Elk Ridge

Pros

• The activities director is phenomenal, constantly engaging residents with various activities and social events.
• Staff members are friendly, caring, and genuinely concerned about the well-being of the residents.
• Residents are treated with integrity, respect, and patience, allowing them independence according to their needs.
• The facility has a warm and homey atmosphere that families appreciate.
• Leadership is responsive and keeps families informed about their loved one's care.
• The facility provides a loving environment where residents feel safe and happy.
• There are positive comments about the cleanliness of the building and the overall pleasant atmosphere at Elk Ridge.
• Many families would recommend Elk Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center to others based on their experiences.

Cons

• The facility started smelling of urine and the food quality has declined since management changed.
• There were issues with theft of personal property, including items like glasses and a quilt, leading to dissatisfaction with the environment.
• The care staff were difficult to identify and there was poor communication regarding medication replenishment.
• The food was described as terrible, with repetitive menu items and insufficient fresh fruits and vegetables, contributing to an unhealthy weight gain for residents.
• There was a lack of follow-up from leadership after onboarding, leaving residents feeling neglected after settling in.
• The facility requires deep cleaning and maintenance, particularly in common areas such as dining rooms and windows.
• Missing personal belongings was a common issue reported by multiple families, indicating a lack of security for resident's items.
• Some residents did not receive adequate care based on their needs, suggesting possible deficiencies in staffing or service levels.

Review

Elk Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center has garnered a wide range of feedback from families who have entrusted the care of their loved ones to this facility. While many reviewers highlight positive aspects, such as engaging activities and dedicated staff, there is also a significant number of concerns that reflect changes in management and the quality of services over time. This mixed bag of experiences speaks volumes about the complex nature of providing memory care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

One particularly praised aspect of Elk Ridge is its activities director, who is described as "phenomenal." Many families appreciate the diverse array of engaging activities offered to residents, which fosters social interaction—a crucial element for many individuals suffering from dementia. Reviewers note that their loved ones are given a choice: they can participate in entertaining events or simply enjoy quiet moments if they prefer. This balance between activity and rest is frequently cited as essential for enhancing residents' overall well-being.

However, amidst these praises lies a troubling trend noticed by several reviewers. A few families reported that the quality of food has diminished, citing issues such as unappetizing meals and insufficient nutritional variety. Complaints regarding frequent servings of rice and hot dogs instead of fresh fruits and vegetables were common, with some indicating their loved ones gained weight due to excessive candy being provided without restriction. Additionally, other reviews highlighted cleanliness problems within the facility itself; complaints ranged from unpleasant odors reminiscent of urine to unclean dining areas. This decline in quality left some families feeling compelled to seek alternative facilities for their loved ones.

Communication also appears to be a significant issue at Elk Ridge. Multiple reviews indicated a lack of follow-through from administrative staff when it came to checking on residents’ well-being or addressing concerns raised by family members. For some families whose loved ones required more attentive care, this absence was concerning and led to feelings of neglect. In one instance, important medications ran out without timely notification—a situation that might have been avoided with better communication practices in place.

Safety and security concerns were also prevalent themes in some reviews. Instances where personal belongings went missing caused distress among family members—items like glasses, quilts, watches, and jewelry seemingly vanished without explanation during stays at the facility. Several respondents recommended labeling all possessions brought into memory care facilities so that items could be easily identified and returned if misplaced or stolen—an acknowledgment that theft or loss can sometimes occur in communal living situations.

Despite these challenges expressed by some reviewers, many still hold Elk Ridge in high regard overall. Families commended individual staff members for their kindness, patience, and genuine care towards residents—the very attributes essential for those working in memory care environments. The facility's design was appreciated for being aesthetically pleasing both indoors and outdoors; however, an underlying theme emerged regarding the need for ongoing upkeep and attention to detail within various areas.

In conclusion, while Elk Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center presents itself as a place where individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s can receive compassionate care amid an engaging community atmosphere, it's clear there are notable improvements needed across several facets—from food quality to housekeeping standards—alongside enhanced communication strategies within management roles. For potential new residents or interested families conducting research on memory care options available to them or their loved ones, synthesizing both sets of experiences—positive interactions alongside calls for improvement—will provide a comprehensive view leading toward informed decisions about future placements.

This part of Maplewood, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. The area is home to several hospitals such as St John's Hospital-Maplewood and Regions Hospital Burn Center, ensuring easy access to healthcare facilities. There are also numerous restaurants, pharmacies, and cafes in close proximity, providing convenience for daily errands and dining options. Additionally, the presence of parks like Hazelwood Park and Casey Lake Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With theaters like Oakdale Cinema nearby, seniors can also enjoy entertainment options within a short distance. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded living environment with essential services and recreational activities readily available for senior residents.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (0.2 miles)
• Osaka Sushi and Hibachi (0.6 miles)
• Golden Corral (0.7 miles)
• The Dog House Bar and Grill (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• Sak's Sports Bar (1.7 miles)

Physicians

• Jacobs Carol RN (0.2 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (0.3 miles)
• Healthpartners Clinics (1.4 miles)
• Retina Center (1.5 miles)
• HealthPartners Clinic (1.5 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (2 miles)
• Victhom Human Bionics (3.6 miles)

Parks

• Hazelwood Park (0.3 miles)
• Legacy Pines Park (0.4 miles)
• Casey Lake Park (0.9 miles)
• Harvest Park (0.9 miles)
• Playcrest Park (1.3 miles)
• Lake Varney Park (1.4 miles)
• Rotary Park (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (0.3 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (5.9 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (6.4 miles)
• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (7.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)

Theaters

• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (2.7 miles)
• AMC Rosedale 14 (6.9 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Woodbury (7.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Jerome Elementary School (3.4 miles)
• St Mary of the Lake Church (4 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (4.5 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.5 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (6.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Union Depot (6.2 miles)