Overall sentiment across the reviews is largely positive, with consistent praise for the staff, community atmosphere, range of activities, and the facility’s cleanliness and upkeep. Many reviewers highlight staff members by name (for example Mary Miles, Shirley, Jenny, Steve) and describe them as compassionate, responsive, and professional. Multiple accounts emphasize that staff were attentive during critical moments (including end-of-life care), and that admissions and management are organized and responsive. The facility is repeatedly described as having a warm, family-like, and homey atmosphere where residents feel cared for.
Activities and social life are a clear strength. Reviewers repeatedly list an extensive schedule that includes pool exercises and water aerobics, bingo, Wii bowling, bridge club, book club, church services and Bible study, seniorcise, library access, gardening, monthly social events, and monthly bus outings. These offerings support an active, engaged resident population and are mentioned as important positives by many families and residents. The outdoor spaces (courtyard, gazebo, country setting) and a single-level layout that supports mobility are also frequently praised and contribute to a pleasant campus feel.
Facilities and amenities receive mostly favorable comments: reviewers note a clean, well-maintained property with roomy floorplans in many units, handicap-accessible two-bedrooms, a pool, beauty shop, on-site doctors/x-rays/therapy services, and helpful maintenance and cleaning staff. Dining is generally described as very good — multiple reviewers call the food delicious and note specific positive remarks (for example, an outstanding tuna fish salad sandwich and availability of takeout). Some reviewers also cite reasonable pricing and a variety of unit sizes that can meet different needs.
However, several consistent concerns appear and merit attention. Independent living and cottage arrangements are repeatedly noted to include only one meal per day, which some families find limiting; some cottages reportedly offer no meal service at all. There is also a practical amenity gap: no in-room washers/dryers (residents must use community laundry) and utilities may not be included depending on the contract. Smoking is another recurring issue — hallways have a smoke smell because some long-term residents are grandfathered to smoke indoors, which can be unpleasant for others.
More serious and mixed reports concern the consistency and quality of care. While many reviewers praise compassionate caregivers and attentive nursing, there are multiple reports of insufficient help, needing to chase staff to get medications, and at least one account of a grumpy head nurse and poor care. A small number of reviewers made stronger accusations — claims of residents being treated poorly, lies to residents, and poor treatment of employees — which contrast sharply with the majority of positive care descriptions. Dietary control lapses (kitchen serving fish despite stated restrictions) and variability in staff responsiveness are also mentioned. These conflicting accounts suggest generally strong personal and emotional care from many staff members, but occasional lapses in clinical reliability or management oversight.
Other recurring minor negatives include older or smaller-feeling rooms for some residents, limited studio options (no studio apartments reported), suboptimal overhead lighting in some units, and distance from family for some reviewers. Management responsiveness is generally praised — owners and administrators are described as responsive in resident meetings — but the presence of isolated negative experiences indicates an area where consistent quality assurance and communication could improve perceptions.
In summary, Countryside appears to be a community with strong personal strengths: a caring, often exemplary staff; an active and varied activities program; good food for many residents; helpful amenities; and a pleasant campus environment. The dominant themes are compassionate care, social engagement, and well-maintained facilities. The key areas to watch are inconsistent care delivery (medication handling and assistance levels), specific instances of poor staff behavior or alleged mistreatment, limited meal service in some independent units, indoor smoking by grandfathered residents, and a few practical amenity gaps (in-room laundry, utilities, studio unit availability). Prospective residents and families should weigh the strong positives and community feel against these documented concerns, ask detailed questions about meal plans and medication routines, tour multiple unit types to assess room size/lighting, and discuss how the community handles smoking policies and reported care lapses before deciding.
