Lake Ridge Senior Health and Living Health Care Center sits up on a hill with a nice view of Buffalo Lake, just past downtown Buffalo, Minnesota, and kind of feels like one of those places where you see a lot of folks sitting out in the gardens or on the patio, maybe catching a bit of lake breeze or doing some light exercises together. The community offers a lot of care options in one spot-assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, independent living, rehabilitation, and even residential hospice through the Lakeside Oasis program, which helps people and families who need end-of-life care. Folks who choose Lake Ridge can get help with daily living tasks, nursing supervision, rehabilitation therapies, and mental health needs, and there's even medication management, palliative care, and short-term rehab for those coming out of the hospital.
People always mention that the staff is helpful and friendly, available around the clock, and that there's a real sense of support, especially with nurses checking monthly vital signs, two loads of laundry a week (one for clothes, one for linens), and weekly housekeeping. The apartments and studio rooms feel comfortable, with private bathrooms, walk-in showers with grab bars, emergency pull cords, and secured building access. There are modern living spaces, common rooms, lounges, sunrooms, and even a chapel for worship and Bible study.
Residents can join in on a lot of programs like educational classes, exercise groups, planned trips, and social events, and the activity calendar usually looks pretty full with clubs and wellness programs. The Health Center next door offers specialized therapies like physical, occupational, and speech therapy, while the dining room serves three meals a day in a nice setting, and there's a beauty salon and barber shop right on site for haircuts.
People like having support from the staff chaplain, reliable scheduled transportation, and access to Wi-Fi. The gardens are well-tended, and there are patios and a big grassy courtyard to use. Families say Lake Ridge feels welcoming and safe, with a focus on comfort and promoting the highest quality of life possible, though there are some comments here and there about the food and extra service charges. The community pays close attention to helping seniors stay active with both body and mind, and the building itself stays pretty tidy and easy to get around with handrails, elevators, and plenty of inviting gathering spots. The owners have been around Buffalo for a good while, and the facility's received high marks for staff kindness, attention to detail, and creating a friendly, involved environment for both residents and visitors.
