Brookdale North Oaks

Pros

• The community is small, which is helpful for those in memory care, and the staff are kind and respectful.
• Residents receive good quality meals, and the dining area is nicely kept.
• The overall experience at Brookdale North Oaks has been very positive, with friendly staff and a clean environment.
• The staff members are caring and keep families informed about residents' progress.
• Activities provided for residents include exercise programs and musical entertainment, promoting engagement.
• Many families would recommend Brookdale North Oaks due to the attentive care their loved ones received.
• The facility offers a nice atmosphere with courtyards for outdoor access and decent-sized rooms for residents.
• Staff interactions create a sense of family, making the transition into memory care easier for residents and their families.

Cons

• The management at Brookdale North Oaks has terrible communication, leading to frustration for families trying to get information or resolve issues.
• There is significant staff turnover, which negatively affects the consistency of care and operations in the facility.
• Some staff members appear snotty and disrespectful, diminishing the overall experience for residents and their families.
• Residents frequently do not receive adequate one-on-one attention from aides, as they are often seen on their phones instead of engaging with them.
• The quality of meals could be improved according to some residents, despite being generally good.
• A family reported a troubling experience with billing and medication management upon their loved one's admission, leading to financial disputes that remain unresolved.
• Concerns were raised about inadequate end-of-life care training among staff, resulting in challenges during critical moments for residents in hospice care.
• Some families expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of engaging activities available for higher-functioning residents who feel bored.
• One reviewer described the facility as old and not suitable compared to other options in the area, leading them to seek alternatives for their loved ones.

Review

Brookdale North Oaks is a senior living community that has received a mixture of positive and negative reviews from family members of residents. Many families appreciate the community’s efforts to keep residents active and engaged with various walking paths and activities, emphasizing the importance of staying busy and enjoying their time in the facility. The staff is frequently praised for their friendliness, attentiveness, and care, with many expressing satisfaction regarding the quality of service provided to their loved ones. Families also noted good communication regarding their loved ones’ progress and status, which contributed positively to their overall experience.

The facility's proximity to family homes also plays a significant role in its appeal; several reviewers highlighted that Brookdale North Oaks was conveniently located near them. The size of the community is often mentioned as a positive aspect, as it fosters a more intimate atmosphere where residents can interact more easily. Reviewers appreciated the cleanliness of the facility and described it as well-kept, with common areas available for social gatherings—elements considered essential for both the emotional well-being of residents and peace of mind for families.

While many expressed satisfaction with basic aspects such as room cleanliness and overall care, some concerns arose regarding staffing levels and management issues. A recurring theme among reviews was frustration with staff turnover rates, which seemed to hinder continuity in care. Though most caregivers were described as compassionate and dedicated, several families reported experiences indicating that not all staff had adequate training—particularly concerning end-of-life care or specialization in memory-related support. This lack of consistency affected some residents’ experiences adversely.

A significant criticism emerged around communication—not only between management and families but also internally among staff members. Several reviewers experienced delayed or insufficient communication from management regarding billing issues or changes within administrative personnel. Some felt this lack of clarity made navigating their loved ones' care more challenging during stressful times. Multiple accounts highlighted confusion surrounding billing processes that led to unexpected charges, which exacerbated frustrations about an already delicate situation when dealing with aging loved ones.

On the culinary front, opinions diverged; while some found meals satisfactory or even excellent—with a variety of options available—others felt improvements could be made in meal quality or portion sizes. Some families indicated concerns about excessive food waste due to generous servings that might not align with individual appetites or needs. Despite these critiques surrounding dining experiences, most residents were reported to have no complaints about food quality on an individual level.

Ultimately, Brookdale North Oaks stood out for its kind-hearted staff who genuinely cared about residents but struggled under challenges like high employee turnover rates and management deficiencies that affected day-to-day operations significantly. While many families would recommend this facility based on their experiences—including high-quality interactions between aides and residents—the critiques cannot be overlooked by prospective families considering this community for their loved ones’ long-term care needs.

In summary, Brookdale North Oaks reflects both strengths in its caring environment alongside notable concerns related to staffing stability and administrative efficiency. Families are encouraged to weigh these factors carefully against individual expectations when seeking suitable accommodations for elderly relatives navigating memory loss or other health challenges within this particular community setting.

Located in the serene community of North Oaks, Minnesota, this area offers a range of healthcare options such as the Minnesota Vein Center and Entira Family Clinics for your medical needs. With pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS nearby, accessing prescriptions is convenient. Enjoy the outdoors at parks like Snail Lake Regional Park or visit places of worship such as Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Grab a coffee at Starbucks or dine at restaurants like Noodles & Company or Culver's. For entertainment, catch a movie at AMC Rosedale 14. With hospitals like St John's Hospital-Maplewood and Unity Hospital within reach, you can have peace of mind knowing quality healthcare services are available to you in this charming neighborhood.

Physicians

• Minnesota Vein Center (0.1 miles)
• Entira Family Clinics (0.3 miles)
• Suburban Radiology (0.5 miles)
• Victhom Human Bionics (2.9 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (3.6 miles)
• Cardiovascular Systems (3.9 miles)
• Jaksa Stephen W DDS (5.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.9 miles)

Parks

• Snail Lake Regional Park (1.1 miles)
• Bear Park (2.3 miles)
• Acorn Park (3.7 miles)
• Owasso Park (3.8 miles)
• Central Park Playground (4.7 miles)
• Legacy Pines Park (5.3 miles)
• Lake Varney Park (5.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (1.7 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (2.8 miles)
• St Mary of the Lake Church (4.8 miles)
• St Jerome Elementary School (6 miles)
• Fridley United Methodist Church (6.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (6.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Noodles & Company (2.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.5 miles)
• Taco John's (2.8 miles)
• Culver's (2.8 miles)
• Jimmy's Food & Drink (3.7 miles)
• Sak's Sports Bar (4.3 miles)
• Boulevard Bar & Grille (4.6 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (5.4 miles)
• Unity Hospital (7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rosedale 14 (5.5 miles)