Benedictine Living Community-Anoka

Benedictine Living Community-Anoka sits in a quiet neighborhood near parks, schools, and a church, so folks will find it peaceful with easy access to shops and restaurants in downtown Anoka if they want to get out for a bit, and the building's got lots of bright, spacious apartments in different floor plans like studios and one- or two-bedroom units, all with full kitchens, walk-in closets, washers and dryers, and private bathrooms, plus emergency call systems right in each unit for safety, and many living spaces have views of gardens or natural areas, which is nice if you like greenery and flowers or maybe a quiet spot on the patio. The community provides a range of care, from independent living for those who don't need much help, to assisted living-where caring staff are around day and night and can help with dressing, bathing, medication, and meals-or care suites and skilled nursing for folks who need more ongoing help, and there's specialized memory care designed for people living with Alzheimer's or other dementias. For those needing short-term support, there's respite care, and rehab services are available too, with physical therapy offered in residents' apartments or a therapy gym over at the sister campus in New Brighton.

People who move in find a place that aims for safety and dignity, with a staff that's often described as close and caring, many having worked there a long time, and the whole community feels like a big family, so it's not unusual to see staff and residents chatting in one of the newly remodeled lounge or activity spaces or enjoying time together during one of the daily fitness classes, special outings, arts and crafts, or health and spiritual programs. Dining gets a lot of praise for homemade meals and fresh pies served restaurant-style, and there are kitchenettes in many apartments if residents still like to make their own toast or coffee. Amenities cover what most folks expect and a little more: library, beauty and barber shop, covered parking, internet/Wi-Fi, controlled access, fitness center, and laundry, with housekeeping and personal storage, and transportation for appointments or outings, though people can have their own car onsite if they want.

Safety and care's always a focus, with licensed nurses on-site 24/7-including registered and licensed practical nurses-supported by certified nurse assistants, and in care suites, the staff-to-resident ratio is twice that of most nursing homes, which means more attention for those who really need it. The place stays very pet-friendly, with approval for dogs, cats, birds, and fish, and welcomes service animals; on top of that, you'll find outdoor spaces-like a deck overlooking woods and raised garden beds-for strolls or just sitting a while. Residents can choose to take part in group activities, spiritual care, or simply enjoy peace and quiet, since everyone's free to do as much or as little as they like. Benedictine Living Community-Anoka operates as a faith-based, not-for-profit community, and is part of a network of similar facilities, which adds both experience and stability to the kind of care and programs offered.

Benedictine Living Community-Anoka is managed by Benedictine.

Benedictine, established in 1985 by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota, has grown into one of the largest Catholic senior living organizations in the United States, operating over 35 communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri. With annual revenues reaching billion, approximately 5,000 employees, and over million of senior living assets under management, this faith-based nonprofit organization has experienced significant expansion from a single skilled nursing facility to a multi-state healthcare network through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, sponsorship transitions, and joint ventures.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Jerry Carley, who joined in 2018 bringing over 35 years of senior care experience, Benedictine has maintained its position as an industry leader while preserving its Catholic heritage and mission-driven focus. Carley's leadership has earned significant recognition, including being named to The Minnesota 500 as one of the state's most powerful executives (2018-2020) and designation as one of Minnesota's Most Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician Magazine in 2020. His extensive background includes previous roles as president and CEO of CSJ Initiatives and service on LeadingAge Minnesota's board of directors, where he serves as Chair.

Benedictine's innovative memory care program exemplifies their commitment to specialized care through two distinct neighborhoods: Tabitha, named after Sister Tabitha who was the first woman to head a hospital setting, which serves residents with mild to moderate memory loss, and Pauline, honoring Sister Pauline who devoted her life to dementia care, providing specialized support for those with moderate to advanced dementia. These research-based programs employ best practices in dementia care, offering engaging activities, personalized care plans, and family integration support. The organization's comprehensive service continuum extends to Adult Day Programs in Duluth and Winona, providing daytime respite care with trained memory care staff, while facilities like Benedictine Minneapolis specialize in complex medical care including tracheostomy and ventilator support.

The organization's care philosophy centers on nurturing mind, body, and spirit, rooted in Benedictine values of Hospitality, Stewardship, Respect, and Justice. This holistic approach emphasizes listening with the "ear of the heart," creating welcoming environments where unique needs are respected and each person's spirituality is honored. Through comprehensive rehabilitation services, spiritual care programs led by Director of Spiritual Care Rev. J. Scott Cartwright, and purposeful recreation incorporating art, music therapy, and movement, Benedictine continues the healthcare ministry begun by the Benedictine Sisters over a century ago. Recent strategic decisions, including the 2024 transition of Benedictine Living Community-Wausau to The Ensign Group, demonstrate the organization's commitment to ensuring sustainable, high-quality care while adapting to evolving market dynamics and maintaining their mission of empowering older adults to live to their highest potential.