Overall sentiment across the reviews for University Place is mixed but leans toward positive for independent living residents and general campus amenities, while showing notable and recurring concerns specifically about Memory Care services, cost, and a few serious safety/management incidents.
Care quality and staffing: Many reviewers praise the staff as friendly, caring, responsive, and professional—front office, maintenance, dining, and activities staff are singled out for positive interactions. Administration responsiveness and a generally high staff-to-resident ratio are mentioned by residents who have been there for years. However, Memory Care repeatedly emerges as a troubling area: multiple reviewers describe staffing challenges in Memory Care, family members being expected to monitor personal care and housekeeping, and a requirement that families pay for one-on-one caregiving. One very serious incident was reported involving a night nurse failing to apply a needed BiPAP, prompting an ER nurse to intervene; this and at least one report of bedsores indicate lapses in clinical care and monitoring for some residents. There are also reports of theft and missing items, which feed into concerns about security and management responsiveness in those instances.
Facilities and grounds: The campus itself receives consistently high marks. Reviewers describe a modern, state-of-the-art facility that is visibly clean and beautifully maintained, with generous landscaping, a pond, and close access to nature preserves and paved walking trails. Apartments are often described as comfortable and spacious—especially two-bedroom units and some two-room Memory Care apartments—many with private patios or balconies and attractive views. Several reviewers note that recent remodeling incorporated resident input on flooring, paint, and fixtures. Common spaces such as chapels, beauty parlors, theater/activity rooms, and outdoor gazebos are appreciated. There is, however, an inconsistency in amenity reports: some reviews list a swimming pool while at least one review stated there was no pool.
Dining and nutrition: Dining and food quality are among the strongest positives. Multiple reviews highlight fine-dining-style service, excellent food, proper linens and flatware, and varied menus with healthy options including low-sodium and whole-grain choices. Creative and accommodating culinary staff, live music during meals, themed dining events, and weekend brunches are frequently praised. The dining experience contributes strongly to residents’ satisfaction and the sense of community.
Activities and community life: University Place scores very well on life enrichment. Reviewers mention a robust calendar of activities—cultural programs, monthly book review lunches, mystery dinners, bingo, poker tournaments, music brought by activity directors, and outdoor celebrations like Hawaiian parties and cook-outs. Many reviewers emphasize the active social life and strong community feeling. COVID-related restrictions temporarily curtailed activities for some, but reviewers noted outdoor events and resumed programming when possible.
Management, value, and guest experiences: Several reviewers commend the administrative and marketing teams as informative and sincere, with an organized tour process and helpful information packets. Conversely, cost is a consistent complaint: many reviewers describe the community as expensive or exorbitantly priced and question the value relative to cost. Some guests reported unfriendly or disrespectful staff encounters and a perceived “money-first” attitude in certain situations. A few reports of items missing from apartments and no offered compensation, along with the theft and clinical incidents, amplified perceptions of lapses in customer service and accountability for some families.
Memory Care specific notes: The Memory Care experience appears to be the most variable and often the weakest aspect of the campus. Criticisms include understaffing, institutional-feeling common areas (limited comfortable seating, primarily dining tables), families stepping in to handle hygiene and housekeeping, and extra-charge requirements for one-on-one care. That said, some reviewers mentioned spacious two-room Memory Care apartments, indicating that physical accommodations can be good even when programming or staffing is inconsistent. Because Memory Care affects vulnerable residents most, these recurring concerns are significant and warrant close consideration by prospective residents and families.
Safety and serious incidents: While many reviews describe a safe, pleasant environment, several serious incidents are noted by reviewers: a near-miss due to a nurse failing to apply BiPAP, reports of bedsores suggesting neglect, theft of jewelry, and missing apartment items. These are less frequent than the positive comments but are severe enough that they should be factored into decision-making and followed up on with management for clarification and remediation.
Conclusions: University Place offers a well-maintained, attractive campus with strong dining, active programming, and many satisfied independent living residents who praise staff, grounds, and community life. However, recurring and specific concerns about Memory Care staffing and environment, notable safety/care lapses reported by some families, issues around missing items/theft, and consistent complaints about high cost create a mixed picture. Prospective residents—particularly those considering Memory Care—should request detailed, up-to-date information on staffing levels, care protocols, incident reporting, security measures, and clear pricing and contract terms, and should seek references from current families with similar care needs before making a commitment.
