Overall sentiment in the reviews is mixed but leans strongly positive about direct resident care, physical environment, and programming, while highlighting significant concerns about management and workplace culture. Many reviewers praise the caregivers and nursing staff as compassionate, attentive, and personalized in their approach—staff frequently know residents by name, greet them warmly, and are described as treating residents like family. Multiple accounts emphasize that the facility delivers excellent short-term and outpatient rehab services, effective therapy, and a recreation program that offers a broad array of activities (arts & crafts, music therapy, gentle exercise) and meaningful social engagement. Families report feeling grateful and experience peace of mind when their loved ones are under the facility's care.
The physical plant and amenities receive consistent praise. The center is described as very clean with spacious rooms, well-maintained common areas, and beautiful grounds. The chapel with stained glass is repeatedly mentioned as a standout feature, and the availability of daily rosary and mass supports spiritual life for many residents. Reviewers also note resident-friendly touches such as allowance of pets, outings via a facility van, and active community involvement. Dining and kitchen services are highlighted positively—several reviewers call the kitchen staff exceptional and food delicious. Volunteering is described as an easy, enjoyable experience, which reinforces the sense of openness and community.
Programming and recreation emerge as strengths: reviewers single out a highly engaged recreation department, naming a leader (Tracy) and noting inclusive programming and a dedicated team. This department, along with therapy services, contributes to successful short-term rehab outcomes and ongoing engagement for long-term residents. The combination of clinical rehabilitation, active recreation, and spiritual programming paints a picture of a facility that can meet a range of care needs and preferences.
Despite the many positives, there are recurring and serious negative themes related to management and workplace culture that temper the overall assessment. Several reviewers report abusive or harassing management behavior, ignored complaints, and an organizational focus on reputation rather than safety. Comments include accusations that staff harassment and unsafe practices are tolerated and that reports are not adequately addressed. These reviews warn potential job applicants and some families against the facility. Related operational concerns include perceptions of being understaffed and overworked, excessive staff breaks, and specific safety issues such as call bells being left unanswered. These problems, if accurate, represent real risks to resident safety and staff morale and contrast sharply with the accounts praising bedside staff.
There are indications of change under new ownership (Legacy) with some reviewers noting positive developments. This suggests a dynamic situation where improvements may be underway, though other reviewers still describe management as a 'joke' or unsafe, indicating that experiences vary and that systemic issues may persist. Another practical limitation cited is that the facility does not accept Medicaid, which is an important consideration for families evaluating affordability and access.
In summary, St. Joseph Living Center is repeatedly commended for its compassionate frontline caregivers, strong therapy and recreation programs, clean and attractive facility (including a notable chapel), and family-friendly atmosphere. These strengths deliver meaningful benefits for residents and families—especially for rehabilitation and spiritual and social engagement. At the same time, serious and recurring criticisms about management behavior, workplace culture, staffing levels, and operational safety cannot be ignored. Prospective residents and families should weigh the high marks for care quality and environment against the management-related concerns; it may be helpful to tour the facility, ask about current staffing levels and turnover, inquire how complaints are handled, and verify recent changes implemented by the new ownership before making a placement decision.
