Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but leans positive with several clear strengths balanced by operational and maintenance concerns. Reviewers repeatedly praise the facility's aesthetics, grounds and buildings, the friendliness and helpfulness of staff, and the availability of a full continuum of care (on-site long-term care and the ability to provide full care at all stages). Many reviewers reported smooth transitions, patient staff assistance during move-in, informative tours, and generally happy residents. Dining and activities were mentioned positively (good meals and varied activities), and the absence of a buy-in payment and reasonable pricing were seen as financial advantages.
Staff and service are a major theme with some tension. Numerous comments highlight staff kindness, patient interactions, and hands-on help during moves and early residency — including staff who worked with families and allowed flexibility while moving furniture. At the same time, several reviewers reported slow service, instances of insufficient staffing, and at least one strong comment that staff were "doing a lousy job." This creates a pattern where interpersonal staff behavior (courteous, informative, supportive) is generally praised, but operational responsiveness and staffing levels are sometimes viewed as inadequate.
The physical facilities receive both high marks and notable criticisms. The grounds and exterior buildings are frequently described as beautiful, and studio sizes are appreciated. However, interior unit conditions raised concerns: multiple reviewers said rooms were outdated, needed updating, or had lingering smells. Move-in experiences were uneven — some residents found units dirty on arrival and felt cleaning claims were unsatisfactory. Specific, practical problems were also reported such as upstairs squeaking/noise, no rugs contributing to noise, and the inconvenience of having to carry heavy trash to the next level. Noise and sleep disruption were raised explicitly (waking early, being advised to sleep in another room), which may be consequential for prospective residents who are sensitive to sleep/stability.
Care continuum, financial model, and resident mix are strengths. The presence of on-site long-term care, the ability to provide full care at all stages, and a large independent resident population were all noted positively. The facility’s connection to a church background (Methodist home) and similarity to a known Durham facility were referenced, indicating an established organizational model that some families may recognize and trust. The "no buy-in payment" model and reasonable pricing were seen as attractive compared with other senior living options.
Dining and activities were consistently cited as positives: reviewers mentioned good meals and a varied activities program, with at least some stating they had no complaints in these areas. Social atmosphere also appears favorable in many reviews, with residents described as friendly and happy, which supports a positive community environment for independent living.
Notable patterns and concerns to weigh: maintenance and repair funding/response appear inconsistent — repairs unfunded or unaddressed were singled out — which ties into the move-in cleanliness and updating issues. Staffing appeared good in interpersonal terms but thin in operational capacity, leading to slow service in some cases. Practical considerations such as noise from upstairs and the need to carry trash between levels may affect quality of life for some residents. Finally, location/distance was mentioned as a limiting factor for at least one reviewer (a 10-minute drive), so proximity to family should be checked against individual needs.
Recommendation summary: Hermitage in Roanoke looks attractive for those who value beautiful grounds, a friendly community, on-site long-term care, and a lower upfront cost model. Prospective residents and families should verify unit condition and recent maintenance, ask about staffing ratios and response times, and inspect specific apartments for odors, noise, and needed updates. Clarify move-in cleaning standards and any assistance available for moving and trash disposal. If those operational concerns are acceptable or can be mitigated, many reviewers suggest the facility offers a supportive and pleasant living environment with good dining and activities.
