The Emeralds At St Paul

Pros

• The staff at Bethel Care Center was very friendly and genuinely cared for the residents, creating a supportive environment.
• Keesha, one of the nurses, provided exceptional care and formed a positive connection with the residents.
• The activities director was super friendly and actively engaged with residents, offering enjoyable activities like Bingo and outdoor cookouts.
• The facility has good security measures in place, including a fenced-in backyard for residents to enjoy.
• Sue, the manager, consistently tried to accommodate the needs of both residents and their families, demonstrating a commitment to care.
• The front desk operators were always welcoming and helpful, contributing to a positive atmosphere within the facility.

Cons

• The building really needs updating and is lacking in central air, causing discomfort for residents.
• There are no telephones in the residents' rooms, which can be inconvenient.
• The main shower area is archaic and can be difficult for residents to use.
• My dad had to wait longer than he would have liked for assistance due to the staff being very busy.
• The shared bathrooms between residents’ rooms were difficult for my dad and not disclosed during the facility tour.
• Bethel Care Center feels very institutional despite having a good staff.
• The staff appeared to be overworked, affecting their ability to provide timely care.

Review

Bethel Care Center is currently under new management, and there are noticeable efforts being made to enhance the quality of service and care provided to its residents. This transition period has fostered a commitment among the staff to improve both the environment and the experience for those living in the facility. However, there are several areas that require significant updating and modernization. One of the most pressing issues is the absence of central air conditioning within the building, which can make it quite uncomfortable during warmer months. Instead, residents have access to air conditioners positioned at the ends of hallways. To mitigate discomfort in individual rooms, staff members are providing portable fans, which have proven helpful in improving airflow and cooling down personal spaces.

My father stayed at Bethel Care Center for transitional care after undergoing cancer surgery in the summer of 2019. During his time there, I was struck by how friendly and dedicated the staff were in their caregiving roles. They genuinely seemed to do their very best amid what appeared to be extremely busy schedules. While my father sometimes had to wait longer than anticipated for assistance—a common issue in facilities operating under high demand—his experience was overall positive due to the attentiveness of nurses like Keesha. She stood out as a favorite among residents not just for her professionalism but also for her vibrant personality that added warmth and comfort during a challenging time.

One notable aspect of Bethel Care Center is its commitment to fostering a sense of community among residents through organized activities. The facility offers a variety of recreational options such as Bingo games, outdoor cookouts, and live musical performances that encourage participation from all residents. The activities director plays an active role in engaging with residents; her cheerful demeanor persists even when met with indifference or reluctance from some individuals. This dedication helps create an inclusive atmosphere where residents can find joy despite any personal struggles they may be facing related to their health or otherwise.

Nonetheless, there are aspects of life at Bethel Care Center that posed difficulties for my father and may not be immediately apparent during initial tours of the facility. For instance, all bathrooms between resident rooms are shared—an arrangement that proved challenging for him personally. Understanding these logistical details is crucial for prospective families seeking placement options; it significantly impacts daily comfort levels and privacy during recovery or rehabilitation periods.

The security measures enacted at Bethel Care Center also deserve acknowledgment, as they provide peace of mind for both residents and family members alike. The backyard area is securely fenced-in and features a bench where visitors can sit while enjoying fresh air alongside their loved ones—an important addition that encourages outdoor activity within safe boundaries. There’s even a designated smoking area on-site for smokers so they can enjoy their habit without disturbing others. Additionally, sidewalks throughout the property allow family members to take their loved ones on pleasant strolls around a serene neighborhood setting.

Despite being categorized as an institutional environment by some reviews—suggesting it lacks warmth or homeliness—the positive interactions with staff members leave many feeling supported throughout their stay at Bethel Care Center. The front desk operators consistently greeted guests with friendly dispositions while Sue, the facility manager, actively sought ways to accommodate various needs expressed by families visiting their loved ones within this care institution. It was evident through our engagement with them that everyone truly cared about my father’s well-being during his stay; this compassionate involvement was invaluable given our family's circumstances at that time.

In summary, while Bethel Care Center certainly faces challenges related to physical infrastructure improvements—including upgrades necessary for both comfort and modernity—the essence captured through dedicated staff interaction creates an enriching support system for its residents amidst adversity. Unfortunately, we could not assess meal quality firsthand since my dad struggled with eating; however—and perhaps more importantly—it’s clear that behind these walls lives a community striving towards betterment every day.

Places of Worship

• Cathedral of St Paul (0.4 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (1.5 miles)
• WW Studio (3.1 miles)
• St Jerome Elementary School (3.8 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (6.8 miles)

Hospitals

• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (0.6 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (0.9 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (1.3 miles)
• VA Medical Center (5.3 miles)
• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (5.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Cossetta's Italian Market & Pizzeria (0.7 miles)
• Citizen Supper Club (1.3 miles)
• The Bulldog Lowertown (1.5 miles)
• Brew Hall (2.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.5 miles)
• Burger Time (2.9 miles)
• Pool and Yacht Club (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Groundswell (2.1 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (4.1 miles)

Transportation

• Union Depot (1.5 miles)
• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (3.7 miles)
• Concourse A (6.2 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (6.2 miles)
• Concourse C (6.2 miles)
• Concourse D (6.3 miles)
• Escape Lounge (6.4 miles)

Physicians

• West Side Community Health Services (2.3 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants P.A. (2.4 miles)
• Parkway Family Physicians (3.1 miles)
• Entira Family Clinics-West St Paul (4.1 miles)
• Dakota Medical Solutions (4.2 miles)
• HealthPartners Health Center for Women Clinic St Paul (4.5 miles)
• HealthPartners Clinic (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Como Park (2.7 miles)
• Flicek Park (4.7 miles)
• Hidden Falls Park (4.7 miles)
• Wabun Picnic Area (4.8 miles)
• Minnehaha Falls Dog Park (5 miles)
• Central Park Playground (5 miles)
• Longfellow Park (5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rosedale 14 (5.1 miles)
• AMC Inver Grove 16 (6.2 miles)