Colonial Heights / Gardens

Pros

• The staff at Colonial Heights were never pushy and were totally helpful and transparent with everything.
• Residents seemed happy and busy.
• Colonial Heights is a beautiful place where residents can be assured their next chapter in life will be such an enjoyable experience.
• The sales team is amazing.
• The staff go above and beyond.
• Colonial Heights is a lovely facility with beautiful grounds and nice living quarters.
• They have many options for care under the same roof.
• There is an abundance of activities, great food, entertainment and friendliness.
• The apartments are huge, and some have patios for outdoor enjoyment.
• The Gardens provides assisted living for the residents and does an outstanding job.

Cons

• From the start, there were a lot of empty promises, leaving mom on edge for many reasons.
• The hallways had a horrible stench of urine.
• Some staff were rude.
• The decor and carpet looked dated, as if from the 1980s.
• Independent living offered only two meals with no snacks, unlike other places that provide all meals and snacks.
• Pamela Huesman allegedly did not disclose that the mother's needs couldn't be met there, wasting the family's time.
• The facility was described as expensive despite being nice.

Review

After touring five independent living facilities in Boone County, a careful family narrowed the field to three, with mom finally choosing a place that looked impressive on the outside. But the initial impression quickly gave way to worries: empty promises, a sense of being on edge, and an unsettling feeling that the reality would not match the glossy brochure. In just 30 days, mom's family made the decision to move her to Colonial Heights, and what a totally different experience it turned out to be. The contrast was immediate and meaningful - Colonial Heights offered a welcoming, supportive environment that felt like home from the moment she arrived.

Once settled at Colonial Heights, mom dove into a rich schedule of activities and traditions. She joined the choir, attended Catholic services on Sundays, and took part in numerous special guest events during the week. She also enjoyed various craft activities and found her place among people who shared her interests. The environment cultivated a genuine sense of community, where she could rebuild a social circle and enjoy friendships she could rely on. The staff, in particular, stood out for their consistency, attentiveness, and warmth, caring for her throughout her seven-month stay with a level of dedication the family deeply appreciated. While the family would have preferred her companionship here in perpetuity, they recognize that life's path took a different turn, and they remain grateful for the care she received.

The experience wasn't limited to daily routines and activities. The facility presented the possibility of a continuum of care, with independent living that could transition to memory care if needed, and the addition of services through qualified affiliate providers. That flexibility and forward-thinking approach gave families peace of mind: Colonial Heights isn't just a place to live today, but a place that can adapt to evolving needs over time. The family also emphasized the importance of doing due diligence when choosing a senior living community. They urged others not to rush a decision or be swayed by a flashy appearance alone, and to talk extensively with staff and residents, and to have their loved one visit all credible contenders before any contract is signed.

The testimonials frequently highlighted a non-pushy, transparent approach from the staff. The family described the staff at Colonial Heights as never pushy and always helpful, open about everything from the start. They found the facility to be a safe place where their mom felt loved and cared for - reinforcing the sense that Colonial Heights is a home away from home rather than a sterile institution. The smiles and steady, reassuring presence of the team left a lasting impression, and the gratitude expressed was unmistakable. The family's thanks were extended to Colonial Heights for the comfort and security provided during a challenging period.

Beyond the personal experience, the community itself received high praise. Touring Colonial Heights left a strong impression: residents appeared happy, engaged, and busy with a broad array of activities. The setting was described as beautiful, with grounds and living spaces that felt inviting and comfortable. The longevity of the staff also stood out - many team members had been there for years, a rarity in the senior living sector. This stability contributed to a sense of trust and continuity, reinforcing the impression that residents are respected, valued, and well cared for. The overall atmosphere was characterized as friendly and welcoming, underscoring why families feel confident recommending Colonial Heights to others who are navigating the difficult choice of senior living.

Within the broader family memories of the campus, there were moments of mixed experience. One family member recounted a troubling interaction with a sales representative named Pamela Huesman, noting that during a phone call she was told one thing, and during the actual tour another thing - specifically, that mom's needs couldn't be met there, which felt like a miscommunication that wasted time. Yet this single critique stood against a landscape of consistently positive references to the staff, including the kitchen and activities teams, housekeeping, maintenance, and front-desk personnel. Another family member spoke highly of the wife-and-husband-like teamwork and overall kindness that permeated the community, reinforcing a broader sentiment that, while no facility is perfect, Colonial Heights stands out for its people.

A related perspective emphasized the Gardens as part of the same campus ecosystem. A relative spoke warmly about a great experience with their uncle in the assisted living at Colonial Gardens, praising the helpful, genuinely caring staff. The Gardens were described as an excellent option within the same campus for transitioning between levels of care as needed, highlighting the sense of a complete, connected community where teamwork across the different care levels makes transitions smoother for residents and their families. The family's experience suggested that the combination of Colonial Heights and Gardens offers a robust, integrated environment - one that supports independence while providing reliable support when care needs evolve.

Alongside these glowing accounts, there were practical notes about improvements and challenges. Some reviews mentioned the presence of strong, dated d?cor and even concerns about maintenance, describing areas that could benefit from repainting, updated decor, and a more thorough deep cleaning in places. There were also a few practical critiques about amenity balance, such as meal structure in independent living where some residents felt the plan offered limited meals or snacks, and where expectations around activities and social engagement varied among residents. These points act as reminders that, even in highly regarded communities, families should assess all aspects, including environment, management responsiveness, and the daily rhythms of life, to ensure they align with their loved one's preferences and needs.

In the end, the story conveyed by these reviews is one of care, continuity, and community. Families who chose Colonial Heights and its associated Gardens consistently highlighted a sense of belonging: a community where residents are treated with respect, staff members feel like part of a family, and where activities, faith, friendships, and daily routines weave together into a meaningful daily life. The writing carries a shared note of gratitude - an appreciation for staff who go above and beyond, for a living environment that can feel like home, and for the reassurance that there is a path forward should needs change. The heartfelt thanks, naming many members of the team, closes with a warm blessing - a genuine acknowledgment that the people who work at Colonial Heights and Gardens make a real difference in the lives of residents and their families. If you are looking for an independent living community with the option to grow into memory care and related services, this campus emerges as a compelling choice - an environment where families can feel confident their loved ones will be cared for with dignity, kindness, and a true sense of home.

Pharmacies

• Kroger Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Faith Community Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Remke Market (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Kroger Bakery (0.3 miles)
• Skyline Chili (0.4 miles)
• Olive Garden (0.5 miles)
• Five Guys Burgers & Fries (0.5 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (0.5 miles)
• City Barbeque And Catering (0.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.8 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark (0.6 miles)

Physicians

• St Elizabeth Physician's Group (1 miles)
• VA Medical Center (1 miles)
• OB-Gyn Speclst of Northern Ky (1.6 miles)
• Primary Pediatrics (1.6 miles)
• Chris Thon OD (2 miles)
• Tri-State Centers For Sight (2.1 miles)
• Florence Smiles Dentistry (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Oakbrook Park (1.8 miles)
• Eagle Ridge Playground (4.2 miles)
• President's Park (4.8 miles)
• Big Bone Lick State Park (8.7 miles)
• Fernbank Park (8.9 miles)
• Mills Rd Park (9.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Seven Hills Church (2.4 miles)
• St Dominic Church (7.6 miles)
• Berean Baptist Church (8 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (8.9 miles)
• Community Family Church (9.2 miles)
• Potter's Ranch (9.4 miles)

Transportation

• DHL Express CVG Hub (2.6 miles)
• DHL Security (2.6 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (3.9 miles)
• Concourse A (4.1 miles)
• Terminal 2 (4.2 miles)
• Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport (4.2 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint (4.2 miles)

Hospitals

• St Elizabeth Medical Center (5.4 miles)
• St Elizabeth Baby Center (5.4 miles)
• St Elizabeth Healthcare (5.4 miles)