Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but leans positive regarding staff, basic safety, and programming, while showing consistent concerns about parts of the physical plant and dining/staffing issues. The most frequent praise centers on the people who work and live at Cedar Lane Senior Living Community: multiple reviewers describe staff as courteous, friendly, kind, and exceptionally helpful. Management and the director receive positive mentions, and reviewers repeatedly note 24/7 security, responsive maintenance, and a generally clean and quiet environment in many areas. There are clear strengths in resident programming and amenities: abundant daily activities (bingo, monthly birthday gatherings, occasional free dinners), on-site services such as a chapel, beauty parlor, library, and store, as well as supportive operational services like pharmacy delivery and six-day bus transportation. Accessibility features (wide halls, grab bars, emergency call buttons) and the availability of housekeeping/laundry add practical value for residents.
Facility conditions and consistency are a major theme. Several reviewers praise renovated apartments and modern conveniences—some units include full kitchens, washers/dryers, and updated interiors—while other comments highlight older, run-down portions of the campus. Specific complaints include carpet and hallway odors, dark and depressing corridors (notably in building 2), purple/beige paint and lack of wall art, and the need for repairs and further updating. This creates a split impression: parts of the community feel renovated, bright, and clean, whereas other areas feel dated and in need of attention. The mixed reports suggest variable conditions between buildings and units rather than a uniformly maintained facility.
Dining and food services are another persistent area of concern. Multiple reviewers raise issues about meal quality, cost, and policy. There are reports of at least one past illness linked to food and generalized statements that meals are "not fit to eat" from some residents or family members. Cost-related complaints include a cited figure of $270/month for what one reviewer described as one meal per day, and mentions of a mandatory dining plan and supper charge. Conversely, other reviewers note weekly social meals, small plated lunches (croissant sandwiches), and occasional free dinners; these positive notes indicate that social dining opportunities exist, but satisfaction with regular meal service and value appears inconsistent and a recurring point of dissatisfaction.
Care staffing and responsiveness show a nuanced pattern. Many reviewers praise staff attentiveness and say staff "look out" for residents, and there are reports of helpful nurses and a welcoming environment aiding recovery. However, several reviews raise serious concerns about understaffing and staff being overworked and underpaid, contributing to lapses such as delays in feeding residents or not proactively responding to emergencies. One account reports a resident having to call 911 themselves due to perceived inaction from nursing staff. Reviewers also mention privacy and information-sharing restrictions that can affect communication between staff and family members. These comments suggest that while staff are generally well-regarded for their intentions and bedside manner, resource constraints and operational policies sometimes limit the quality or timeliness of care.
Operational and policy issues appeared in the reviews as well. There are notes about confusing or inconsistent parking guidance (including van-accessible parking), concerns about animal policies, and perceptions of staff being underpaid. On the positive side, reviewers appreciate 24/7 maintenance, security, and management responsiveness; on the negative side, inconsistent enforcement or clarity around policies (parking, animals, dining) creates frustration for some residents and visitors.
In summary, Cedar Lane Senior Living Community presents a strong people-centered culture with many amenities, safety features, and active programming that residents and families value. The primary negatives are related to facility age and inconsistency, meal quality and cost, and occasional staffing/resource shortfalls that impact care responsiveness. Reviews indicate the community may be a good fit for those who prioritize compassionate staff, social programming, and accessibility, but prospective residents and families should tour multiple buildings, inspect specific apartments for condition and odors, ask detailed questions about the dining plan and food quality/cost, clarify emergency and nursing response procedures, and confirm policies on parking and animals before deciding.
