Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but leans positive with recurring praise for staff, community atmosphere, activities, and value. The most consistent strengths highlighted are the warm, personable nature of the staff and the social, home-like environment. Numerous reviewers emphasize that staff know residents by name, offer personal, attentive service, and create a friendly social environment. Named staff members (for example Heather and Stacy) received specific praise for courteous, helpful tours and ongoing assistance. Residents and families commonly note that the facility preserves independence while offering helpful services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and a thorough orientation process.
Facilities and apartments receive frequent positive mention for being roomy and practical. Many reviewers describe large one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, individual temperature control, and enough space for furniture and family visits. The grounds, gardens, and parking are described as attractive and convenient. The property is acknowledged as an older building, but one that is generally well maintained; some rooms and public spaces are being remodeled, and several people appreciated the affordability relative to what is offered.
Activity programming and social life are major strengths. There is a broad and active calendar that includes crafts, bingo, pokeno, exercise classes, meditation, spa-type services, mystery lunches, regular shopping trips, field trips, ice cream socials, happy hour, and church or religious programs. Transportation to stores, banks, and medical appointments is repeatedly praised, and residents note a lively schedule that facilitates socializing and community engagement.
Dining is a commonly discussed area with divergent experiences. Many reviewers describe appetizing food, good breakfasts and dinners, and alternatives available for those with preferences. At the same time there are recurring reports that midday lunch service is limited or not provided and that menu variety or seasoning choices can be culturally inconsistent. A subset of reviews describe marked declines in dining quality and service in the last 2–3 years, with some calling the dining situation a "disaster." Guest meal fees are mentioned, which some families factor into their assessment.
Care and clinical services are generally viewed positively for independent-living residents; the community is seen as safe and supportive with good infection-control practices noted during COVID. However, reviewers repeatedly warn that the facility is not equipped to meet more advanced assisted-living or higher-care needs. Several families reported being turned away for higher-level care or that the community could not accommodate a relative with increasing medical needs.
Several operational and management concerns appear frequently and form the main negative theme. The building age and ongoing remodeling lead to mixed impressions: some reviewers appreciate larger remodeled rooms, while others are frustrated by unfinished updates or promised changes that did not materialize. Staff turnover and the presence of many newer employees were repeatedly mentioned as contributing to inconsistent service. A handful of reviews record serious operational failures, most notably a multi-day electrical outage that resulted in loss of heat and air conditioning and prompted complaints about poor communication and inadequate contingency response. There are also sporadic but concerning reports of poor staff demeanor or care (treated like a child, inattentive care), and some reviewers described an absence of energy or a "morgue-like" atmosphere in parts of the facility.
Taken together, the pattern is that St. Catherine Retirement Community is viewed by many residents and families as a friendly, affordable, and activity-rich independent-living community with strong personal service and useful amenities. It is particularly attractive to people who prioritize social programming, transportation, apartment space, and a staff that knows residents personally. At the same time, prospective residents should be aware of variability: building age and accessibility limitations may make it a poor fit for those needing roll-in showers or higher levels of assisted care; dining and staffing quality appear to fluctuate; and there are isolated but significant reports of operational failures and unmet promises. For families evaluating St. Catherine, recommended follow-up questions include current staffing stability, the status and timeline of remodeling projects, specific accessibility accommodations (roll-in showers, bathroom updates), dining schedules and menu examples, contingency plans for utility outages, and the facility's ability to meet evolving care needs. These checks will help reconcile the generally positive day-to-day reports with the more serious negative incidents noted by some reviewers.
