Overall sentiment across the reviews is generally positive with consistent praise for the staff, activities program, location and the social atmosphere, while expressing notable concerns about dining consistency, aging facilities, renovations in progress, and some operational problems. Many reviewers emphasize that the staff are caring, attentive and experienced; frontline caregivers, nurses and the activities director receive frequent commendation for being kind, responsive and for knowing residents by name. Several families and residents reported feeling well cared for, safe, and that staff handled difficult situations (including COVID) responsibly. The activities program is a clear strength: reviewers mention a wide variety of daily events such as bingo, movie nights, piano concerts, arts and crafts, book clubs, exercise classes, and frequent outings (casino trips, symphony, errands), and many residents appear socially engaged and thriving because of these offerings.
Care quality and staffing are recurring themes. Numerous reviews highlight excellent one-on-one care, prompt assistance, three daily check-ins for some residents, and staff who advocate for residents (adjusting billing, coordinating hospice, etc.). However, a subset of reviews raise concerns about inconsistent staff performance, high turnover, and training gaps—manifesting as inconsistent protocols, medication management problems, and occasional failure to respect resident preferences. These operational inconsistencies occasionally result in misunderstandings during the move-in/settling process, substituted meals without clear communication, and lapses in follow-through. Overall, while many report outstanding caregivers and dependable floor staff, there is a clear pattern of variability depending on shift, floor, or individual caregiver.
The facility itself elicits mixed reactions. Pros include a beautiful lakeside location with pleasant walking areas, scenic lake and river views from many units, and a downtown placement that provides convenience for family visits and access to nearby services. On-site amenities—banking, hairdresser/spa, shopping, and a restaurant-style dining room with a café and salad bar—are frequently cited as benefits. At the same time, many reviews describe the building as an older, hotel-like property with dated décor, small units, and a lack of kitchenettes, fridges or microwaves in rooms. Multiple reviewers mention ongoing renovations and upgrades: some appreciate the improvements and report room remodels in progress, while others note that renovations were paused due to COVID and that some fixtures remain broken or in need of repair. These mixed signals suggest the physical plant is in transition—improving in places but still showing legacy issues.
Dining is a major split in resident experience. Several reviews praise a chef-driven dining room, restaurant-like service, café options, salad bars, and dessert choices. Conversely, an equally large number of reviewers report food that is subpar, monotonous, or even inedible at times; weekend catering (weddings) and cafeteria-style substitutes occasionally disrupt resident dining expectations. There are also reports of inconsistent meal quality, meal substitutions without adequate communication, and variability across shifts or days. Families should expect variability in dining experiences and may want to sample meals at different times and on weekends before committing.
Safety, security and management concerns appear intermittently but are important. A handful of reviews report theft incidents, unauthorized staff entries into resident rooms, and management not adequately addressing these complaints. Medication management errors and inconsistent adherence to resident care preferences are also noted. Falls on particular floors (the 3rd floor was mentioned) and reduced socialization for wheelchair users were raised as safety or accessibility issues for some residents. Additionally, some operational complaints include lack of a backup generator during a power outage and disruptions from weekend weddings that produced loud music and restricted lobby/restroom access. These issues point to gaps in building operations and event management that can affect resident comfort and safety.
Value and policies: Many reviewers feel the facility represents good value—citing the location, activities, and level of care—yet several note it is not cheap and that Medicaid is not accepted. Billing adjustments were praised in isolated cases where staff worked with families, but others reported confusing billing or administrative miscommunications. Prospective residents should clarify costs, what services and meals are included, and policies on insurance/Medicaid and event scheduling ahead of moving in.
In summary, The Whitcomb Senior Living Tower is frequently recommended for its caring staff, robust activities calendar, strong social community, and prime lakeside downtown location. It is particularly well suited to people who value social engagement, regular outings, and visible, involved staff. Caution is advised around dining expectations, the condition and size of some units, and the potential for operational issues (staff turnover, medication/communication inconsistencies, security concerns). Families should tour multiple units, ask detailed questions about recent renovations and unresolved repairs, sample meals at different times, and discuss specific care protocols and security measures before deciding. Those who prioritize an active social community and attentive caregivers may find The Whitcomb a very good fit; those who require newer accommodations, consistent restaurant-quality dining, or strict operational reliability may want to investigate further or confirm remediation plans with management.
