engage in various activities within our vibrant community. We organize community-sponsored activities and resident-run events regularly. Fitness programs promote physical health, while planned day trips provide opportunities for exploration beyond the facility walls.
Our convenient location means that essential services are easily accessible to residents. Three pharmacies and one physician’s office are nearby for medication needs and medical attention. Nine restaurants offer dining options outside of the facility if desired. Transportation arrangements are available both within the community-operated transportation system as well as specifically for non-medical needs or doctor’s appointments.
For spiritual fulfillment, there are 11 places of worship situated near Avantara Milbank. Additionally, in order to provide peace of mind, there is one hospital nearby for emergency medical care.
At Avantara Milbank, we strive to create a supportive and engaging environment for our residents' well-being. Our range of amenities, care services, and nearby facilities ensure that residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle with the support they need.
Avantara Milbank is located at 1103 South Second Street, Milbank, SD 57252 in Roberts County, South Dakota
Avantara Milbank on seniors.fyi includes 5 photos including images showing outdoors, dining, healthcare, nursing home, interior, trees, windows, coffee station, and more.
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