Birchwood Cottages - Owatonna

Pros

• The staff at Birchwood Cottages Owatonna is friendly, informative, and takes good care of the residents.
• The communication between the staff and families is excellent, keeping everyone well-informed.
• The community offers a variety of activities for residents to participate in.
• The size and price of Birchwood Cottages make it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a suitable living arrangement.
• The rooms are modern, well-sized, and flow seamlessly from one area to another.
• The community has a homelike atmosphere that provides comfort to residents.
• Birchwood Cottages offers a variety of enjoyable activities that promote social interaction among residents.
• Families appreciate the availability of a Facebook page where they can see updates on their loved ones.
• Staff members are proactive, friendly, and genuinely seem to enjoy their work.

Cons

• Some residents do not participate in activities and are not functional.
• The community is located on a busy street, which may be inconvenient for some.
• Not all residents are able to swallow solid food, indicating potential challenges with their diet.
• It was mentioned that they cannot go inside the community due to COVID lockdown, which could be seen as a negative aspect for some families.
• One person mentioned that they wish they had moved their loved one to Birchwood Cottages earlier, implying that they were dissatisfied with previous care arrangements.

Review

Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna receives high praise from satisfied residents and their families. The community is commended for its excellent staff, cleanliness, and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. With nurses on staff and an ample number of caregivers, residents receive the care and attention they need.

Visitors are not currently allowed inside due to lockdown restrictions, but they can still view the community from outside the fence. The staff at Birchwood Cottages has been praised for their diligence in wearing masks, taking temperature checks upon arrival, and utilizing gloves. These measures contribute to a safe environment for residents during these challenging times.

Residents at Birchwood Cottages reside in comfortable apartments that feature either studio or one-bedroom layouts. The rooms are equipped with essential furniture such as dressers and cupboards, along with private bathrooms. While some residents may not be functional enough to participate in activities, the community still makes an effort to engage them in arts and crafts.

The friendly nature of the staff is highlighted by families who have visited Birchwood Cottages. They witnessed staff members interacting with their loved ones, assisting them in transitioning between various areas within the community. Residents always appear well-dressed and clean, indicating attentive care.

Nutrition is also prioritized at Birchwood Cottages. Residents are provided with plenty of food options that cater to their dietary needs. When solid foods become difficult for a resident to consume, alternatives such as jellos and soft foods are offered as substitutes. Families appreciate being informed when certain difficulties arise regarding swallowing.

In addition to providing quality care, Birchwood Cottages offers various amenities that enhance the living experience for its residents. There is an outdoor space enclosed by a fence where residents can enjoy gardens and listen to birds chirping. A music room adds another enjoyable aspect to the community's offerings.

Another significant factor contributing to positive experiences at Birchwood Cottages is fair pricing. Families feel that the care received here surpasses that of other communities they have encountered. They believe they are getting their money's worth and are satisfied with the level of care provided to their loved ones.

Overall, Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna seems to excel at providing a welcoming and comfortable environment for its residents. The staff is described as friendly, informative, and proactive, ensuring that families stay well-informed about their loved one's condition. The community offers a range of activities tailored to residents' capabilities and maintains an overall homelike atmosphere. It is clear from these reviews that Birchwood Cottages is highly recommended by those who have experienced it firsthand.

This part of Owatonna, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities within close proximity, making it a convenient and vibrant area for senior living. There are several restaurants to choose from, ranging from Mexican and American cuisine to fast food options like Taco John's and Pizza Hut. Places of worship such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church provide opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement. Pharmacies like Walgreens and Hy-Vee Pharmacy ensure easy access to medications and health supplies. Transportation services including Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Tonna Taxi Service offer convenience for running errands or visiting loved ones. Nearby parks like Minot Brown Park and Jaycee Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, while healthcare facilities such as Owatonna Hospital and Horizon Eye Care Professionals offer quality medical care for seniors in the area. Additionally, cafes like Starbucks provide a welcoming environment for socializing with friends or simply enjoying a cup of coffee. With entertainment options like CEC Theatres nearby, residents have plenty of opportunities to stay engaged and active in this lively neighborhood.

Restaurants

• Spare Time Entertainment (0.2 miles)
• Southpark Lanes & Lounge (0.3 miles)
• Taco John's (0.5 miles)
• Graces Mexican & American Food (0.8 miles)
• Just 1 More (1.5 miles)
• Pizza Hut (1.5 miles)
• Old Town Bagels (1.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Jehovah's Witnesses (0.4 miles)
• Knights of Columbus (0.9 miles)
• Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church (0.9 miles)
• Elca Youth Ministry Network Owatonna (1 miles)
• WW Studio (1 miles)
• Iglesia Linaje Escogido (1.5 miles)
• Countryside Church (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Sterling Drug (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Sterling Drug (1.8 miles)
• Astrup Drug (1.8 miles)
• Sterling Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Sterling Owatonna (1.8 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.6 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.8 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (2.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.4 miles)
• Tonna Taxi Service (2.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (3.2 miles)
• Flying Time Taxi (14.3 miles)

Physicians

• McGregor Chiropractic PC (0.7 miles)
• Southeastern Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates (1.1 miles)
• Horizon Eye Care Professionals (3.6 miles)

Parks

• Minot Brown Park (0.9 miles)
• Jaycee Park (1.3 miles)
• Gainey Park (1.5 miles)
• Lake Chase Park (2 miles)
• Kaplan Woods State Park (2.1 miles)
• SMMAC Air Field (7 miles)
• Kanne State Wildlife Management Area (10.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Owatonna Hospital (1 miles)
• Owatonna Clinic (3.7 miles)
• Allina Health Laboratory - Owatonna Hospital (3.7 miles)
• Owatonna Hospital Sleep Center (3.7 miles)
• Waseca Medical Center (14.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Peet's Coffee and Tea (2.8 miles)
• Ellendale Cafe (13.9 miles)
• Trio Wine Cafe (14.5 miles)
• Trio Coffee, Wine & Ale House (14.5 miles)
• Jonnie Beans (14.6 miles)

Theaters

• CEC Theatres (1.9 miles)
• Northwoods Cinema 10 (1.9 miles)