Prelude Homes & Services LLC

Pros

• The staff at the cottage in White Bear Lake is friendly and welcoming.
• The presence of a caring pastor and an activity person adds to the positive atmosphere.
• The therapy dog that visits with residents is a nice addition to the facility.
• The newness of the cottage contributes to its aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Staff members are assertive and understanding when it comes to meeting the needs of residents with dementia.
• The thoroughness and timeliness of staff interventions instill confidence in their ability to provide appropriate care.
• The staff makes an effort to get to know residents' needs and actively communicates with family members.

Review

White Bear Lake Cottage provides a pleasant and inviting environment for residents. The tour of the cottage was enjoyable, with friendly staff and soft music playing in the sitting area. Although not all residents were visible during the tour, there is plenty of care available for each resident. The presence of a caring pastor and an activity person adds to the overall positive atmosphere. Additionally, the inclusion of a therapy dog that visits with the residents enhances their experience.

However, despite these initial positive impressions, some negative experiences arose after signing up a parent to live there. Although it was initially stated that residents would be cared for even with other medical issues, staff needed reminders about how to handle those additional needs. This lack of attention extended beyond medical issues as well.

Observations revealed that there were instances where there seemed to be fewer staff members on duty than necessary. This led to situations where one staff member had to care for an entire cottage, which was clearly insufficient. These staffing issues resulted in neglectful incidents such as leaving residents soiled and uncovered in bed while waiting for assistance.

Another disappointment came in the form of the meal plan provided to residents. Instead of nutritious options like rice, potatoes, bread or noodles, chips were served three times a week as part of supper meals. Additionally, drinks like kool-aid were offered instead of milk or real fruit juice.

This lack of attention to nutrition was witnessed by family members who frequently joined their loved ones for meals at White Bear Lake Cottage. Their consistent presence revealed that safety checks were not conducted hourly as required for their parent's welfare. It was disheartening that letters had to be written to management in order for complaints to be addressed, and even then follow-up reminders were necessary.

Considering the significant financial investment required - costing thousands of dollars per month - it was frustrating that the quality of care and meals did not match expectations. Furthermore, hiring temporary agency staff who lacked familiarity with specific resident needs added to the overall disappointment.

However, it is important to note that not all experiences were negative. Some reviews express satisfaction with the care provided at White Bear Lake Cottage. These positive experiences highlight how the staff understood the specific needs of residents with dementia and were proactive in meeting those requirements. Families were pleased with their loved one's status and praised the assertiveness of staff in addressing their dementia-related needs.

Overall, opinions on White Bear Lake Cottage are mixed. While some families had a frustrating experience, encountering issues related to staffing, neglectful incidents, and poor nutritional quality, others found satisfaction in the thoroughness and timeliness of staff interventions. It is crucial for prospective residents and their families to thoroughly assess their options when considering White Bear Lake Cottage as a living arrangement for their loved ones.

This part of White Bear Lake, Minnesota offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy within close proximity, access to healthcare and medications is easily accessible. There are also various cafes such as Starbucks and Caribou Coffee for socializing or enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee. The area boasts a variety of dining options including Culver's, Cup & Cone, and Washington Square Bar & Grill, providing a range of choices for dining out. Nearby physicians like Victhom Human Bionics and Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine offer medical services with convenience in mind. In addition, there are several parks like Bear Park and Snail Lake Regional Park for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. For entertainment, there are theaters like Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn and AMC Rosedale 14 nearby. Overall, this part of White Bear Lake provides a mix of essential services, recreational opportunities, and entertainment options for seniors considering the area for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (7.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Culver's (0.5 miles)
• Admiral D's (1.6 miles)
• Cup & Cone (1.8 miles)
• Washington Square Bar & Grill (1.9 miles)
• Eat at Banning and Fifth (2 miles)
• Big Wood Brewery (2 miles)
• The Alchemist (2 miles)

Physicians

• Victhom Human Bionics (0.6 miles)
• Jaksa Stephen W DDS (1.9 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (2.2 miles)
• Suburban Radiology (2.7 miles)
• Minnesota Vein Center (3.3 miles)
• Entira Family Clinics (3.4 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (3.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Mary of the Lake Church (1.6 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (4.3 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (6 miles)
• St Jerome Elementary School (6 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (8.3 miles)

Parks

• Bear Park (2.3 miles)
• Lake Varney Park (3 miles)
• Legacy Pines Park (3.4 miles)
• Red Pine Park (3.8 miles)
• Snail Lake Regional Park (3.8 miles)
• Hazelwood Park (4.1 miles)
• Playcrest Park (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (3.7 miles)

Theaters

• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (5 miles)
• AMC Rosedale 14 (7.5 miles)

Transportation

• Lino Air Park (8.7 miles)