Ecumen Lakeview Commons sits tucked in the trees across from Beaver Lake in Maplewood, Minnesota, where residents see peaceful views and get to enjoy nature right from home, and the place has served the east metro for over 25 years, which says something about how folks keep coming back or staying there a while, and that kind of steadiness shows up in the team, too, since some staff have been there over 26 years and most have worked in every department for around 15 years-which means people get to know each other and residents don't see a new face every month, and that makes a place feel more like home. This community offers several types of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Short-Term Transitional Care, Affordable Housing, Long-term Care, and Respite Care, so a person can often stay even if their needs change over time, plus they've got on-site physicians, therapy services, hospice care programs like Mosaic Moments, and even outpatient options, so help is close by and folks have choices without heading across town. If someone needs help with things like bathing, dressing, medication management, or even diabetes monitoring, licensed Resident Assistants are around 24/7, and there's a professional care team that keeps an eye on everyone's well-being, which brings peace of mind, especially for families who worry about a loved one wandering, and that's handled with controlled entry and exit in assisted living to keep those with mild to moderate dementia safe but still included in the community.
Memory care at Ecumen Lakeview Commons is made to help people with Alzheimer's or other dementia stay comfortable and less confused, with things like cozy common areas, an enclosed courtyard to walk safely, and outdoor paths and a gazebo for some fresh air, not to mention Gus, the therapy dog, who brings smiles when he visits, and for spiritual support, there's a chapel and access to a Chaplain if someone's looking for that. The life enrichment department stands out, with activities planned six days a week that help people stay active, meet others, and try something new, whether that's exercise, games, crafts, or music, and it really matters to have something to look forward to each day or a reason to get up and go somewhere, which this place keeps in mind. The food there gets attention from a Dining Director who's led things for 26 years, so the meals aren't an afterthought-they're made with good ingredients and a focus on nutrition, and from what's known, meals play a big part in Brunner's daily routine for residents.
Community amenities are handy, too, like covered parking, Wi-Fi, handicap access, companion services, and transportation for errands or outings, and being pet-friendly means that even four-legged companions can stay, which makes a big difference to some people. Housing choices stretch from independent apartments to affordable or subsidized units, plus companion options, and if a person just needs a short stay, respite care or rehab is available, which can help after hospital visits or when caregivers need a break. They've got adult day services, home care, hospice, Meals on Wheels, outpatient therapy, and connections to wider Ecumen services across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, so families might find other locations near them, too. Altogether, Ecumen Lakeview Commons is where people get support in daily living, a place to belong, and access to care and activities made for seniors, in a setting that tries to keep things both safe and welcoming without losing sight of the individual needs people have as they grow older.
