Amira Choice Minnetonka

Pros

• The facility is clean and relatively newer, contributing to a pleasant living environment for residents.
• There are a couple of very good RAs who provide quality care for the residents.
• The beautiful fenced-in patio adds to the appeal of the community.
• Music performances and historical talks offer engaging activities for residents occasionally.
• The rooms are nice and spacious, enhancing the comfort of living in the community.

Cons

• The facility has issues with high turnover rates among staff, leading to inconsistent care.
• Many residents struggle to receive timely blood sugar results despite being charged for the service.
• The food options are inadequate for diabetic residents, with too many sweets and a lack of fruit.
• New RAs often do not adhere to dietary restrictions, providing sugary juices instead of agreed-upon alternatives.
• Evening activities are limited, leaving residents with long periods of inactivity after dinner.
• The overall experience is frustrating due to the combination of expensive costs and poor-quality assistance.

Review

Amira Choice Minnetonka, a senior living community, presents a mixed experience for residents and their families. While the facility is noted for its cleanliness and relatively newer infrastructure, there are significant challenges regarding staff consistency and quality of care. Current residents and their loved ones report ongoing difficulties with resident assistants (RAs), who appear to change frequently. As a result, continuity in care has become problematic, leading to concerns about the level of attention provided to individual residents.

The issue of staff turnover at Amira Choice Minnetonka raises alarm bells among family members who are responsible for ensuring proper care for their loved ones. Though some RAs are commendable and provide excellent support, inconsistency between staff members creates confusion and often results in inadequate monitoring of essential health metrics. For instance, the review points to concerns surrounding blood sugar checks for diabetic residents; while the facility charges extra fees for this service, families have found it challenging to obtain timely or accurate results. This inconsistency can create apprehension for families who rely on consistent monitoring to safeguard their loved one's health.

Compounding these issues is the dietary situation at Amira Choice Minnetonka. Although meals provided at the facility are deemed "okay," there is a notable concern regarding menu choices available, especially for diabetic residents. The emphasis on sweets over healthier options such as fruits presents a serious challenge in managing dietary restrictions effectively. Families have taken matters into their own hands by bringing in non-sugar juices and special ice creams to ensure that their loved ones receive appropriate dietary care. Nevertheless, with new RAs constantly rotating through the staff, compliance with these specific dietary needs remains inconsistent.

Recreational activities offered at Amira Choice Minnetonka also fall short of expectations based on resident feedback. While there are sporadic events like musical performances or historical talks that offer some form of entertainment during the day, there appears to be a lack of structured activities after dinner hours—dinner typically concludes by 5:00 PM. This leads to extended periods without engaging activities or social interaction in the evenings, which can contribute further to feelings of isolation among residents.

Financially speaking, living at Amira Choice Minnetonka poses considerable costs that could deter potential residents unless they possess substantial financial resources. Initial fees approaching $2,400 are required merely for entry into the community; ongoing monthly expenses exceed $3,000 for couples looking to reside together. Such high costs bring up questions regarding whether residents are receiving commensurate value given the highlighted issues around staffing stability and quality assurance in care.

Despite its shortcomings in staffing and dining options—as well as its demanding price tag—there lies an undeniable appeal in various aspects of Amira Choice Minnetonka's offerings. The recent completion of a beautiful fenced-in patio area adds an attractive outdoor space where residents can enjoy fresh air and socialization opportunities when staffed adequately. Furthermore, many aspects of communal living—from room sizes that accommodate comfortability to positive interactions during tours led by knowledgeable staff—suggest that there exists potential within this community framework that could be cultivated more effectively if operational challenges were addressed uniformly across shifts.

In summary, while Amira Choice Minnetonka showcases several attributes conducive to enjoyable senior living—such as clean facilities and spacious rooms—the overarching experiences shared by current residents paint a picture filled with dissatisfaction driven primarily by staffing inconsistencies and dietary inadequacies. Families seeking reliable care options must weigh these shortcomings against what might otherwise be an appealing environment tailored toward older adults’ needs—a task made all the more complicated given the financial implications attached to such decisions.

This area of Minnetonka, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful community. There are several dining options nearby such as Taco Teresa's, The Cheesecake Factory, and Olive Garden for convenient and delicious meals. Additionally, there are reputable physicians and pharmacies within a short distance for medical needs. For leisurely activities, there are several parks including Parkers Lake Park and Aquila Park perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Nearby cafes like Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar provide a cozy atmosphere for socializing or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee. Lastly, there are places of worship and hospitals in close proximity such as St Therese of Deephaven church and Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital ensuring access to spiritual support and healthcare services. Overall, this part of Minnetonka offers a well-rounded environment for senior living with various conveniences within reach.

Restaurants

• Taco Teresa's (0.2 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (0.4 miles)
• Kona Grill (0.5 miles)
• BLVD Kitchen & Bar (1.1 miles)
• Olive Garden (1.1 miles)
• Culver's (2.9 miles)
• McDonald's (3.2 miles)

Physicians

• Ellgaard Annemarie Park Nicollet Clinic Carlson Parkway Minnetonka (1.5 miles)
• Metropolitan Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery PA (2.9 miles)
• Northwest Family Physicians Plymouth (3.7 miles)
• Minnesota Gastroenterology PA (4.6 miles)
• Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's Ear, Nose and Throat (4.7 miles)
• Partners In Pediatrics (7.1 miles)
• Northwest Family Physicians PA (7.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Parkers Lake Park (2.7 miles)
• Aquila Park (3 miles)
• French Regional Park (4 miles)
• Dakota Dog Park (4.2 miles)
• Churchill Farms Residents' Park (5.3 miles)
• McGuire Park (6.9 miles)
• Plymouth Dog Park (7.2 miles)

Cafes

• Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar (3.1 miles)
• Jinx Tea (6.3 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (7.3 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (7.8 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (7.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Therese of Deephaven (3.7 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (4.3 miles)
• Elim Church Center (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (4.6 miles)
• Plymouth Surgery Center (4.6 miles)
• Regency Hospital (5.7 miles)
• Abbott Northwestern Center For Outpatient Care (7.5 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Hospital (7.8 miles)