Franciscan Health Center sits at 3910 Minnesota Ave in Duluth and offers many care options for older adults, and people often mention it's got a nice view of St. Louis Bay and Lake Superior, and its rooms are comfortable and private with kitchens or kitchenettes, safety features, washers and dryers, cable TV, and phones, not to mention staff keeps things maintained and the rooms have sprinkler systems for safety and good maintenance. The main building along with Suncrest Assisted Living offers a mix of living choices like independent living, assisted living, memory care for Alzheimer's and related issues, skilled nursing, rehabilitation for both short and long-term stays, respite care for those who only need help for a little while, and hospice care for people who need that kind of support.
Residents have access to specialized help, depending on what they need, and the on-site team is available around the clock, managed by a physician and licensed nurses, and personal care assistants help with dressing, bathing, eating, and grooming. The property stays safe and easy to get around for everyone, especially those who have trouble walking or need a wheelchair, with features such as handicap-accessible rooms and buildings, wide hallways, a 24-hour emergency response system at Suncrest, and solid fire protection throughout. The health center has its own therapy team offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and partners with Big Stone Therapy for outpatient services, also folks can get wound care, medication support, IV therapy, podiatry care, x-rays, and support for ostomies.
Meals come three times every day and chefs prepare food that meets the right nutritional needs and covers different diets while everyone sits in a dining room designed for comfort, and if someone wants a snack or something between meals, staff try to help. Residents have both beauty and barbershop services right there on the property and there's a game and activities room where people can try arts and crafts, join in bingo, music therapy, shopping trips, and regular outings into the community. The living spaces and common areas are designed to look welcoming and familiar, with housefronts, wide open areas, and even a volunteer gift shop, while spiritual needs are covered with regular religious services in their own chapel and support for different faith backgrounds.
Some folks have their own vehicles, but there's guest parking and transportation services for appointments, shopping, or outings nearby. Housekeeping and laundry services are handled by the staff too, so residents don't have to worry about chores or heavy lifting. Wifi's available across the property, and there's cable TV in the rooms for those who want to watch the news or their favorite shows. There's also a fitness center for those following exercise plans as part of their therapy or just wanting to keep active, and there are plenty of opportunities to keep up with educational programs, wellness activities, and all kinds of social events.
The community's been recognized for doing a good job in elder care, it's accredited, and it works to treat everyone with respect and dignity, putting a big focus on helping people stay as independent as they can. The leadership team includes an administrator, director of nursing, and social services director, and others who handle the different communities in the facility, so people know who to talk to if they have a question or need help. Admission usually starts with a tour and assessment to figure out what kind of care someone needs. The general office hours run from 8:30 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon on weekdays and some Saturdays, so there's time to meet staff and look around.
Franciscan Health Center is part of St. Francis Health Services and tries to foster a sense of belonging along with a caring, supportive environment for all residents, and there are long-term care insurance options to help with paying for services, though everyone's situation might be a little different. The facility isn't the fanciest or the flashiest, but folks do say that the warm, community feel and the range of services make it a good option for seniors who need extra help or want to enjoy a safe, homelike place as they get older.
