Overall sentiment across the reviews is strongly positive, with a clear pattern of praise for the quality of dementia and memory-care services, the compassion and consistency of the caregiving staff, and the facility's activity-rich, family-centered approach. Reviewers repeatedly highlight that caregivers are well trained, patient, and familiar with each resident’s needs; many note that consistent staff assignment helps residents feel comfortable and relaxed. Leadership receives frequent commendation — several reviewers named Executive Director Will Clark and other staff (Darlene Sellers, Judi, Chris, Suzi, Lisa, head chef Maggie) for hands-on involvement, strong communication, and personal attention during transitions and ongoing care. The tone is that this community is designed and run with dementia-specific expertise and a focus on quality of life.
Care quality and clinical support are emphasized throughout the reviews. Multiple people mention that the community provides excellent memory-care practices, Montessori-style programming, dementia education for families, and tailored environments that prioritize dignity. Physical therapy and medical-focused care are also available and praised; reviewers describe measurable health and mental improvements in residents, and note compassionate end-of-life and respite services. Several accounts describe staff going above and beyond — helping with transitions, providing family support, and offering clear, frequent communication and updates (weekly activity reports, admission support, expedited move-in when needed).
Activities, engagement, and daily life are consistent strengths. Reviewers list a broad array of programming: musicians, sing-a-longs, arts and crafts, flower arranging, holiday events, ice cream socials, cookouts, outings, themed parties, and support groups. The community’s activity directors are frequently singled out for their energy and creativity. COVID-era engagement also receives positive mention: staff took precautions seriously while keeping residents engaged. The physical environment — bright renovated common areas, nice outdoor courtyard and fenced grounds, and accessible walking routes — is often praised as supporting socialization and comfort.
Dining and food service are generally described positively (home-style meals, three meals a day, cookies from the chef, accommodating special requests), and the chef is noted for flexibility. However, there is some variability in opinion: a number of reviews express desires for higher-quality or alternative dietary options (organic/grass-fed meat, different oils) or note that food quality has improved under a new head chef. Several reviewers describe food as “good” or “five-star,” while a few request further improvements, so dining may depend on individual expectations and evolving kitchen leadership.
Facility, cleanliness, and operations receive mostly favorable comments: renovated spaces, clean common areas and apartments, responsive facilities staff, and a safe, secure environment. That said, several isolated operational concerns appear repeatedly enough to note: occasional housekeeping lapses (sticky floor in a room, trash left on the floor), and one reviewer raising a more general point that dimmed lighting can hide dirt. A few specific incidents — a resident found in bed instead of the day room, and some minor missed morning routines — suggest occasional inconsistencies in execution despite an otherwise conscientious staff.
Cost, resident-mix transparency, and behavior concerns are the most frequent substantive drawbacks. Multiple reviewers call the community expensive, stating price can be prohibitive or force difficult choices for families. Another recurring theme is the mixing of residents at different stages of impairment: some families were not fully prepared for more behaviorally impaired residents being in the same community and reported discomfort or lack of upfront transparency about resident acuity. This mixing can impact perceived safety and daily comfort for less-impaired residents. A small number of reviewers also called out customer-service issues — one specific report of a rude front-desk phone attitude — and one reviewer expressed skepticism about marketing language and staff buzzwords.
In summary, Charter Senior Living of Columbia is portrayed overwhelmingly as an expert, family-oriented memory-care community with strong leadership, compassionate and consistent staff, rich programming, and meaningful clinical supports. Most reviewers credit the community with improving residents’ wellbeing and providing peace of mind for families. The primary cautions are cost, occasional operational inconsistencies, some food preferences not universally met, and the need for clear upfront communication regarding resident mix and acuity. Families prioritizing specialized dementia care, active engagement, and personalized staff attention tend to rate this community very highly; those sensitive to budget limits or concerned about co-mingling of very different impairment levels should raise those topics early in the tour and admission discussions.
