St Ann's Home Connection in Rochester, NY

Pros

• The staff are described as kind, caring, and competent.
• The facility is noted to be bright, clean, and well maintained.
• Accommodations include private rooms and well-appointed areas, described as comfortable.
• The rehab teams (PT/OT) are praised for dedication and effectiveness.
• The meals are varied and often described as delicious.
• Families would readily recommend St. Ann's to others.
• On-site amenities, such as a Bistro and beauty shop, enhance the experience.
• The Pastoral Care Department and chapel services meet spiritual needs and provide solace.
• The care from nurses and aides is frequently described as loving and supportive.
• Some reviewers consider St. Ann's among the best nursing homes in Rochester.

Cons

• They describe the facility as worn down and not clean, with mousetraps found in the room.
• They note persistent staffing shortages that leave aides and nurses unable to meet residents' needs.
• They recount a nurse leaving their relative covered in feces and housekeeping unavailable to clean the area.
• They say the food is subpar and not freshly prepared, with rubbery eggs, warm milk, and boxed diabetic-friendly items.
• They observe the rehab unit is full of dementia patients who wander around unsupervised.
• They complain about poor communication, including no introductory meeting and results conveyed only when asked.
• They feel the rehab PT/OT care is not up to par, with long periods in bed and insufficient mobility or comfort.
• They express that the "system" impression is misleading, suggesting families must compensate for care gaps.
• They report high turnover and short staffing at Cherry Ridge, with slow response times and moderate food quality alongside high pricing.

Review

St Ann's Home Connection in Rochester is best suited for families that want a faith-infused, community-oriented setting with solid post-acute rehab capabilities and strong dementia-adjacent care, where private rooms and on-site amenities help maintain a sense of normalcy during recovery or long-term care. The community tends to appeal to residents and families who value spiritual services, an on-site chapel, and a social atmosphere that includes a Bistro dining area and accessible personal services. This model works best when a family member can stay actively involved in daily care planning and advocacy, because consistency in staffing and routine care can vary by unit.

Alternatives should be considered for anyone whose non-negotiables include consistent staff coverage, spotless upkeep, and uniformly high nutrition. Several reviews flag ongoing short-staffing, turnover, and uneven housekeeping. For families with loved ones who demand very tight call-light responses, rapid issue resolution, or exceptionally clean environments, other Rochester-area options may deliver more predictable reliability. Those whose priority is a flawless PT/OT protocol, or who worry about safety with wandering residents, may find steadier performance elsewhere.

On balance, St Ann's earns points for its genuine care culture in many units, and for facilities that support recovery and ongoing memory care. Multiple reviewers praise compassionate nurses and aides, the ability to access physical therapy and occupational therapy with reasonable frequency, and the rehabilitative milieu on several floors. The campus offers private rooms, dining in a family-like Bistro, and accessible services such as on-site beauty appointments and a chapel that provides meaningful comfort. For families navigating dementia care, the Special Care Unit and pastoral programs contribute real value, and when communication lines are open, staff can become an effective ally in managing complex needs.

Yet the downsides are consistently pointed to in the experiences of several families. Staffing shortages and turnover translate into uneven care, with some aides and nurses appearing overwhelmed or slow to respond. Housekeeping and cleanliness gaps surface - rooms may feel dusty, floors dirty, and there are reports of pests in some areas - which undercuts overall comfort. Food quality is not universal, with some meals described as unappealing or poorly prepared, and nutrition is not always prioritized in rehab scenarios. Communication gaps, missed updates, and perceived delays in obtaining medical results also surface, particularly when dementia care requires more involved family coordination and discharge planning.

These strengths and weaknesses create a mixed equation. For those prioritizing rehab progress, private rooms, and spiritual support, the positives can substantially offset the negatives when a trusted nurse or PT/OT team is consistently present and a proactive family partner maintains oversight. The presence of a Special Care Unit and a chapel, plus a tradition of caring staff, can make St Ann's feel like a home rather than a hospital - even as inconsistencies remind families that daily performance is unit-dependent. In other words, the quality of experience at St Ann's hinges on unit leadership, staffing levels on shift, and how effectively administration follows through on issues raised by families.

Prospective residents should tailor visits to the specific floor or unit - rehab versus long-term care - asking pointed questions about staffing ratios, CNA coverage, and response times, and requesting a detailed tour of dining and housekeeping practices. Look for transparent performance data: average PT/OT sessions per week, nurse notification times, and plans to address repeated concerns about cleanliness or food. Probe the availability of dementia-specific programming and whether the Special Care Unit has dedicated staff. Finally, involve the administrator early in the process and request a clear care plan with ongoing family updates. With careful diligence, St Ann's can be a strong fit for families who value community, faith-based support, and solid rehab when paired with vigilant oversight.

Located in the vibrant city of Rochester, New York, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities and conveniences that cater to individuals seeking an active and engaged lifestyle. With a diverse selection of restaurants such as Chick-Fil-A, Wendy's, and Rubino's Imported Italian Food within walking distance, residents can easily satisfy their culinary cravings. Nearby physicians at the Rochester Heart Institute and Flaherty Family Medicine provide accessible healthcare options, while pharmacies like Rite Aid and Walgreens ensure easy access to medications. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy a cup of coffee at Starbucks or explore the nearby parks like Seneca Park and Cobbs Hill Park for outdoor relaxation. The close proximity to Strong Memorial Hospital ensures peace of mind for any medical emergencies. Additionally, transportation options like Amtrak make it convenient for seniors to travel as needed. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded living experience with a mix of dining options, healthcare services, recreational facilities, and convenient access to essential amenities.

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.3 miles)
• Wendy's (0.3 miles)
• Rubino's Imported Italian Food (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• Irondequoit Beer Company (1.4 miles)
• Johnny's Irish Pub (1.9 miles)
• Rochester Public Market (2 miles)

Physicians

• Rochester Heart Institute (0.3 miles)
• Imaging Center - Northern Heights (0.4 miles)
• Flaherty Family Medicine (0.7 miles)
• Vega Chiropractic and Wellness (0.7 miles)
• East Ridge Family Medicine (0.8 miles)
• Irondequoit Pediatrics (0.8 miles)
• Urmc Labs (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Wegmans (1.4 miles)
• Wegmans (1.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• New City Cafe (2.1 miles)
• Ugly Duck Coffee (2.6 miles)
• Java's Cafe (2.7 miles)
• Locals Only (2.8 miles)
• 1872 Cafe (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)

Parks

• Seneca Park (1.8 miles)
• Durand Eastman Beach (2 miles)
• Bristol Play Area (2.1 miles)
• Tryon Park (2.9 miles)
• Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square (2.9 miles)
• Cobbs Hill Park (3.6 miles)
• Highland Park (4.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Strong Memorial Hospital (2.4 miles)
• Highland Hospital (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Artisan Church (4.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Webster 12 (4.4 miles)