Three Links Care Center

Three Links Care Center sits at 815 Forest Avenue in Northfield and is part of the St. Francis Health Services network, and you'll find a fair-sized campus there with several types of senior housing in three collections of cottages that are all a bit different, with a main care center, independent living apartments, Millstream Common assisted living, and a few locations just for memory care, including specialized Memory Care Suites at the Cottage on Forest. The center has space for up to 92 residents and about 74 people live there most days, with staff available around the clock to help with daily needs, medicine, wound care, and nursing, and the published nurse staffing comes to 4.21 hours per resident each day, though there isn't public information about nurse turnover. Managers include Mari Chambers, Elizabeth Letich, Cami Peterson Devries, and Carol Raw, and there's an infection prevention and control program in place, though inspection reports have noted some issues in the past, like deficiencies in infection control and resident rights.

There's help for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias through the Encompass Memory Care Program, plus secure spaces and personal care plans focused on cognitive engagement, with trained staff who know how to support those challenges. Memory care residents get help with daily activities, emotional and psychosocial support, and a safe environment. The Reflections suites are set aside for end-of-life care, focusing on comfort, pain management, and symptom control, and the staff provide hospice and respite care when it's needed. Three Links Care Center also gives seniors access to physical, occupational, and speech therapies, both short-term and long-term, with therapy staff offering rehabilitation to help people regain skills or feel better day to day. The campus includes home care services for Northfield and neighboring communities, as well as adult day programs that offer group activities from morning until early afternoon.

Meals at Three Links have drawn attention for quality and taste, recognized with awards for Best Meals and Dining, and every day there are activities and programs-social, educational, and cultural-to help residents feel like they're part of a community, which has also led to awards for Best Activities and Most Friendly community. The dining rooms, patios, and community spaces allow families and friends to join residents for meals and visits, while the staff are known for being helpful and welcoming. The independent living apartments, such as Park Ridge Apartments and Three Links Apartments, offer HUD-qualified units and options with full kitchens, all utilities included in some, plus pet-friendly policies with certain requirements. Residents have access to laundry, general maintenance, and snow removal, with heating and air conditioning controlled in some units.

Amenities and personal touches aim to create a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, and the focus on resident self-determination means people can make choices about daily routines and activities. Residents get care that fits their needs, including help with medication, therapy exercises, personal care, and planning for future health needs. Training for staff covers dementia care and the special needs of people with memory problems. Friends, families, and visitors are always welcome, and the staff work with doctors to update and follow each person's care plan.

Three Links Care Center tries to nurture the mind, body, and spirit of its seniors, offering faith-based support for those who want it, and though there've been some past issues with inspections, many residents and families say the sense of community and variety of services at Three Links help make daily life a little easier and a bit more like being at home.