Overall sentiment across the reviews for Bestland Retirement is mixed, with strong praise for staff, care, social programming, and affordability balancing serious concerns about cleanliness, facility maintenance, and safety/compliance issues raised by other reviewers. Many current residents and families emphasize warm, attentive staff, good meal programs, active social life, and an affordable cost structure. However, a subset of reviews describe troubling operational and sanitary problems — including allegations related to COVID-19 handling — that significantly affect perceptions of safety and quality.
Staff and care: The dominant positive theme is staff quality. Numerous reviewers call the staff friendly, caring, punctual, informative, and accommodating. Several say the staff provides excellent, individualized attention and fosters an environment that "feels like home." An executive director is singled out positively in at least one review. These strengths support resident satisfaction with clinical and day-to-day care in many accounts. That said, there are countervailing reports of inexperienced or untrained staff and evidence of staff turnover. Those staffing issues are linked by some reviewers to lapses in cleanliness and inconsistent service, suggesting variability in the resident experience depending on staffing levels and training.
Facilities, maintenance, and cleanliness: Reviews present a split picture. Multiple reviewers describe the older building as well-kept, clean (including clean restrooms and spacious dining rooms), and maintained sufficiently for residents’ comfort. Conversely, other reviews report serious sanitation and maintenance problems: filthy carpets, debris in hallways, elevators allegedly not cleaned for months, and poorly maintained grounds (weeds in the parking lot). The parking area is described as poorly lit and potentially hazardous for residents who use canes or walkers. Some reviewers explicitly called the community "run down" or in need of renovation. The pattern suggests the physical plant is aging and that upkeep is inconsistent across time or shifts, possibly tied to staffing or budget constraints.
Dining and amenities: Dining receives generally positive comments — many residents appreciate the three meals daily with choices, an appealing and healthy menu, and a pleasant dining room/cafeteria atmosphere. Several reviewers identify the food as a highlight and say meals taste fine. Nonetheless, criticisms exist: some report cafeteria-style food could be better and there are accounts of cold food being served. In-unit amenities are limited for some residents — the lack of a stove/oven and very small refrigerators were noted — which may affect those wanting more independence in meal preparation. Included benefits such as free laundry for personal items, weekly housekeeping (including bed linen), cable, and Wi‑Fi are commonly mentioned as positives.
Activities and social life: Many reviewers praise the activity program and social opportunities, including bus rides, shopping trips, music, and other engagement options. Residents report an active lifestyle and that the community fosters social interaction and engagement, which is a clear strength for those prioritizing community and programming.
Management, safety, and compliance concerns: While management (including an executive director) is praised in some reports, serious concerns arise relating to infection control and safety. A few reviewers allege noncompliance with CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 period, and some attribute COVID-19 deaths to the site. These are serious allegations that suggest the need for prospective residents and families to request documentation of infection control protocols, recent inspection reports, and clarification on how the community handled outbreaks. Additionally, safety issues such as poor lighting and trip hazards in the parking lot are important practical concerns for mobility-impaired residents.
Value and fit: Several reviewers consider Bestland Retirement affordable and a good value, especially relative to other options, with one noting it was the least expensive among three. The combination of price, included services (meals, housekeeping, laundry, cable/Wi‑Fi), and active programming makes it a good fit for many. However, at least one reviewer felt it was overpriced for what was delivered, and some noted the community is "not the right fit" for everyone — largely depending on expectations for modern facilities, higher-end amenities, or stricter infection control.
Conclusion and recommendations: In summary, Bestland Retirement shows clear strengths in staff demeanor, community life, meals, and affordability for many residents. However, inconsistent facility maintenance, reported sanitation issues, allegations related to COVID-19 handling, and occasional staffing/training shortfalls create meaningful red flags. Prospective residents and family members should weigh the warm social environment and value against documented concerns. Recommended next steps for anyone considering this community: (1) tour multiple times (including evenings) to judge cleanliness and lighting; (2) ask for recent health inspection reports and written infection-control policies; (3) inquire about staff training, turnover rates, and staffing levels per shift; (4) sample meals and meet activity staff; and (5) inspect apartment amenities to confirm they meet personal needs. These steps will help determine whether Bestland’s strong social and staff attributes align with an individual’s safety and facility expectations.
