Kirby Manor in Cleveland, OH

Pros

• The new managers and maintenance staff are turning old problems around.
• There is at least one maintenance worker who consistently does a good job.
• Regular monthly pest-control visits help keep the building cleaner and more comfortable for residents.
• The garbage program now places trash in front of doors five days a week, making life easier for seniors.
• Social activities for residents are being offered and are improving, providing opportunities to socialize.
• The facility is described as clean and the director as nice, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
• Apartments are described as nice and spacious, with move-in potential noted positively.

Cons

• They describe the building as horrible and in need of shutdown, with residents left stranded during power outages and an inoperable elevator.
• They state the management is rude and unprofessional, with dirty hallways and unhelpful, unresponsive staff.
• They report bedbug and roach infestations and overall cleanliness problems throughout the property.
• They note unreliable hot water and other utilities issues (e.g., windows won't stay open) due to insufficient capacity and slow repairs.
• They say maintenance is under-staffed, leading to slow or incomplete repairs and delayed upgrades like repainting and floor replacement.

Review

Kirby Manor in Cleveland is best suited for budget-conscious seniors who can tolerate a building with a complicated management history and are willing to stay engaged to push for reliable service. The recent shift to new office staff over the last six months signals an effort to restore order, and there are early signs of traction: monthly pest-control visits, a more active maintenance presence, and at least some communal activities starting to reemerge. Still, this community carries substantial risk if management and upkeep remain episodic, so the best-fit resident is someone who can navigate that reality, advocate effectively, and view affordability as the dominant priority rather than pristine condition or flawless operations.

Those who should seriously consider alternatives include families prioritizing consistent pest control, predictable maintenance, and transparent, respectful staff interactions. The record here features long-standing complaints about bedbugs and roaches, uneven housekeeping, and rumors of rights violations or elder abuse in office culture, all of which erode trust and safety. Prospective residents with mobility needs, acute safety concerns, or a desire for a robust, well-staffed social calendar may find better options elsewhere, especially if a reliable elevator, continuous hot water, and readily available repairs are nonnegotiable.

The strongest positives - when they occur - do align with an affordable, community-oriented setting. The property has made strides in streamlining chores like garbage disposal, reducing the hassle for residents who cannot easily haul large bags outside. Maintenance is still uneven, but a dedicated maintenance presence has emerged, plus a few staff who clearly aim to do the right thing. Social connectivity is possible here: a weekly preacher, occasional casual gatherings, and a sense that the calendar once stored in a coordinated program is again within reach. Those elements matter, because even modest social engagement can improve daily quality of life in a tighter, lower-cost building.

Yet the main drawbacks remain deeply consequential. Pest infestations - bedbugs and roaches - persist as a defining issue, with reports of partial treatments and insufficient follow-through. Management and office staff have earned a reputation for unprofessionalism and poor communication, with several accounts of rude interactions and limited access to upper-management when problems arise. Building conditions reflect years of deferred maintenance: dirty hallways, aging carpets, malfunctioning elevators, intermittent hot water, and windows that won't stay open. Security and safety concerns are not trivial in a neighborhood backdrop described as urban and decaying, further complicating decisions for families with resident mobility or health vulnerabilities.

Families evaluating Kirby Manor should insist on concrete, verifiable assurances. Request recent pest-control logs, scheduling predictability for ongoing repairs, and a clear plan for hot water reliability and elevator operation. Ask for a written social-program calendar with demonstrated consistency, and speak with multiple current residents about day-to-day experiences with staff, response times, and how concerns are escalated. Probe security measures, parking accuracy, and any fire-safety drills. If possible, obtain a recent property inspection report and a transparent explanation of any resident-rights complaints and how they were resolved. These steps separate hopeful rhetoric from live operations of care and safety.

In the end, Kirby Manor represents a difficult balancing act. It can be a viable option for those who prize affordability, are comfortable with active resident advocacy, and are willing to tolerate a building that is still regaining its footing after years of turnover. For most families seeking consistency, cleanliness, dependable maintenance, and a consistently respectful management culture, the odds favor looking at alternatives that demonstrate steadier performance across pest control, safety, and daily operations. The right choice hinges on one core question: how much risk tolerance and self-advocacy are acceptable in exchange for the budget and a sense of community.

This part of Cleveland, Ohio offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS nearby, residents have easy access to medication and healthcare services. There are also various dining options ranging from fast food chains like McDonald's to upscale restaurants like Mahall's Twenty Lanes for enjoyable dining experiences. The area is surrounded by parks like Lakewood Park and Edgewater Park, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. In terms of healthcare, Cleveland Clinic - Lutheran Hospital and Fairview Hospital are within a short drive for any medical needs. Additionally, transportation options like the Greyhound Station and car rental services make it convenient for seniors to travel when needed. Overall, this neighborhood offers a mix of amenities and services that cater to the needs and preferences of seniors looking for a comfortable and accessible living environment.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.9 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• Liquid Planet (0.4 miles)
• Mahall's Twenty Lanes (0.9 miles)
• Winking Lizard Tavern (1.2 miles)
• Ferris Deli & Restaurant (1.3 miles)
• Forage Public House (1.6 miles)
• Local West (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Rising Star Coffee Roasters (1 miles)
• Ready Set Roasters (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Rising Star Coffee Roasters (3 miles)
• Lekko Coffee (3.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Ignatius of Antioch Church (1.4 miles)
• St. Rocco's Church (3.3 miles)

Parks

• Lakewood Park (1.7 miles)
• Edgewater Park (2.1 miles)
• Wendy Moore Memorial Park (2.8 miles)
• Niagara Park (2.8 miles)
• Metroparks Rocky River Reservation North (3.3 miles)
• Primate Playground (3.7 miles)
• The Cleveland Mall (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Cleveland Clinic - Lutheran Hospital (3.1 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Fairview Hospital (3.7 miles)
• CCF Fairview Hospital (3.7 miles)
• Trauma ICU (3.9 miles)
• St Vincent Charity Medical Center (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport (4.4 miles)
• Greyhound Station (4.6 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (5.5 miles)
• National Car Rental (5.5 miles)
• Cleveland Rental Car Center (5.6 miles)

Physicians

• Cuyahoga County Board of Health (5 miles)