Overall sentiment across the reviews is strongly positive about Parkside Senior Living's environment, staff, amenities, and social programming, with recurring praise for the community’s cleanliness, bright/new facilities, chef-prepared dining, and the caring nature of many staff members. Many reviewers emphasize a home-like, family atmosphere where staff are respectful and attentive, call residents by name, and frequently go “above and beyond.” The building and units receive frequent positive mention: newer construction, spacious apartments with kitchenettes and storage, lots of natural light, accessible door widths, and amenities such as a cinema room, chapel, library and exercise areas. Several reviewers explicitly recommend Parkside and say it was their first choice or a top option for family members.
Care and staff quality are among the most common strengths cited. Numerous reviews describe warm, compassionate caregivers and a dedicated team that supports residents’ independence and social engagement. Positive clinical and rehabilitation experiences are noted, and families report smooth transitions and good day-to-day care. On-site supports such as a mobile health cart for blood pressure checks and open resident meetings are appreciated. However, there are important exceptions: several reviewers report a downturn in care quality after a management change to Encore Senior Living, noting staff departures, shortages, missed meals, and at least one reported near-miss with medication. A small number of reviews also call out perceived unprofessionalism or favoritism by staff, and emphasize that Parkside’s model leans toward independent living rather than higher-acuity care.
Dining and services are generally described positively. Many residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, seasonal menus, and a pleasant dining room environment; weekly housekeeping, daily trash removal, weekly manicures, and included laundry/cleaning services are highlighted. A few reviewers mentioned initial meal quality issues that were quickly remedied, and a handful reported occasions of cold or substituted meals when staffing was low. Some residents would like more heart-healthy options or additional dietary choices. Promotional incentives (moving costs covered, free month) were mentioned and viewed favorably by some prospective residents.
Activities and social life are strong points: reviewers list a broad mix of programming — Bingo, puzzles, card games, exercise classes, outings, coffee chats, and special events — and say that participation often increases after moving in. These offerings contribute to a sense that residents become more active and socially engaged. That said, cancellations do happen when participation is low, and a few reviews note limited interaction between staff and residents in independent living areas, indicating room for more frequent staff visibility and informal engagement.
Facilities and logistics receive high marks for cleanliness, bright communal spaces, and modern room layouts. The community’s relationships with the local area — school activities, churches, and community groups — add to the sense of connectedness. Practical downsides raised include occasional limited availability of preferred apartment types (one-bedrooms), and that the community’s location may not be central or convenient for all families.
Price and value perceptions are mixed. Several reviewers consider Parkside to be on the expensive side compared with alternatives, while others find the included services and amenities affordable compared to Madison-area options. Many families still feel the overall value is good given the quality of staff, food, and programming, but cost remains a factor for some prospects.
In summary, Parkside Senior Living is widely regarded as a clean, bright, well-equipped community with a warm culture, strong programming, and caring staff. The most common concerns center on management and staffing stability (including a reported decline after a management change), occasional lapses in meal service or medication processes, and the independent-living emphasis that may not meet needs of higher-acuity residents. Prospective residents and families should weigh the strong social and environmental benefits and many positive personal testimonies against the isolated reports of operational issues and consider asking specific questions about current staffing, management stability, clinical oversight, and availability of desired apartment types during tours.
