Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but leans strongly positive regarding the people and environment at Lehigh Commons, with a clear pattern of high praise for frontline staff, leadership responsiveness (notably Director Tom and several admissions team members), pandemic-era communication, and the facility's physical environment. Numerous reviewers described compassionate, attentive caregivers who form family-like relationships with residents: staff who know residents by name, provide emotional support, encourage social interaction, and offer personalized one-on-one attention. Many families credited the staff with improving quality of life, supporting rehabilitation and recovery, and managing transitions — examples include a 96-year-old resident learning to use an iPad and multiple mentions of staff facilitating family time and special moments.
Facility, amenities, and activities receive consistent positive comments. The property is repeatedly described as clean, well-maintained, and homey with airy common areas, apartment-style private rooms, and a variety of amenities such as patios, a library, movie and game rooms, exercise facilities, and a small (14-resident) memory care unit that many families praised for safety and focused attention. Dining is often highlighted as a strength — reviewers mention a creative chef, restaurant-style dining, and friendly kitchen staff. Programming and activities (Bingo, crafts, outings, exercise classes, and inter-resident social events) are frequently cited as keeping residents engaged and socially connected.
Communication and leadership are recurring strengths in the reviews. Several families praised proactive leadership for pandemic response — frequent Zoom family updates, transparent communication about policies and outbreaks, and staff efforts to keep families connected via video calls and FaceTime. Admissions and front-desk teams are often described as helpful and efficient, making moves and transitions smoother, including accommodation for couples and short-term rehab stays.
However, a substantial and concerning pattern of negative reports appears across many reviews, centering on staffing levels, consistency, and safety. Multiple reviewers reported understaffing and overworked personnel, which manifested as inconsistent personal care (missed showers, lack of help with dressing and hygiene), room cleanliness problems (bedding not changed, soiled linens left, laundry errors), and missed meals (including missed breakfast). These operational failures risk resident dignity and basic care standards and were significant sources of distress for families.
More serious safety-related issues were reported by several reviewers, including medication errors, oxygen interruptions, failures to monitor or respond promptly to health deterioration (examples cited include a bladder infection progressing to sepsis), and even allegations of neglect or theft of belongings. While many reviews emphasize that these were isolated incidents and that staff otherwise provide excellent care, the presence of multiple severe allegations suggests variability in clinical oversight and raises red flags about quality control, particularly during times of staff shortages or management turnover.
There is evidence of variability between reviews and over time. A number of reviewers described long, positive residencies with consistent, excellent care, while others reported declines in standards following management changes or after a corporate buyout. Complaints about ignored concerns and poor follow-through from management recur; some families felt their reports were not adequately addressed. At the same time, other accounts describe prompt issue resolution when maintenance or housekeeping problems are reported, indicating an uneven pattern rather than uniform failure.
Taken together, the dominant themes are: (1) a generally warm, community-oriented facility with many staff who are compassionate, engaged, and skilled; (2) strong leadership visibility and very good pandemic-era communication as particular strengths; and (3) operational vulnerabilities tied to staffing levels and consistency that have, in some reported cases, led to lapses in basic hygiene, medication/safety incidents, and family dissatisfaction. Memory care and short-term rehab services are frequently praised, but families should be mindful of reported variability.
For prospective families, the reviews suggest several practical steps: during a tour and admissions conversation, ask directly about current staffing ratios (day/night/medication administration), staff turnover rates, clinical oversight and incident reporting procedures, linen and laundry handling practices, and how management addresses family complaints. Request examples of recent quality improvements and ask for references from current families, especially for memory care and higher-dependency services. Overall, Lehigh Commons appears to offer a high-quality environment and many dedicated caregivers, but the presence of recurring reports about understaffing and isolated safety incidents means family diligence and clear communication with management are advisable when considering placement.
