Overall impression Reviews for Riggs Manor Retirement Community are mixed, with clear strengths in environmental quality, basic resident services, and many positive staff interactions, but with serious administrative, legal, and safety concerns raised by several reviewers. Many residents and visitors praise the property itself — the country setting, well-maintained grounds with ponds and walking trails, gardens, and attractive common areas — and several speak highly of the dining experience, especially after the arrival of a new chef. For prospective residents who prioritize a peaceful, scenic environment, garden space, and restaurant-style meals, Riggs Manor receives repeated commendations.
Care quality and staff Care quality impressions vary. A sizable number of reviewers describe caring, attentive, and personable staff, successful rehabilitation outcomes, and a family-like atmosphere for long-term residents. On-site nursing availability and positive interactions during tours and admissions were highlighted. However, reviewers also describe inconsistent staff performance: while some staff are described as exceptional, others are criticized for poor attitude or lack of engagement. A few reviewers specifically noted a perceived lack of caring under certain management or during transitions (new directorship cited), so experiences appear to be uneven and possibly linked to staffing changes or individual employees.
Facilities and apartments Physical facilities are frequently praised: clean, recently painted areas, apartment-like units with patios, and some large two-bedroom apartments were mentioned. That said, there is variability in unit size and layout — several reviewers mention small rooms, limited availability of true two-bedroom units, and some awkward bathroom placements (e.g., bathroom between two rooms). Amenities such as a living room, patio, and spacious layouts were noted for some units. Access to a computer area and optional internet/cable service is available but at extra cost; telephone service is not included in all-inclusive pricing.
Dining and activities Dining receives generally positive comments, with restaurant-style service and lunchtime offerings (lunch noted as included six days a week by some reviewers). Food quality improved according to several recent comments after a chef change. Activity reports are mixed: some reviewers describe a full program with bingo, card games, and exercise classes, while others say activities are limited and insufficient. This inconsistency suggests that activity availability may fluctuate over time or vary by resident expectations.
Management, billing, and legal issues A recurrent and significant theme across reviews is administrative and legal concern. Multiple reviewers report poorly constructed billing procedures, unresolved bills, and confusion about Medicaid and estate implications. More serious complaints include denial of access to medical and financial records, disputes over POA and executor rights, and instances where family members say they were not notified about a resident's death and claim morgue transport was unrecorded. Several reviews explicitly raise legality concerns tied to documentation, billing, and end-of-life processes. These issues are serious and repetitive enough to warrant careful due diligence by prospective residents and their families. Ask for clear, written explanations of billing practices, record access, notification policies on death or hospital transfers, and how they handle POA/executor requests.
Safety and regulatory compliance Multiple reviewers raised ADA non-compliance and safety issues, such as lack of handrails and shower-only facilities, which create mobility and safety concerns for residents with physical limitations. One review linked religious beliefs to the facility’s handling of ADA accommodations, which, if accurate, represents a potentially serious compliance and ethics problem. Several reviewers also emphasized that Riggs Manor may not provide higher-level medical or assisted-living care needed by some residents (one reviewer reported worsening MS symptoms and that the facility could not meet advanced needs). Prospective residents with mobility issues or complex medical needs should verify the facility’s legal designation, licensing, and ability to meet required care levels.
Patterns and recommendations The strongest, most consistent positives are the physical environment, many staff who provide compassionate care, improved dining, and successful rehabilitation stories. The most troubling and repeatedly raised negatives are administrative and legal: billing disputes, restricted access to records, contested POA/executor rights, and troubling reports around notification and death procedures. Safety and ADA compliance are also notable concerns for mobility-impaired residents.
If you are considering Riggs Manor, weigh the appealing aspects (location, grounds, food, some positive care experiences) against the documented administrative and safety issues. Before committing, obtain and review written policies on billing and extra charges, record access, POA/executor procedures, death and transfer notification, ADA accommodations, and licensing/designation for levels of care. Tour multiple apartment types to confirm size/layout and ask for a current activities calendar and staffing plan. Finally, request references from current residents and families and, if possible, follow up on any legal or billing complaints with the state licensing authority to get a fuller picture. With careful vetting, Riggs Manor may be an excellent fit for residents seeking a scenic, community-oriented setting with standard support — but the administrative and safety concerns identified by reviewers should be resolved or satisfactorily explained before moving in.
