Smithfield Manor Senior Apartments

Pros

• Ms. Sherry is caring, patient, and loving.
• Sherry cares for her tenants and tries to accommodate everyone.
• The apartment has beautiful hardwood floors, ample closet space, and several windows that let in natural light.
• The manager, Sherry, is great and attentive to tenants.
• The place is quiet.
• The neighbors and Ms. Sherry helped the mother achieve independence.

Cons

• The place needs upgrading and is not suitable for elderly residents.
• Management should revamp its employees, as they are out of Michigan and unaware of what's happening at the property.
• The office staff are out of state and don't know what's really going on with the property.
• Letters to the office go unanswered and phone calls receive no response.
• It is not a great place to live for loved ones who are aging or nearing the end of life.

Review

For a family trying to help their aging mother live independently, the search for the right place can be long and exhausting. In this case, the breakthrough came when they met Ms. Sherry, the property manager. She is described not just as a manager, but as someone who is caring, patient, and loving. This combination has made a meaningful difference: it's the longest stretch of independence their mother has experienced, and they feel it's largely because of Sherry, the supportive neighbors, and the surrounding community.

The supportive environment plays a central role in the overall impression. The neighbors, along with Sherry, have created a sense of community that supports their mother's independence and happiness. It is clear that the human element - people who look out for one another and for the residents - has been a crucial factor in why this place feels livable and warm for someone who wants to stay in their own space while aging gracefully.

Despite the many positives, there are clear concerns about the management structure and the condition of the property. The place needs upgrading, and the reviewers suggest that anyone who truly cares about their loved ones would not want to leave them in such a setting without improvements. The critique centers on management needing to revamp their employees - the current staff is described as being out of Michigan and out of touch with what is really going on at the property. There is a sense that the on-site office operates in a way that lacks awareness of ongoing issues, which worries families who depend on timely and competent oversight.

Additionally, the practical reality of communication is called into question. The reviewers report having written letters to the office and made phone calls without any responses. This lack of responsiveness is presented as a significant drawback, especially for elderly residents who may require advocacy and prompt attention to concerns. Taken together, these issues contribute to the impression that this might not be the best place to live when one is facing the later stages of life, despite the care that individual staff members can provide.

On the more positive side, the apartment itself is highly regarded. The unit features beautiful hardwood floors, abundant closet space, and a good number of windows that allow natural light to fill the rooms. The overall atmosphere is quiet, which is appreciated in a living situation where peace and a predictable routine are valuable. The praise for Sherry continues here as well: she is seen as someone who cares for her tenants and genuinely tries to accommodate everyone, reinforcing the sense that the property has a caring core at its heart.

We are left with a nuanced portrait: a place that has real heart and potential, driven in large part by Sherry's dedication and by a neighborly, supportive community. The aesthetic and practical attributes of the apartments contribute to a comfortable living environment, and the quiet nature of the property is a definite plus. Yet the criticisms about management responsiveness and staffing suggest that improvements in administration and communication could unlock the full promise of the community.

Ultimately, the story is one of contrast and possibility. The people who live there - the mother, her family, and the neighbors - experience genuine care and independence thanks to Sherry's attentive approach. At the same time, the administration's shortcomings create real concerns that cannot be ignored if the goal is to ensure long-term safety and satisfaction for elderly residents. If the management invests in upgrading the property, rebuilding trust with residents, and ensuring timely, effective communication, this community could become an exemplary place for seniors who value independence and a compassionate, resident-focused atmosphere.

This part of Smithfield, North Carolina offers a convenient and bustling suburban community with a variety of amenities within a short distance. There are numerous dining options nearby, ranging from fast food chains like McDonald's to casual dining at places like Texas Steakhouse & Saloon. Additionally, there are several cafes such as Starbucks for those who enjoy a morning coffee or pastry. For spiritual needs, there are several places of worship in the area including Short Journey Retreat Center and St Eugene's Catholic Church. Access to healthcare is readily available with pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy nearby, as well as various physician offices offering specialized medical care. In case of emergencies, JMH Clayton hospital is located just 10.4 miles away. For leisure and recreation, residents can visit parks like Biltmore Hills Park or enjoy a movie at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh theater only 21.6 miles away. Overall, this part of Smithfield provides a vibrant and accessible community for seniors looking to settle down in a friendly neighborhood with plenty of amenities within easy reach.

Restaurants

• Heidi's Two Wheel Cafe (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• The Chicken Barn (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• Golden Corral (2.9 miles)
• Zaxby's (2.9 miles)
• Texas Steakhouse & Saloon (2.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Starbucks (16.8 miles)
• 41 North (16.9 miles)
• Starbucks (21.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Short Journey Retreat Center (3.7 miles)
• St Eugene's Catholic Church (16.3 miles)
• Amplify Church (19.2 miles)
• Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (21.8 miles)
• Beacon Baptist Church (22.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries (6.4 miles)
• Walgreens (10 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (10.7 miles)
• Davis Drug Company - Benson (11.6 miles)
• Allcare Pharmacy Services (12.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (12.5 miles)
• Walgreens (12.8 miles)

Physicians

• Pulmonology Bronchology PC (7.3 miles)
• High Point Audiologica (9.8 miles)
• Horizon Family Medicine (9.9 miles)
• EmergeOrtho-Clayton (10.4 miles)
• Clayton Pediatrics Center (10.4 miles)
• Meehan Medical (10.6 miles)
• Horizon Family Medicine (11.1 miles)

Hospitals

• JMH Clayton (10.4 miles)
• Wakemed Garner Healthplex (17.4 miles)
• WakeMed Health & Hospitals (21.4 miles)
• WakeMed Heart Center (21.4 miles)

Parks

• Wendell Community Center (16.8 miles)
• Biltmore Hills Park (21 miles)
• Chavis Park (22.1 miles)
• Carolina Pines Dog Park (22.7 miles)
• Marsh Creek Park (22.9 miles)
• Buffaloe Road Athletic Park (23.2 miles)
• Dorothea Dix Park (23.4 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (21.6 miles)