Overall sentiment in these reviews is mixed but leans toward positive for day-to-day care quality, staffing, and the small, home-like environment. Multiple reviewers explicitly praise the staff as excellent, attentive, caring, and professional; several note that owners are RNs and that staff interact with residents in a patient, personal manner. Cleanliness is consistently highlighted ("very clean," "no odors"), and the facility is described as cozy, warm, and safe. The small household sizes (reports of 5–8 residents) and a favorable staff-to-resident ratio (reported as 1:4) support descriptions of personalized attention and frequent, direct interaction between caregivers and residents. Reviewers also appreciate the facility's welcoming attitude toward families, and several mention that meal needs (including blended diets and assisted feeding) are accommodated.
The facility’s structure and staffing model emerge as core strengths. Multiple comments point to RN ownership and day-to-day involvement by a married couple of RNs, which reviewers interpreted as knowledgeable leadership and competent hands-on care. The environment is characterized as homey rather than institutional, and the pet-friendly policy and convenient location near family are additional practical advantages cited. Some reviewers explicitly recommended the facility and even called it the best among several toured, indicating strong satisfaction for certain families and care needs.
However, there are consistent concerns around activity programming, communal spaces, and certain operational details. Several reviews note limited activities or engagement: residents may be brought out of their rooms only a few times daily, and living spaces are described as dark. For families prioritizing robust activity calendars, social programming, or bright communal areas, the facility may feel constrained by its very small scale. The small size that enables personalized care can also limit social variety and the breadth of activities available on-site.
A serious and recurring theme in the reviews is financial and ethical concerns raised by at least one reviewer. That reviewer reports being charged a substantial amount (down payment of $1,500 plus a $3,000 monthly rent) and effectively paying about $5,000 for only 1.5 days of care after a loved one’s death, with the facility allegedly retaining money and raising questions about refunds and ethics. This single but significant complaint contrasts with other reviewers who described the price as good; nonetheless, it signals potential issues with billing transparency, short-stay charges, or bereavement refund policies. Prospective families should ask detailed questions about admission deposits, daily proration, refund policies in the event of short stays or death, and obtain written clarification before committing.
Other minor negatives include an initial meal delay reported by one family and an interpersonal report of "empathy lacking" from another reviewer—suggesting that while many staff are viewed as compassionate, there are occasional lapses or subjective differences in perception. In sum, St John's Residential Care is repeatedly praised for its attentive nursing staff, cleanliness, and small, family-like setting, making it attractive for families seeking individualized care in a cozy environment. At the same time, prospective residents and families should carefully evaluate activity offerings and communal space brightness, and must verify financial policies and refund practices to avoid unwelcome surprises.
