St. John Community

My friend is in St. John Community. They have two buildings. The one building was more expensive and was independent living. The building where my other friend moved into was a combination the nursing home started out lowest and then the next floor was assisted living and then the top fifth floor was independent living. The other one appeared nicer and also freestanding, not with the nursing home and assisted living and things attached. We looked at it, but it was quite expensive. They were both independent living, but this one was perched on top of the nursing home and assisted living, so that part didn't seem good because in order for her to do any of the activities like bingo, she'd have to go downstairs and play with the assisted living or to the nursing home, and that's not quite what we're looking for. She's up on the independent level, but the only thing up there was a laundry room, which was free. It was nice like a laundromat with a number of washers and dryers. They had an exercise room which had maybe an elliptical and two bicycles or something. They had a library and that was it. It was a small 27-apartment building. It was clean and neat and well cared for. It's just limited in what they offer. They had like a walk-through cafeteria, like you were in high school, like with a tray. They typically had one choice of salads, desserts, and things and you had to take your tray and go sit down at a little Formica table in this little tiny dining room. The staff was fine. They said they clean every two weeks and my friend had been there for months and they cleaned four times. So they weren't kind of keeping up to their promises.

Only shortcoming in transition was that residents' orientation was not detailed, relied on new resident reading handbook prior to move in. Also, initial review was during chaotic period of actual move, details of packing, unpacking, etc. Might have benefitted by follow-up formal re-orientation 7-10 days after move in. Residents, manager and staff of facility were very helpful in answering questions as they occurred. All other items rated at 5. Chef was particular helpful in determining special dietary needs. There is effort to provide various ethnic options and there is an always available menu of soup, omelets, individual pizzas, salads and sandwiches. There is weekly special menu of soup, salad, sandwich and entrees in addition to weekly menu. Cleanliness and friendliness of staff were top notch. Residents were very helpful in welcoming new residents and encouraging participation in scheduled activities. Number of residents is small enough to make it feel like "family" environment. While facility is "independent living" facility, it would be helpful to have transport options at a fee for medical appointments. There are occasions when residents are unable to drive or have family drive them. Not expected that this would be a free service but Uber or Lyft are exorbitant cost, wish there was option to schedule transportation for appts and pay a reasonable fee. Some residents have insurance that would help cover costs. Finally, value for cost is definitely rated 5 when compared to other facilities and cost in area.

My loved one is currently a resident at St John Community and the overall experience has been good so far. The overall care of my loved one and everything else has been good and I am very satisfied. I would recommend St John Community to others.

The people who live there are warm and welcoming and the staff goes out of their way to help the residents. The apartments are spacious, well maintained and have full kitchens. Highly recommend this community.

I would say it's a very nice residence and the apartment is new and fresh. It's a small community with a family feeling. My mother felt comfortable there that's why we chose it.