River Oaks Columbia Heights

I am writing this review with a heavy heart and burning anger after placing my elderly mother in River Oaks of Columbia Heights (900 42nd Ave NE) under the so-called “care” of their administration and ownership. What was sold to us as a compassionate, professional assisted living community has proven to be little more than a profit-driven warehouse for vulnerable seniors. Cori Barker (Vice President of Operations), Jodi King (President of Clinical Services), and Chris King, along with the rest of the River Oaks of Minnesota ownership and leadership team, should be deeply ashamed.From day one, the understaffing was criminal. Promises of 24-hour awake staff and attentive care evaporated into reality: overworked, exhausted CNAs and resident assistants juggling far too many residents, leading to long wait times for basic needs like toileting, medication, and meals. Call lights went unanswered for 30-45 minutes on multiple occasions. My mother, who requires assistance with mobility, was left sitting in soiled linens more than once. One bright spot was Jennifer Anderson, RN, who was truly amazing — competent, compassionate, and the only reliable RN many residents and families could depend on. When she gave her notice, the obese administrator immediately let her go instead of allowing her to work out her time. This decision hurt the residents who relied on her as the one good nurse in the building. It was yet another example of shortsighted, vindictive leadership that prioritizes control over resident well-being.Even the so-called “social worker” was a complete farce — just a receptionist who is functionally illiterate, incapable of proper documentation, advocacy, or basic professional communication. This is the level of “qualified” staff River Oaks puts in front of families.When we complained about these issues, the response from administration was the usual corporate script: “We’re short-staffed right now due to industry challenges,” followed by zero meaningful action