413 13Th Avenue, Howard Lake, MN 55349
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake
Pros
The administration, nursing, PT/OT, food service, housekeeping, and activities staff are excellent.- The nursing staff is top notch and caring.
- Nursing managers regularly work the floor to provide patient care, with a supervisor on duty at least one day per week.
- The care at this facility is great, with staff who respond promptly to residents' needs.
- They encourage residents to do as much as they can, and residents enjoy the company of other residents.
- The facility offers meal options and alternative choices, along with a variety of activities like trivia nights and animal visits or entertainment.
- The office staff listen to residents' needs and explain how they can be met; the staff are well informed about each resident.
- Tracy is an outstanding nurse who truly cares for residents as if they were family.
Cons
The 3rd shift staff were not caring; they put her back to bed after a bathroom visit without covering her or talking to her.- The relative said the staff were rude and seemed bothered and annoyed.
- The food wasn't great.
Review
This community is best suited for seniors who want hands-on, compassionate nursing care, reliable rehab services, and a social, staff-driven environment where leadership remains engaged on the floor. Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake excels in clinical warmth: nursing teams described as top-notch and genuinely caring, with managers who roll up their sleeves to provide direct patient care. Residents benefit from strong therapy support and a broad array of activities, from trivia nights to animal visits and entertainers. The setting supports long-term residence as well as rehabilitation, with clear attention to safety, consistent call responsiveness, and a family-friendly atmosphere where visits are welcomed and members are kept informed.
However, some caveats exist and should influence decision-making. The strongest appeal here lies with families who value staff dedication, ongoing therapy, and a lively activity calendar more than gourmet dining or perfectly consistent behavior across all shifts. For seniors whose priority is high-end dining, unusually quiet surroundings, or uniformly warm interactions on every shift, alternatives may be better. There is a perception that the 3rd shift is not always as attentive, and a single report of routine care that felt curt underscores that no facility is flawless. Prospective buyers should inquire about staffing patterns, shift coverage, and menu options to gauge fit.
On balance, the positives substantially offset the drawbacks. The standout nursing staff, caring, responsive to calls, and consistently focused on meeting individual needs, creates a dependable safety net. Leadership presence on the floor helps ensure accountability and practical problem-solving, while a rehab-focused PT/OT program delivers tangible value for both short-term recovery and long-term wellness. The emphasis on family involvement, care conferences, and transparent communication fosters trust and peace of mind for relatives. Meal options and flexibility mitigate dissatisfaction with certain menu items, even if culinary quality isn’t universally lauded. The overall environment feels respectful and encouraging, with residents staying engaged in daily activities and social connections.
Residents describe a warm, dignified living experience: rooms that are comfortable, staff who respond promptly, and visitors who are welcomed without hesitation. The facility’s approach to integrating residents into a robust activity calendar keeps days meaningful, while the rehab department earns consistently positive comments. A well-coordinated team, across clinical staff, therapists, and office personnel, ensures that services align with individual needs and expectations. Still, a few voices suggest the dining experience could be more compelling, indicating an area ripe for ongoing improvement in culinary programming.
For families weighing options, this community represents a prudent choice for those prioritizing steady nursing oversight, engaged leadership, and an active social environment. It is particularly strong for long-term care and rehabilitation where routine medical attention and personalized attention matter most. Caution is warranted for those whose top criteria include gourmet meals or flawless day-to-day warmth across all shifts, as those aspects may vary. Prospective residents should arrange a candid tour focused on staffing patterns, meet with a nurse-manager during a typical shift, and review sample menus and activity calendars to ensure alignment with expectations.
Overall, Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake stands out as a solid, practical choice for families seeking a well-staffed, resident-centered environment that values safety, engagement, and transparent communication. The combination of compassionate clinical care, active therapy services, and a welcoming atmosphere often offsets sporadic concerns about dining quality or third-shift consistency. For those who want a dependable, family-oriented setting with tangible support for rehabilitation and daily living, this community warrants serious consideration; for others with rigid dining standards or specific shift-based expectations, exploring alternatives remains reasonable.
32 resident community capacity
Skilled Nursing Facility
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
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