Bethany-St Joseph Care Ctr

Pros

• BSJ met the reviewer's high standards personally and professionally, and the reviewer would recommend it to others.
• The staff greeted the family with warmth, kindness, and professionalism, making them feel their mom was in good hands.
• Adam and Sierra (Physical Therapy) along with Nurse Managers Tisha and Emily developed an outstanding care plan for the resident's recovery.
• The facility is clean, the rooms are roomy, and the food is great.
• Brianna Boehm at Shelby Terrace is extremely helpful, accommodating, prompt in responding, and genuinely cares for residents and families.
• The staff's attitude and care eliminated fears about rehabilitation centers.
• The memory care team used Music & Memory and frequent entertainment, with excellent family communication.
• The staff are outstanding medical professionals who are tuned into residents' needs, providing compassionate care.

Cons

• One reviewer felt that staff could do a better job of keeping the resident's room neat, hanging up clothes, and putting away items.
• A reviewer believed the food could be improved, noting it was probably standard nursing-home fare.

Review

There is a remarkable consistency in the stories shared about Bethany Saint Joseph (BSJ) across the different facilities and services they offer. Across dementia care, rehabilitation, memory care, and assisted living transitions, families describe BSJ not just as a place to receive care, but as a community where kindness, professionalism, and genuine concern for every resident are visibly lived out every day. The messages come from long-time caregivers and relatives who hold themselves to high standards, including a retired nurse who maintains very high expectations and still found BSJ meeting and exceeding them.

One letter speaks to a partner of 43 years who spent five years at BSJ living with dementia. The writer emphasizes that the care was not only effective but truly exemplary, noting that she could not say enough good things about the staff. The sentiment is clear: BSJ met both personal and professional expectations, and the writer would enthusiastically recommend BSJ to anyone seeking the best possible care for a loved one. The praise here centers on the consistency of quality from the entire team, reinforcing the idea that BSJ's commitment to patient well-being is pervasive, not limited to a single department or shift.

Another family's experience centers on a mother admitted to the BSJ rehab unit in mid-June. From the first contact, warmth, kindness, and professional demeanor set the tone, and the family even cried with relief on departure the first day, feeling their mother would be in very good hands. Over the following weeks, the physical therapy team - Adam and Sierra - and the nursing leadership - including Nurse Managers Tisha and Emily - developed and implemented a clear, effective care plan. The family appreciated timely communication about questions and ideas, and they highlighted practical positives: the rehab staff's ongoing progress with the mother's recovery, a clean facility with roomy rooms, and meals that were consistently described as great. The overall message is one of trust forged through thorough planning and dependable, compassionate execution.

A separate note shines a spotlight on Shelby Terrace, praising Brianna Boehm for extraordinary dedication and responsiveness. The writer describes how change is hard for older adults, especially amid the pandemic, and how Brianna consistently provided patient, kind, and helpful service to the resident, Carole, and Carole's friends and relatives. Brianna's quick return calls, thoughtful handling of many questions, and genuine sense of care as though family were involved left a lasting impression. The writer underscores that Brianna is not only in charge at Shelby Terrace but also juggling responsibilities across two other facilities, expressing deep appreciation for her ability to manage extensive duties with compassion. It's a portrait of leadership and approachability that resonates as a standout example of BSJ's culture.

Another message frames BSJ as home to outstanding medical professionals who are attuned to the needs of those receiving care. The reviewer attributes a personal shift in perspective - overcoming a major fear of rehabilitation centers - directly to the attitude and care of the entire staff. The sense conveyed is one of relief, reassurance, and trust built through consistent attentiveness and clinical quality. It paints BSJ as a place where fears diminish because reliable, compassionate care is the norm, and it reinforces the idea that the organization's mission translates into real, tangible benefits for residents and their families.

Memory care was highlighted by a family member who trusted BSJ's Avalon program for a mother-in-law. The staff in the memory care setting were described as exemplary, repeatedly noting their kindness and boundless concern. The family appreciated the program's use of Music & Memory and regular entertainment, emphasizes that communication with staff was excellent, and acknowledges relief and gratitude for the staff's availability when family members could not be there. The positive experience here underscores how specialized programs and ongoing engagement contribute meaningfully to the emotional and cognitive well-being of residents.

A final perspective from a family member who chose BSJ for a husband eight months ago adds a candid, balanced view. The writer asserts that the staff are wonderful - attentive and very nice to their loved one. The suggested improvement is modest and practical: a bit more help with neatening up the room, hanging clothes, and putting things away. Beyond this small note, the review commends the health care provided as solid, and while the food is described as standard nursing home fare, it's the breadth of activities and the staff's visible concern for residents' engagement that leave the strongest impression. The overall tone is one of positive reassurance, with a belief that BSJ is a good place for loved ones who need ongoing care.

Together, these voices sketch a portrait of BSJ as a community anchored in comprehensive, compassionate care. Families repeatedly highlight the coordinated effort among therapists, nurses, and administrators to tailor care plans, address questions promptly, and maintain open channels of communication. They emphasize clean facilities, comfortable living spaces, and meaningful daily activities that keep residents engaged. The recurring themes are reassurance and trust - proof, in multiple settings and through diverse experiences, that BSJ strives to deliver not only medical or rehabilitative success but also emotional support and peace of mind for families navigating challenging circumstances.

This part of La Crosse, Wisconsin, offers a variety of amenities that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With several medical facilities in close proximity, including Mayo Clinic and Gundersen Lutheran Hospital, residents have access to top-notch healthcare services. There are also plenty of dining options nearby, such as Wendy's and Hungry Peddler, as well as pharmacies like Walgreens for easy access to medications. Additionally, there are parks like Pammel Creek Park and Weigent Park for seniors to enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation. The area is well-connected with public transportation options like Amtrak for easy travel. Overall, this part of La Crosse provides a welcoming and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in a bustling yet peaceful neighborhood.

Physicians

• Vandyke David Mdsc (0.2 miles)
• Mayo Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Gundersen Lutheran - Gordon L Johnson MD (2.2 miles)
• Gundersen Health System: Plastic Surgery Center (2.2 miles)
• Gundersen Health System- Department of Nephrology (2.2 miles)
• Gundersen Pharmacy La Crosse Clinic (2.2 miles)
• Gundersen Lutheran Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation La Crosse (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.2 miles)
• Hungry Peddler (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Fiesta Mexicana (1.1 miles)
• Schmidty's (1.6 miles)
• The Barrel Inn Bar & Grill (1.8 miles)
• JavaVino (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Uvanta Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Degen Berglund Medical Equipment (1.7 miles)
• Gundersen Pharmacy La Crosse (Degen Berglund) (1.8 miles)
• Prescription Center (1.9 miles)
• Gundersen Pharmacy La Crosse East Building (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)

Theaters

• Marcus La Crosse Cinema (1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Mary Mother of the Church (1.5 miles)
• Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (2.9 miles)
• English Lutheran Church Elca (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Gundersen Lutheran Hospital (2.1 miles)
• Gundersen Health System- Dental Specialties (2.2 miles)
• Gundersen Health System- Hospice (2.2 miles)
• Gundersen Health System Eye Care (2.2 miles)
• Lutheran Hospital-La Crosse (2.2 miles)
• Gundersen Health System - Labor & Delivery (2.2 miles)
• Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center (2.2 miles)

Parks

• Pammel Creek Park (2.2 miles)
• Weigent Park (2.8 miles)
• Grandad Bluff (3 miles)
• Houska Park (3 miles)
• Hixon Forest Park (3.5 miles)
• Riverside Park (3.7 miles)
• Copeland Park (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• Moka (2.7 miles)
• Greengrass Cafe (3.1 miles)
• Moka (3.1 miles)
• Grounded Specialty Coffee (3.4 miles)
• Pearl Ice Cream Parlor (3.5 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (4.6 miles)