Sunnyside Care Center - Lake Park

Pros

• The physical therapy workers at Sunnyside Care Center were very skilled and provided excellent care for residents.
• The facility offered larger rooms, which contributed to a more comfortable living environment.
• Residents had the opportunity to enjoy fresh air outside, allowing them to have a cigarette if they chose to do so.
• Overall, the experience brought some positive aspects, even though family presence was less encouraged.

Cons

• The family felt unwelcome and intruding when visiting the Sunnyside Care Center.
• The food provided was only average, akin to typical cafeteria fare.
• The facility's atmosphere did not seem friendly towards family involvement.
• Despite the physical therapy staff being competent, there were underlying issues with overall care dynamics.
• Many other facilities restrict outdoor access for smoking, which reflects a lack of respect for residents' autonomy at Sunnyside Care Center.

Review

Sunnyside Care Center is a facility that provides care for those in need, accommodating individuals with various levels of support. My experience there with my dad over the course of a few months revealed both advantages and drawbacks to his stay. Overall, the environment at Sunnyside felt somewhat detached when it came to family integration, which is an important aspect of such care facilities. It seemed as though frequent family visits could be perceived as intrusive rather than welcomed, which created a sense of distance between caregivers and relatives who wished to be involved in their loved ones' lives.

One notable feature of Sunnyside was its spacious rooms—larger than what many other facilities offer. This considerable space helped to create a more comfortable and less claustrophobic atmosphere for my dad. He had room to move around and maintain some semblance of independence within his quarters. However, despite the benefit of these larger living spaces, the overall attitude toward family presence raised questions about the facility’s philosophy regarding familial engagement in patient care.

Physical therapy played a crucial role during my father's time at Sunnyside Care Center. The staff responsible for physical therapy were commendable; they exhibited expertise and dedication in helping residents regain mobility or improve their physical condition. This hands-on approach was encouraging not just for my dad but also for us as a family witnessing his progress. While there are often concerns regarding overcrowded settings diminishing the quality of care, it appeared that physical therapy workers at Sunnyside took pride in delivering attentive and effective treatment sessions.

The culinary offerings at Sunnyside were somewhat pedestrian—resembling typical cafeteria food that one might expect from an institutional setting. Although meals meet basic nutritional requirements, they lack diversity and flavor that could enhance the dining experience for residents. It may not have been an issue directly impacting my father’s health or happiness; however, considering how significant mealtimes can be in terms of social interaction and enjoyment for residents, this aspect might leave something to be desired.

On a more positive note, Sunnyside allowed flexibility concerning certain personal freedoms that many other facilities restrict. One significant advantage was enabling residents like my dad to enjoy moments outside in fresh air while smoking if they chose to do so. The ability to push him out in his wheelchair into outdoor space provided not only freedom but also an opportunity for some respite from indoor confines—something commonly denied by other care centers due to strict no-smoking policies.

In conclusion, while Sunnyside Care Center has its merits through sizeable accommodations and proficient physical therapy services, it simultaneously demonstrates flaws regarding familial integration and meal quality inference. A balance exists here; although prospects during visits felt minimalistic when engaging with staff members about care involvement prompted reflection on how families can effectively support their loved ones within institutional walls without feeling unwelcome or cumbersome. Nonetheless, opportunities like enjoying fresh air together outdoors served as cherished moments amidst navigating the complexities associated with long-term care settings—a bittersweet reminder that even amidst challenges lies potential for connection and comfort.

Places of Worship

• St Francis Xavier Catholic Church (1.9 miles)
• Eksjo Lutheran Church (2 miles)
• Immanuel Lutheran Church Prsng (3.7 miles)
• Wels (4 miles)
• St Peter's Lutheran Church (7.1 miles)
• Netmender (7.5 miles)
• Agape Acres Ministry (8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Thrifty White Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (10.7 miles)
• White Drug (10.7 miles)
• DL Pharmacy (10.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (11.1 miles)
• Living Good Pharmacy (12.7 miles)
• Wahl Drug (13.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Lake Park Cafe (1.9 miles)
• A&W Restaurant (2.1 miles)
• Hooligans Lakeside (6 miles)
• Subway (9.3 miles)
• Taco John's (9.3 miles)
• KFC (9.4 miles)
• TRI Lakes Roadhouse Bar & Gril (9.5 miles)

Parks

• Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge (2.3 miles)
• Long Lake Park (8.6 miles)
• Hawley Park (9.9 miles)
• Lincoln Playground (11 miles)
• Park (12.8 miles)
• Westgate Park Shelter (12.9 miles)

Transportation

• Northern Wild Taxidermy (9.7 miles)
• Artistic Taxidermy (12.1 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (12.4 miles)
• Hawley Municipal Airport (13.9 miles)

Physicians

• Easy Hearing Clinic (10.6 miles)
• Midwest Vision Centers - Detroit Lakes Eye Doctor (10.8 miles)
• Essentia Health St Mary's - Crystal U Twynham MD (10.9 miles)
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (11 miles)

Cafes

• Mi Cartagena Cafe (10.7 miles)
• Chickadee Coffee Roasters (10.8 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (10.9 miles)
• Fill Thy Cup (11.9 miles)
• Whistle Stop (12.3 miles)
• Brook Bean Coffee House (13.3 miles)
• Cornfield Cafe (15.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Essentia Health St. Mary's-Detroit Lakes (10.8 miles)
• St Mary's Home Health (10.9 miles)
• Essentia Health (11 miles)

Theaters

• Garrick Theater (12.2 miles)