5415 Thekla Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63120
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Smiley Manor
Pros
The facility is clean and organized, and the staff really cares about everyone's well-being.- Holiday parties and birthdays are fun times.
- The owners are highly regarded by visitors.
- The location is well-liked, and resident Halloween parties are a lot of fun.
- The facility offers a theater room, a game room, and an exercise room to promote health.
- The building is safe and clean, and residents are happy.
- Meals are good, and medications are administered on time.
- The staff are super nice.
Cons
The facility is a horrible place to live; staff are angry every day and yell for minor infractions, and they try to have residents committed if they disagree.- The facility’s parking is inadequate and needs to be addressed ASAP.
- The place looks as if it should be condemned.
- The facility is filthy and nasty; residents’ property gets stolen and nothing is done about it.
- A male staff member was allowed to fight a female resident.
- The reviewer believes the facility is despicable and should be closed.
Review
Smiley Manor is best suited for families seeking an active, socially engaged assisted-living option in which owners visibly reinvest in the building and programming. The community suits seniors who want regular events, a sense of camaraderie, and a campus feel with accessible amenities like a theater room, game room, and an on-site exercise space. It works well for residents who prize cleanliness and straightforward routines, including reliably delivered meals and on-time medication administration. For families prioritizing a lively, connected environment with structured activities and clear ownership commitment, Smiley Manor stands out as a practical choice.
However, several realities warrant closer scrutiny before committing. Some reviewers flag the staff atmosphere as a major concern, describing frequent anger or loud exchanges that unsettle residents. A handful of accounts go beyond frustration to allege unsafe or disrespectful incidents, including questions about how staff respond to conflicts and to resident needs. Parking logistics and the physical condition of parts of the property also surface as potential drawbacks, with mentions of overcrowded or under-suited parking and suggestions that certain areas could use more upkeep. For families with heightened sensitivities about consistent staff demeanor or pristine ambiance, these signals point toward caution.
The strongest positives, cleanliness, organized operation, and an evident investment by owners, materially offset many drawbacks for understanding families. The praise around attentive owners, the presence of amenities that support socialization and wellness, and the ability to deliver care (such as timely medication) provide a counterweight to the reported friction. When staff are described as helpful and residents appear engaged and happy at events, the facility demonstrates that a well-managed core program can endure despite occasional interpersonal tensions. In these terms, the facility succeeds in delivering daily life that feels controlled, safe, and socially rewarding for a good portion of residents.
Yet the negatives are nontrivial and cannot be dismissed. Where staff relations deteriorate or where incidents of conflict are alleged, the consequent impact on residents’ sense of security and well-being can be significant. The combination of occasional accusations of hostile conduct, property concerns, and references to the building’s condition creates a perceived risk that some families will not tolerate, particularly those with residents who require more consistent, gentle, and predictable interactions. The gap between the positive elements (engagement, meals, medication reliability) and the negative experiences (staff tone, potential safety incidents, facility upkeep) is enough to push some families toward alternatives that promise steadier interpersonal dynamics and a calmer atmosphere.
For decision-makers, the practical takeaway is clear: Smiley Manor delivers tangible value for those who want an active, medically supervised setting with visible owner support and robust social programming. It is less suitable for households that prioritize universal staff serenity, a uniformly pristine environment, or uncompromising safety reputations. Prospective residents should prioritize direct conversations with leadership about staff training, incident reporting, and resident rights; request current activity schedules, meal quality confirmations, and medication processes; and tour at different times to gauge consistency in tone and responsiveness. Parking accessibility and clear ongoing maintenance plans should also be confirmed before moving forward.
In the end, Smiley Manor earns its place as a solid option for families who value community life, reliable care basics, and a facility that visibly invests in its spaces. It should prompt equally careful consideration from families for whom staff behavior, consistent safety, and pristine, condemnation-free surroundings are non-negotiable. Alternatives may offer greater consistency in staff culture or stronger preventive maintenance status; when those factors matter most, exploring competing communities with independent verification of safety and resident satisfaction is prudent. The right choice will align the resident’s social needs, safety expectations, and daily routine with a community that can consistently meet them.
20 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Board and Care Home
Activities on-site
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Lambert-St Louis International (7 miles away)
24-hour call system
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
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