Golden Horizons of Aitkin sits on 7th Avenue NE in Aitkin, Minnesota, outside of town where there's wildlife, lakes, parks, and walking trails close by, and fishing or hunting is just a short drive away, so residents can enjoy some peace when they want it. The facility offers several kinds of care, like independent living for seniors who want to stay active, assisted living for those who need some help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or medicines, and a memory care area that's built and secured for people with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Staff, including nurses, are available day and night-ready to help with emergencies, care for diabetic needs, provide reminders for grooming or using the restroom, manage medications, and help with transfers even for those who need a lift or a couple hands to get around, and they've got a Director of Nursing and care coordinators too. The memory care building uses security technology, like bracelets that set off alarms if someone tries to leave, so residents who wander can stay safe, and the staff is trained to help folks who might have challenging behaviors.
Apartments come in different sizes, like studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom, and some have dens or patios. Kitchens come in units for private meals, but there's also community dining where home-style food's served daily-meals can be vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free, low sodium, or low sugar if needed, and residents can invite guests to eat too. Residents enjoy indoor and outdoor common areas, with sunrooms, dining rooms, activity spaces, chapels, and cozy foyers with fireplaces, plus there's wheel-in showers and tubs, and private baths. Outdoor smoking's allowed, and there's space for dogs or cats, which can make life feel a bit more like home. The building's smaller in size, so it's not so hard to get around, and they've got parking for residents, complimentary rides, and the bus line stops nearby.
A daily schedule covers a wide range-exercise classes, gardening, art, painting, crafts, brain fitness, bingo, stretching, yoga and chair yoga, pet-focused fun, outings, movies, music, holiday events like gingerbread house building, wine tastings, trivia, and even intergenerational programs or educational lectures. The Golden Wellness Activities Program runs regular activities to keep both body and brain working, and there are devotional services and chapels onsite for spiritual needs. Folks can get beauty or barber services without leaving the building. Maintenance and utilities are managed in-house.
Golden Horizons is known for its friendly staff and thoughtful approach, with a goal of getting to know each person and building care plans that fit unique needs, whether someone needs just a bit of help or requires a heavier level of care, so people can stay in the community even as their needs grow. The atmosphere is home-like and comforting, with an emphasis on safety, dignity, and encouraging independence, and staff care for every resident, even those who may have bowel or bladder troubles or might try to leave, or need extra attention for challenging behaviors, always with a mind toward kindness and personal respect. Hospice and respite care are available too for those who need them, and with services like housekeeping and transportation, most daily needs are covered, letting residents focus on living more comfortably and engaging in community life as much or as little as they'd like.
