Morningstar ALC
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4120 Winfield St, Rapid City, SD 57701
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Morningstar ALC offers competitive pricing for its studio accommodations at $3,000 per month. This rate is slightly above the average cost in Pennington County, which stands at $2,925. However, it remains lower than the statewide average of $3,381 for similar living arrangements in South Dakota. This positions Morningstar ALC as a viable option for those seeking quality care and community within a budget-conscious framework while still offering amenities and services that may not be available at lower-cost alternatives.
| Floor plans | Morningstar ALC | Pennington County | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,000 | $2,925 | $3,381 |
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Morning Star is a place that draws a wide spectrum of experiences from families who have entrusted their loved ones to its care. For some, the facility feels like a small, intimate home where every resident receives personal attention, meals feel homemade, and staff members go above and beyond. One account described the setting as small enough that residents "receive personal care and are fed home cooked meals," with a vivid image of staff preparing pork chops for dinner on an outdoor grill. That portrayal left a strong impression of warmth and dedication, with the reviewer noting that they were "impressed with each and every staff member" and concluding with a clear, wholehearted "Highly recommended!"
Yet, Morning Star is also a place where concerns surface that can profoundly shake a family's confidence. Another reviewer launched into a starkly different experience: "Horrible! Just be very careful before you put your loved one in this facility." The first visit seemed fine, but a subsequent encounter centered on Holly, the manager, who allegedly treated the reviewer poorly, even "like I was a leper." The account goes on to describe shifting explanations, a hung-up phone call, and no follow-up after an email with detailed questions. Beyond that interpersonal friction, this reviewer claimed visible injuries to a loved one - bruises on her eye, arm, and side within a week of living there - and troubling classroom-style observations in the lunchroom, where residents were observed with their heads on the table and a remark about faking it was attributed to staff. Food was described as worse than prison fare, with residents scraping their meals onto the table and a dirty dining area. The reviewer ultimately convinced a family member to move the loved one to another setting, warning others to be cautious about Morning Star.
In contrast, another reviewer paints a very different daily reality. They describe their sister as living at Morning Star for about a year in a "smaller homelike environment" that offers substantial individualized care. The tone here is confident and reassuring, emphasizing the presence of "many excellent, long term staff" who are dedicated to their profession and to meeting the sister's needs. This perspective stresses comfort and trust in the people who are caring for a loved one, reinforcing the sense that Morning Star can feel like a safe, stable home when the fit is right.
There is also a positive note from someone who works in healthcare and cares for many of the residents in a professional capacity. This reviewer explicitly rejects the notion of abuse, stating that they have "never seen evidence of abuse or neglect" while providing care and observing the facility. They credit Amber and Holly with strong leadership and express gratitude for the way residents are treated - "better than family" - and say they would choose Morning Star for their own parent if the need arose. The emphasis here is on respectful, attentive care and on the leadership that helps create a calm, supportive environment.
A separate account focuses on a broader feeling of reassurance from families who were connected to Morning Star over time. This reviewer notes that both of their parents and an aunt were residents and cannot say enough good things about the facility. They praise not only the staff's care and patience but also the clear, attentive communication that gave their family peace of mind. They highlight how the food is excellent, how daily activities - exercises, afternoon programs, movie nights, and music - round out a well-run program that maintains a "family-like atmosphere." For this reviewer, the experience was deeply positive, underscoring the sense that Morning Star can be a place where loved ones feel connected and supported.
Against the chorus of praise and reassurance, another guest raises a stark warning about abuse. They describe witnessing "the abuse I witnessed here is extremely bad," including "flip people over in wheelchairs and pull their hair," and even claim to have seen the owner slap a resident in the dining room. The language is blunt and urgent, urging readers to "think twice before putting your loved ones in here." This is a pointed counterweight to the more favorable testimonials, underscoring the importance of careful observation and due diligence when evaluating a facility.
Lastly, there is a heartfelt endorsement that circles back to the emotional core of what families hope for: a place that feels like home for a loved one. The reviewer describes Morning Star as "a wonderful place for our Mom to live," where she was treated "just like family" during roughly two years. It was difficult to move her to Hospice, and some staff cried at the transition, which the reviewer took as a sign of genuine care. The closing sentiment is vivid: "You don't get better people or a cleaner place than this one," a tribute to the depth of connection and the sense of pride that the staff could inspire.
Taken together, the reviews present a complex portrait of Morning Star. On one hand, families report intimate, attentive care, a homelike atmosphere, robust programming, and staff who feel like extended family. On the other hand, there are serious allegations from other visitors that point to abuse, poor communication, and distressing conditions. The divergence between these accounts highlights the importance of individual experiences, consistent oversight, and transparent, responsive leadership. For anyone considering Morning Star, the message is clear: the facility can deliver remarkable, compassionate care, but it is essential to visit personally, ask thorough questions, and observe how staff interact with residents in real time to form a complete judgment.
Morningstar ALC in Rapid City, SD is a premier assisted living community that specializes in providing exceptional memory care. Our dedicated staff is highly trained and experienced in caring for individuals with memory impairments, ensuring they receive the personalized attention and support they need.
Our community offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the comfort and well-being of our residents. Each spacious apartment includes a private bath with a bathtub, allowing residents to relax and unwind at their convenience. Our on-site beautician ensures that residents can always look and feel their best.
We understand the importance of spiritual well-being, which is why we offer both on-site and off-site devotional services. These opportunities for worship and reflection provide a nurturing environment for residents to foster their faith.
In addition to our indoor common areas, we also provide outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy fresh air and socialize with fellow residents. Our wheelchair accessible showers ensure that all residents can safely maintain their personal hygiene.
At Morningstar ALC, we offer specialized care services tailored to meet the unique needs of our diabetic residents. Our compassionate staff provides expert diabetic care to help manage blood sugar levels and promote overall health.
We also provide comprehensive incontinence care, ensuring that residents who require assistance with this sensitive issue are treated with dignity and respect.
Engaging activities are an integral part of life at Morningstar ALC. Christian services are offered regularly, both on-site and off-site, providing opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship. Devotional activities further enrich the lives of our residents by offering meaningful experiences that stimulate the mind and nourish the soul.
Conveniently located near various amenities, Morningstar ALC ensures that our residents have easy access to essential services in the community. With five nearby cafes, three parks, eight pharmacies, 49 physicians, 25 restaurants, three places of worship, and seven hospitals in close proximity, our residents can easily meet all their needs without hassle or inconvenience.
At Morningstar ALC, we are dedicated to creating a warm and nurturing environment for our memory care residents. With top-notch care services, engaging activities, and convenient access to amenities, our community strives to exceed the expectations of both residents and their families.
This part of Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With several physicians' offices nearby, including specialists in allergy, asthma, ENT, and obstetrics/gynecology, residents have easy access to medical care. The proximity to hospitals like Black Hills Surgical Hospital and Rapid City Regional Hospital provides peace of mind in case of emergencies. There are also numerous dining options ranging from fast food chains like Taco Bell and McDonald's to sit-down restaurants like Joe's Place Bar & Grill and Colonial House Restaurant. For outdoor recreation, parks like Robbinsdale Park and Wilson Park offer green spaces for relaxation. Additionally, there are places of worship such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and First United Methodist Church for spiritual fulfillment. Pharmacies like Boyd's Drug Rx Express and Walgreens are conveniently located for medication needs. Cafes such as Scotters Coffee and Starbucks provide cozy spots for socializing with friends or enjoying a cup of coffee. Overall, this area presents a well-rounded community with essential services tailored to seniors' needs.
Morningstar ALC offers competitive pricing for its studio accommodations at $3,000 per month. This rate is slightly above the average cost in Pennington County, which stands at $2,925. However, it remains lower than the statewide average of $3,381 for similar living arrangements in South Dakota. This positions Morningstar ALC as a viable option for those seeking quality care and community within a budget-conscious framework while still offering amenities and services that may not be available at lower-cost alternatives.
Morningstar ALC is located at 4120 Winfield St, Rapid City, SD 57701 in Pennington County, South Dakota
Incontinence care at Morningstar ALC is designed to enhance the dignity and comfort of residents facing cognitive challenges associated with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. By offering personalized incontinence management, the staff can promptly address the individual needs of each resident, ensuring that they remain clean and comfortable throughout the day. This level of attentiveness not only minimizes physical discomfort but also alleviates potential anxiety related to incontinence accidents, which can be particularly distressing for individuals with memory impairments. Furthermore, a proactive approach to this sensitive issue fosters a sense of security and stability, allowing residents to engage more fully in daily activities and social interactions within the community.
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