St John's Lutheran Home

Pros

• The staff at Mission Ridge was described as awesome and knowledgeable, providing a positive experience during the tour.
• The grounds of Mission Ridge were appreciated for their beauty, with many flowers enhancing the overall environment.
• Residents at the cottages enjoyed a comfortable home-like setting that felt warm and inviting.
• The individual rooms in the cottages were spacious and equipped with private bathrooms, contributing to residents' comfort.
• The monthly meal credit at Mission Ridge allowed for flexible dining options, which was viewed as a thoughtful feature.
• Transitional Care areas within the facilities were noted as nice and well-maintained.
• Residents felt a sense of freedom and happiness in the cottage setting, fostering a supportive community atmosphere.

Cons

• There is a 6 to 12 months waiting period at Mission Ridge, which was not feasible for the reviewer’s mother.
• The main building at St Johns has experienced significant issues over the past five years, including complaints about food service and a prolonged bed bug infestation that was poorly managed.
• The renovations at St Johns have created a mess, with only one entry and exit area posing a potential fire hazard.
• There is a lack of staff at St Johns, contributing to operational problems and resident complaints.
• Staff at St Johns are reportedly resistant to feedback and become upset when residents request changes or express concerns about their care.
• The transition to new management at St Johns has led to deterioration in the quality of service and resident satisfaction compared to previous years.
• Residents feel neglected in the main building while other areas like Mission Ridge and the Cottages receive more attention and investment.

Review

The choice of a suitable senior living community can be daunting, as demonstrated by the contrasting experiences shared in reviews of Mission Ridge and St. Johns. Mission Ridge is lauded for its beautiful grounds adorned with flowers, knowledgeable staff, and diverse amenities that cater to the needs of its residents. Many aspects contribute to a positive impression: the welcoming atmosphere created by engaging activities, on-site nursing care, memory care options, and included internet services enhance the experience for both residents and their families alike. The facility also offers flexibility with its dining arrangements—each resident receives a $100 monthly meal credit that allows them to manage their daily expenditures according to their preferences.

However, as appealing as Mission Ridge may seem, it does come with a notable drawback—a 6 to 12-month waiting period for entry into the community. This timeline poses challenges for families looking for immediate placements for loved ones requiring assisted living or other forms of care. Additionally, while some find comfort in being part of a larger community, others may perceive it as overwhelming or too expansive.

In stark contrast lies St. Johns which has suffered from significant deterioration over recent years. Once recognized for its quality independent living facilities, St. Johns now faces an array of issues attributed largely to management changes affecting service quality and resident satisfaction. Longtime residents have expressed dissatisfaction regarding food service changes that led to increased complaints about meal quality among residents. Furthermore, serious health concerns arose due to prolonged bedbug infestations that were inadequately addressed by management.

Physical infrastructure at St. Johns also appears neglected—the main building struggles from both disrepair and ongoing construction efforts intended to rectify these issues but have instead contributed to an alarming environment for current residents. With only two entry points situated at far ends of this large complex, safety risks escalate in emergency scenarios such as fire evacuations—made worse by chronic understaffing contributing further anxiety among families choosing this facility.

In terms of staffing challenges at St. Johns, reports indicate pronounced difficulties maintaining adequate personnel levels across departments—particularly concerning certified nursing assistants (CNAs). A culture reportedly exists within management deterring open communication; staff members fear repercussions should they receive feedback from residents’ families regarding care concerns or procedural requests falling outside established norms.

Amidst these contrasting reviews lies an impactful description of alternative living arrangements found within smaller cottage-style communities similar to those offered at Mission Ridge; these are appreciated for cultivating warm environments reminiscent of home rather than institutions setting harsh tones often associated with larger facilities. Residents benefit from communal cooking areas where meals are prepared freshly each day while enjoying shared spaces designed thoughtfully—the inviting patios provide comfortable gathering places that foster socialization amongst residents who flourish under conditions encouraging independence balanced with compassionate oversight.

Ultimately comparing both experiences illustrates how varied senior living communities can influence quality outcomes in eldercare settings profoundly impacting not just individual lives but familial peace-of-mind during transitions into differing lifestyles later in life based on individual preferences and emerging needs over time!

This part of Billings, Montana is a convenient and well-equipped area for senior living. With several healthcare facilities nearby such as Beltone Audiology & Hearing Center, Fuller Family Medicine, and St Vincent Healthcare Primary Care Network, residents have easy access to medical services. There are also pharmacies like Pharm406 and Walgreens in close proximity for medication needs. For leisure activities, there are restaurants like Local Kitchen & Bar and Samurai Garden, as well as cafes such as Black Dog Coffee House and Starbucks. Parks like Rose Park pool provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, while theaters like AMC CLASSIC Shiloh 14 offer entertainment options. Transportation options include U-Haul Moving & Storage for any moving needs and Billings Logan International Airport for travel convenience. Overall, this area offers a mix of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Physicians

• Beltone Audiology & Hearing Center (0.8 miles)
• Fuller Family Medicine (0.8 miles)
• Flex Family Health Direct Primary Care (1.2 miles)
• Frontier Cancer Center (1.4 miles)
• St Vincent Healthcare Primary Care Network (1.7 miles)
• SCL Health Medical Group - West Grand (1.7 miles)
• Brenda Gilmore FNP (1.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Friedchicken (0.8 miles)
• Local Kitchen & Bar (0.9 miles)
• Samurai Garden (0.9 miles)
• Wendy's (0.9 miles)
• Sunshine Express (1.1 miles)
• MacKenzie River Pizza Co. (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Pharm406 (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Albertsons Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Morgan Creek Compounding Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Juro's Pharmacy Health & Wellness (2.5 miles)
• Morgan Creek Compounding Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Hospitals

• SCL Health Research Institute (1.4 miles)
• Dialysis Clinic (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Freedom Youth & Young Adults (1.8 miles)
• Emmanuel Baptist Church (2.4 miles)
• Christian & Missionary Alliance Rocky Mountain Dist (2.4 miles)
• St Pius X Church (3 miles)

Cafes

• Expresso Brake (2 miles)
• Black Dog Coffee House (2.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.8 miles)
• City Brew Coffee (3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Moav Coffee House West End (3.9 miles)

Parks

• Rose park pool (2.4 miles)
• Terry Park (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Shiloh 14 (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (3.4 miles)
• Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) (3.6 miles)
• United Airlines (3.8 miles)
• Billings Airport (3.8 miles)