The Alton Memory Care

Pros

• The loved one is in really good hands and feels safe at The Alton.
• The community is very clean, and the activities offered are commendable.
• Most staff members are friendly, which contributes to a positive atmosphere.
• Residents enjoy participating in board games, playing cards, and doing puzzles.
• The facility has knowledgeable staff who provide helpful tours to families.
• Care at the community is satisfactory, with a well-kept environment during visits.
• Overall experiences at the community have been positive, with residents adjusting well.

Cons

• The individual housekeeping could use some improvements, as reminders are often needed to clean the loved one's space.
• One family felt that The Alton couldn't accommodate their loved one's level of care.
• A tour visitor noted that the facility was larger than other places considered, which may not be suitable for everyone.
• Concerns were expressed about the staff not providing care in the desired manner for a resident.
• There were feelings that staff lacked sufficient training in dealing with Alzheimer's behaviors and a desire for more staff per patient.

Review

The Alton Memory Care community has garnered a range of responses from families and visitors, reflecting both satisfaction with the environment and care, as well as concerns that could be addressed. Many reviewers express relief in knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and supportive setting specialized for memory care. For example, one family noted that they felt their loved one was in "really good hands" and praised The Alton as "the perfect place," emphasizing their willingness to recommend the facility to others. This sentiment is echoed by another reviewer who mentioned enjoying the community much more than a previous facility, highlighting positive experiences with activities like board games and puzzles.

Despite these positive impressions, there are notable areas for improvement. Several reviewers have pointed out issues related to housekeeping services; while the overall cleanliness of the community is appreciated, it was mentioned that individual housekeeping could use enhancements. One family indicated they often need to remind staff to help clean up their loved one's space. Such concerns suggest potential gaps in communication or staffing levels that could be negatively impacting residents’ personal living environments.

Some feedback also touches on the staff’s training and expertise in dealing with specific needs arising from Alzheimer’s disease. A concerned reviewer expressed that they wished for better educated staff regarding managing certain behaviors associated with Alzheimer's patients. This emphasizes an essential element of memory care—adequate training can significantly improve interactions between staff and residents facing challenges typical of cognitive impairments.

Visitor experiences during tours reveal mixed feelings about the community's scale and offerings. Some individuals found The Alton to be a nicer facility compared to others they toured but felt overwhelmed by its size compared to other options available. Families touring often appreciated the helpfulness of staff members who answered questions thoroughly and introduced them to residents, contributing positively to their overall impressions of The Alton.

The discussions surrounding meals provide insights into resident satisfaction as well. While many families have not personally dined at The Alton but rely on their loved ones' feedback—which has been largely positive—others expressed mild dissatisfaction with food quality despite acknowledging it as healthy. Such nuances highlight how crucial meal quality can be for overall satisfaction in assisted living environments, especially where dietary preferences may shift due to health conditions.

In contrast with some families experiencing ongoing concerns about care standards, others report smoother transitions for their loved ones into this community environment. Reviewers noted that loved ones seem well-adjusted or are making good progress since moving, which suggests strengths in how newcomers are acclimated within this memory care setting despite varying individual needs being met across different experiences.

Ultimately, while The Alton Memory Care offers a conducive atmosphere for seniors needing specialized support—with an attentive environment dedicated solely to memory care—there remains room for growth in areas such as individualized attention from staff and targeted training on Alzheimer’s best practices. Continued focus on improving housekeeping services alongside addressing food quality could enhance the experience further for current residents and prospective families alike. Families looking for memory care solutions may find value in firsthand observations during visits coupled with an honest assessment of operational aspects when choosing suitable placements for their loved ones.

This area of Saint Paul, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that cater to a senior living lifestyle. With several parks nearby such as Hidden Falls Park and Lake Hiawatha Park, residents can enjoy nature walks and outdoor activities. There are also healthcare options available, including Parkway Family Physicians and Twin Cities Orthopedics Eagan for medical needs. Places of worship like St George Greek Orthodox Church provide opportunities for spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, there are dining options ranging from casual eateries like McDonald's to upscale restaurants like Sea Salt Eatery. Pharmacies such as Walgreens are conveniently located for medication needs, and hospitals like St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul offer quality healthcare services. Transportation is easily accessible with the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport just a short distance away. Overall, this part of Saint Paul provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in the area.

Parks

• Hidden Falls Park (1.2 miles)
• Minnehaha Falls Dog Park (1.6 miles)
• Wabun Picnic Area (2.2 miles)
• Bossen Field (3.3 miles)
• Lake Hiawatha Park (3.7 miles)
• Longfellow Park (3.8 miles)
• Taft Park (4.2 miles)

Physicians

• Parkway Family Physicians (1.2 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants P.A. (3.3 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Eagan - Viking Lakes (3.9 miles)
• Entira Family Clinics-West St Paul (4.4 miles)
• West Side Community Health Services (4.7 miles)
• Mngi Digestive Health - Eagan Endoscopy Center & Clinic (4.9 miles)
• HealthPartners Health Center for Women Clinic St Paul (5 miles)

Places of Worship

• WW Studio (1.2 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (2.9 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (4.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Pool and Yacht Club (1.5 miles)
• Twins Grill (2.4 miles)
• Sea Salt Eatery (2.4 miles)
• McDonald's (2.5 miles)
• Stone Arch (2.7 miles)
• Brew Hall (3.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• VA Medical Center (2 miles)
• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (3.9 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (4.5 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (5.1 miles)
• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (5.7 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse A (2.3 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (2.4 miles)
• Concourse C (2.4 miles)
• Concourse D (2.5 miles)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) (2.5 miles)
• Escape Lounge (2.6 miles)
• Terminal 1-Lindbergh (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Groundswell (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Inver Grove 16 (5.7 miles)