Cardenas Friendship House 1 sits in the Orchard Garden area of Bloomington, Minnesota, as a small residential care home licensed under number 20981, and it's got just six assisted living units where elderly women can get memory care or assisted living, so things never feel too crowded, there's some privacy, and everyone gets to know each other pretty well. The place opens its doors to adults who need a live-in caregiver, including younger folks with complex or memory needs, and the design aims to reduce confusion and wandering for dementia or Alzheimer's residents-there's even a secure memory care section and a Wander Alert System with bracelets for extra safety, and staff can help with assisted transfers or use mechanical lifts for people who can't move around easily. Residents can bring small pets, and there's no smoking inside, and everything follows ADA accessibility rules, so the building works for folks with limited mobility.
Around-the-clock staff stay on site, with a nurse on the team, and visiting professionals like podiatrists, dentists, therapists, and hospice workers come by as needed. The staff also help with activities of daily living like bathing, grooming, taking medicine, or even just making sure meals and laundry get taken care of, which all helps older people keep their independence without having to do everything alone. Cardenas Friendship House 1 offers home-cooked meals that try to focus on nutrition-a real benefit when someone needs meal plans for diabetes or other special diets-and the kitchen gives meal options to fit different needs, and staff make sure medicine isn't missed.
Seniors get broadband internet and Wi-Fi, private rooms for privacy, and there's guest parking and both scheduled group activities in-house and on trips outside, plus transport for appointments or shopping, sometimes included and sometimes for a fee. Residents can get their hair done by a beautician who visits, use shared indoor and outdoor spaces for fresh air or social time, and join community outings that try to keep everyone engaged with the world. Incontinence care, insulin injections for folks with diabetes, and other medical needs are available, and the staff keep close attention so health and safety needs are met. The place builds a feeling of friendship and community, with programs in place to help residents and the neighboring area, and Cardenas Friendship House 1 works to foster that same warm, home-like environment every day.
