Overall sentiment: Reviews for Cherry Laurel - Sky Active Living are strongly mixed but lean positively on the people and community aspects. A large majority of reviewers emphasize the caring, professional, and dedicated nature of the staff. Many reviewers name specific employees (Valerie, Donna, Tyrone, Rusty, Eva Lamb and others) as standout leaders and caregivers who make the community feel warm and family-like. Long-tenured staff, friendliness, and personal attention are recurring themes: residents and families report staff who know names, greet people daily, and go above and beyond for resident well-being. The atmosphere is frequently described as homey, welcoming, and social, with residents enjoying live music, dancing, card games, and consistent community gatherings.
Care quality and staffing: Care and attentiveness receive high marks from many reviewers for routine needs and social engagement. However, several recurring concerns relate to staffing levels and after-hours coverage. Multiple reviews report staffing shortages that have negatively impacted meal service, housekeeping frequency, and timely assistance during emergencies or urgent calls for help. Reviewers note pagers and EMT access exist, but waiting times and the lack of overnight/on-site staff raise anxiety for some families. Importantly, several reviewers state Cherry Laurel is best suited for independent living residents; it is not recommended for people who require frequent clinical oversight or higher-level medical care. There are also serious isolated complaints about management behavior in guardianship situations and about restrictive policies that family members felt led to resident isolation — these appear less common but are significant and should be investigated by prospective families.
Dining and food service: Dining is a polarizing area. Many reviewers praise the chefs, restaurant-style service, friendly wait staff, and the regular availability of three meals per day with menu choices and the ability to have food brought to rooms. Breakfast and particular signature dishes receive enthusiastic mentions. Conversely, a substantive group of reviewers report inconsistent meal quality, limited portions, lack of fresh fruit, odd or outdated distributor products, and occasions of poor meals (including holiday meals). Several residents express frustration that meal quality has not matched rising costs or rent increases. Staffing shortages and kitchen issues are sometimes cited as causes of inconsistent dining experiences.
Activities, amenities and social life: Activities and social programming are major strengths. Reviewers repeatedly highlight a robust slate of offerings — bingo, crafts, theater, exercise classes, chapel/Bible study, live music and dancing, arts and crafts, and occasional restaurant outings. Activity staff (Donna in particular) are singled out for organizing meaningful events and outings that keep residents engaged. The community also hosts pet therapy days, social circles, and movie/theater opportunities. Amenities such as a library, salon, exercise room, courtyard and balcony views receive consistently positive comments. Several reviewers report that the social environment and programming contributed positively to residents’ quality of life and mental well-being.
Facilities and maintenance: Physical upkeep and cleanliness are frequently complimented. Many reviewers describe spotless common areas, well-maintained landscaping, and clean dining spaces. Apartment sizes are often described as spacious for the category, with large one- and two-bedroom units appreciated by residents; balconies and green views are noted as positives. At the same time, some reviewers point out older finishes, worn carpets, and furniture needing replacement; renovations and remodeling are in progress in places, producing dust and temporary disruption. Maintenance staff themselves are praised in many accounts for being responsive and effective.
Management, communication and operations: Opinions about management are mixed. Numerous reviewers commend strong, helpful, and accessible managers who personally solve problems and maintain a welcoming tone. Yet there is also a consistent thread of criticism around organizational communication, billing, and administrative follow-through. Several specific complaints involve billing disputes — most notably multiple veterans' accounts of denied reimbursements or prorated rent charges when moving units for medical reasons — and frustrations with unclear explanations of what is included in rent (housekeeping frequency, utilities, services). Promised housekeeping sometimes did not meet expectations for frequency. Renovation communication and disruption are another operational pain point for some residents. Prospective residents should clarify policies, billing practices, and housekeeping schedules in writing.
Safety, security and transportation: Safety measures such as generators and emergency notification systems are noted positively in some reviews, and EMT access is mentioned as a mitigating factor for emergencies. However, limited after-hours staffing and concerns about wait times for assistance are recurring criticisms. Transportation services exist (a community bus/shuttle) and are used for outings and appointments, but reviewers cite inconsistent availability (reports of no driver or limited trips), and some families point to parking accessibility issues: parking is first-come-first-served with no reserved spaces and can be a problem for residents who drive.
Patterns and recommendations for prospective residents: The strongest consistent positives are the people and community — staff commitment, social programming, and a home-like, welcoming atmosphere. Cherry Laurel appears particularly well suited to independent seniors who value social activities, restaurant-style dining, and a close-knit environment. Significant caveats include variable dining quality, intermittent staffing shortages affecting services, potential after-hours coverage limits, and administrative/billing inconsistencies. There are also occasional serious complaints (privacy/sales conduct, guardian/visitor restrictions, theft reports) that prospective residents and families should inquire about directly.
If considering Cherry Laurel, ask specific questions before moving in: confirm current dining plans and sample meals if possible; get written details about housekeeping frequency, what utilities/services are included, and any extra fees; clarify emergency response protocols and after-hours staffing; verify parking policies and transportation schedules; inquire about recent or planned renovations and expected disruptions; and get a clear written policy on billing, prorations, and reimbursements in situations requiring moves for medical care. Finally, visit during mealtimes and activity hours to observe staff-resident interactions and get a realistic sense of daily life. Overall, the reviews indicate a community with many strengths around staff and social life but with operational and consistency issues that warrant careful pre-move due diligence.
