Overall sentiment across the reviews for Pomeroy Living Rochester Independent is mixed but leans strongly positive in areas that matter most to many independent-living residents: activities, staff warmth, apartment quality, and amenities. The reviews consistently highlight extraordinary activity programming and staff who actively engage residents. Multiple reviewers call out specific entertainment leaders (Julie Turners, Schar, Jessica Butler) and describe an abundance of cultural, educational, physical, and spiritual events, excursions, concerts, themed parties, movie nights, choir and exercise classes, short day trips, and shopping outings. For residents who prioritize a lively social calendar and communal engagement, this is a clear strength of the community and one of the most frequently praised aspects.
Staff quality is another repeatedly emphasized positive. Front desk staff, transportation teams, leasing personnel (names like Janice and Maggie were singled out), housekeeping employees (notably Sharron), and maintenance (Mike) receive many commendations for friendliness, professionalism, timeliness, and going above and beyond. Several reviews describe a warm, family-like atmosphere where staff learn residents’ names and build personal connections. Move-in experiences and leasing communications are frequently described as informative and attentive, and many family members report their loved ones settled in quickly and happily.
Facility and apartment features are also strong selling points. Reviewers describe an upscale, hotel-like decor and immaculate public spaces, plentiful parking, attractive grounds, and thoughtfully designed apartments with high ceilings, balconies or patios, kitchenettes or full kitchens, and in-unit washers and dryers in many units. On-site services and amenities — salon, podiatrist, fitness center, movie theater, and accessible transportation — consistently receive praise and contribute to impressions of a comfortable, convenient independent-living environment.
Dining and food service are a central area of mixed feedback and a major theme across reviews. Several reviewers rave about exceptional meals, naming executive chefs (AB, Chef Jan, Chef Walker) and memorable dishes (surf and turf, Thanksgiving turkey, crab cakes). At the same time, an almost equal number of reviews describe serious problems with food quality, limited menu variety, slow service, long lines, food running out early, and declines in consistency. Some residents reported improvements under particular chefs or management changes, while others described dramatic negative experiences — eating off paper plates, standing in line, or being dissatisfied enough to move elsewhere. In short, dining quality appears inconsistent over time and across diners: prospective residents should investigate current menu practices, dining hours, and portion/service expectations.
Care quality and clinical services are largely framed by the independent-living focus: many residents emphasize independence and only occasional staff-assisted personal care. Multiple reviewers said staff are available for personal care when needed, and prescription management was praised in some accounts. However, there are isolated but serious negative reports of neglectful care — slow response to call lights, untimely medication, and hygiene lapses — which led a few reviewers to strongly warn others. These negative incidents seem less common than the positive reports but are severe enough that they should not be dismissed; they point to variability in operational reliability and the need for clear policies and oversight around care responsiveness.
Management, ownership, and finances are another zone of divergence. Some reviewers praise visible, informative leasing and community directors who communicate well. Others report concerns: management rarely seen, unprofessional or rude behaviors, opaque handling of complaints, abrupt or large rent increases, charges for amenities not delivered, and unease after ownership or corporate changes. A few very negative reviews describe dramatic changes such as doubled rent, resident purges, or a profit-driven corporate approach after a sale. These reports create a pattern of financial and governance anxiety for some residents and families; it suggests potential variability depending on timing, unit, and individual expectations about cost and service continuity.
Operational issues linked to COVID-19 are also mentioned: activity program changes, staffing depletion (especially housekeeping), and recovery optimism. Many reviewers noted that housekeeping and activities were impacted by COVID but that staff morale and programs appear to be improving. Still, staffing shortages appear in multiple reports and can affect housekeeping frequency, timely responses, and perceived value.
Other recurring but smaller concerns include limited closet/storage space in some units, the practical need to move to another building for assisted living services, occasional unprofessional incidents (rude receptionist, room reassignment problems), and taste-specific menu gaps (desire for more seafood). These are generally secondary to the primary themes but may be important to specific prospective residents.
In summary, Pomeroy Living Rochester Independent receives high marks for its activity programming, friendly and engaged staff, attractive and well-equipped apartments, and extensive amenities that support an active independent lifestyle. The community fosters a social, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for many residents. The most significant areas to probe further when considering this community are dining consistency and service, management visibility and financial policies (rent increases, fee transparency), and operational reliability around care responsiveness and staffing levels. Prospective residents and families should tour during meal times, meet the dining leadership, ask for current housekeeping and staffing ratios, clarify policies about rent increases and amenities, and seek recent references from current residents to evaluate whether the positive patterns described in many reviews are consistent at the time of their decision.
