St Barnabas Retirement Village in Gibsonia, PA

Information last verified:

5850 Meridian Rd # 1, Gibsonia, PA 15044

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

3.8 from 10 reviews
5 stars
7
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
3

Overall Review of St Barnabas Retirement Village

Pros

  • pro The place is beautiful, and the employees are great.
  • pro The apartments are roomy, consistently clean and well maintained, with outdoor amenities that make it a great place to live.
  • pro The staff are well recruited, interviewed, and trained, and they are an asset.
  • pro The amenities—from the pub to the theater to the workout room and the beautiful outdoor grounds—offer an amazing array of things to do for residents.
  • pro St. Barnabas is a wonderful organization that offers a wide variety of amenities and provides a safe, secure, and comfortable option for seniors.
  • pro The Village is a great environment where people can live independently and have fun.
  • pro The reviewer would wholeheartedly recommend St. Barnabas.

Cons

  • pro They are celebrating a "wife beater" at their Founders Day this year—shameful.
  • pro The security was excessively strict and started yelling at visitors instead of calmly explaining what they did wrong.

Review

St Barnabas Retirement Village in Gibsonia, PA is best suited for active seniors who want independent living on a campus-style setting, paired with a rich social calendar and dependable on-site services. The environment honors a lively lifestyle: roomy, well-kept apartments, strong maintenance, and outdoor spaces that invite daily activity. The staff are repeatedly described as well recruited, properly trained, and genuinely capable, giving families confidence that residents are respected and cared for. For residents who prioritize a robust amenity mix, pubs, theater, fitness facilities, and engaging grounds, this community offers a compelling, self-contained living experience.

That said, this option is not for everyone. Families seeking a low-key, loosely structured living environment may want alternatives. The security posture, while designed to protect residents, can feel overly controlling to visitors and service contractors, and that rigid atmosphere spills into daily interactions. A culture of strict rule enforcement has, in some accounts, produced tense experiences with staff or administrators. The Founders Day choice and a separate moving-crew incident point to a pattern that can feel heavy-handed or out of step with resident and guest sentiment. For seniors who value a more relaxed, easygoing pace, there are likely better fits.

On balance, the positives do offset many concerns for a population that values safety, social engagement, and comprehensive amenities. The apartments’ cleanliness and space reduce daily friction, and the breadth of on-site offerings creates natural opportunities to connect, participate, and stay active. The emphasis on safety and a secure environment remains a meaningful selling point for families weighing risk against independence. Overall, the community carries a 3.8 rating from ten reviews, signaling a split experience: many residents praise the infrastructure and staff, while a notable minority report that governance and behavior can sour the atmosphere. When these advantages align with personal priorities, St Barnabas remains a strong contender.

Nevertheless, the downsides deserve serious attention. A reputation for stringent access control and occasionally brusque handling of staff and visitors can undermine trust and comfort, especially for families evaluating ongoing resident interactions. Reports of missteps in leadership, and the specific social programming choices that some find insensitive or ill-timed, suggest a culture that may struggle to balance warmth with authority. These factors can erode the very sense of community the property intends to cultivate, particularly for residents who value spontaneity over procedural rigor. In short, the environment can feel excellent on paper but falter in practice for certain personalities and preferences.

This is a decision where a clear alignment between what matters most and what the community delivers makes all the difference. If independence-focused living with high-caliber staffing, strong security, and a lively, purpose-built social scene are non-negotiables, St Barnabas delivers substantial value and a credible lived-in experience. For families and residents who prioritize unstructured social warmth, flexible rules, and a consistently welcoming tone from every staff interaction, the potential friction around policy enforcement and cultural fit warrants caution. Prospective movers should press for concrete examples of conflict resolution, staff training updates, and how resident feedback translates into programming decisions before committing.

Bottom line: St Barnabas Retirement Village provides a practical, amenity-rich living environment with a safety-forward framework that many will find reassuring and stimulating. The decisive question is whether the trade-off, strict access controls and occasional leadership missteps, fits the resident’s tolerance and the family’s expectations. When visiting, request candid conversations with front-line staff, observe common areas during peak activity, and seek recent instances of how concerns were addressed. If the aim is a vibrant, well-supported independent lifestyle and the family can tolerate a tighter culture around rules and programming, this community stands out as a solid, actionable choice. If not, explore alternatives that emphasize a looser atmosphere and a more consistently warm resident-staff dynamic.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
  • Independent Living Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
  • Memory Care Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.
  • Skilled Nursing Facility Skilled Nursing FacilitySkilled Nursing Facilities are crucial for seniors as they provide round-the-clock medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. These facilities ensure that seniors receive the specialized care they need to maintain their health and well-being as they age.

Pets

  • Cats allowed Cats allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.
  • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Transportation

  • Pittsburgh International (18 miles away) Pittsburgh International (18 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
  • Diabetic care Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.

Dining

  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Description

St. Barnabas Retirement Village in Gibsonia, PA is a welcoming and vibrant assisted living community that offers a range of care options to meet the unique needs of each resident. With independent living, memory care, and a skilled nursing facility, individuals can transition seamlessly between levels of care as their needs change over time.

At St. Barnabas Retirement Village, residents can enjoy a fulfilling and engaged lifestyle while receiving the necessary support they require. The community offers various amenities designed to enhance residents' overall well-being. Devotional services off-site provide spiritual nourishment for those seeking religious connections, while indoor common areas encourage socialization and opportunities to form meaningful relationships with other residents.

The care services at St. Barnabas Retirement Village cater to specific healthcare needs. Diabetic care is available for individuals who require assistance in managing their diabetes, ensuring they receive personalized attention and support.

Residents can also participate in an array of activities that promote mental stimulation and social interaction. Devotional activities offsite allow individuals to strengthen their spiritual beliefs while engaging with others who share similar interests.

Located conveniently within the vicinity, St. Barnabas Retirement Village offers easy access to several amenities. Three cafes nearby provide opportunities for residents to enjoy a cup of coffee or grab a bite with friends and family. Additionally, two parks nearby offer peaceful outdoor spaces where residents can take leisurely strolls or engage in recreational activities. Accessible pharmacies ensure that medication management is convenient for residents, while eight restaurants close by offer diverse dining options for culinary exploration. Lastly, three places of worship near the community provide religious services within proximity for those seeking spiritual connection.

St Barnabas Retirement Village in Gibsonia, PA prides itself on providing exceptional care services coupled with a robust offering of amenities and nearby conveniences. It is an ideal choice for seniors looking for a supportive community that encourages independence and fosters a sense of belonging among its residents.

Nearby Places of Interest

Cafes

  • Starbucks (1.4 miles)
  • The Bloom Cafe At (3 miles)
  • Panera Bread (3.6 miles)
  • Convive Coffee Roastery (5.5 miles)
  • Reichhold's Cafe (6.7 miles)
  • Panera Bread (6.7 miles)
  • Hardwood Cafe (7.5 miles)

Places of Worship

  • St Richard's Church (1.4 miles)
  • Valencia Presbyterian Church (2.1 miles)
  • Mars United Methodist Church (4.1 miles)
  • Salem United Methodist Church (5.9 miles)

Restaurants

  • Applebee's (1.4 miles)
  • Wendy's (1.5 miles)
  • Eat'n Park (2.9 miles)
  • Strange Roots Experimental Ales (3.2 miles)
  • Breakneck Tavern (3.6 miles)
  • Valencia Donut Co. (4 miles)
  • Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar Allison Park (4.2 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Rite Aid (2.1 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
  • Market District Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (5.4 miles)
  • Rite Aid (5.7 miles)
  • Target Pharmacy (6.4 miles)

Parks

  • Adams Township Community Park (4.4 miles)
  • Middlesex Twp Community Park (4.5 miles)
  • North Park (7.5 miles)
  • Deer Lakes Park (8.2 miles)
  • Knob Hill Community Park (8.3 miles)

Physicians

  • Good Samaritan Pain Clinic (5.3 miles)
  • Children's Community Pediatrics - Wexford (5.5 miles)
  • Francis Costa Welsh & Stephen Associates In Dermatology (5.6 miles)
  • Laurel ENT & Allergy-Sam Matur (5.6 miles)
  • Bhs Cardiovascular Consultants (5.8 miles)
  • Allegheny Rheumatology (5.9 miles)
  • Kids Plus Pediatrics (6.1 miles)

Hospitals

  • Passavant Hospital Emergency Room (6.3 miles)
  • UPMC Passavant (6.3 miles)
  • UPMC Passavant - Cranberry (7.6 miles)
  • Passavant Hospital (7.7 miles)

Theaters

  • Cinemark North Hills And Xd (6.6 miles)
  • Cranberry Cinemas (7.9 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Resources

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    Dementia encompasses progressive neurological disorders that impair cognitive functions and can lead to paranoia due to cognitive decline and emotional changes. The article discusses the triggers of paranoia in dementia, caregiver strategies for managing it, and the importance of distinguishing between dementia-related paranoia and other psychiatric conditions.

  • memory care activitiesEngaging Memory Care Activities That Enhance Quality of Life

    Memory care activities are essential for improving the quality of life of seniors with cognitive impairments, as they stimulate cognitive function, promote well-being, and encourage social interaction through tailored strategies. These activities combine structured exercises with spontaneous tasks, sensory engagement, physical workouts, creative pursuits, and intergenerational interactions to enhance emotional connection and a sense of purpose.

  • when to move from assisted living to memory careWhen to Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care: Key Indicators, Steps, and Finding the Right Community

    Transitioning from assisted living to memory care is driven by an individual's cognitive decline and specific needs, requiring careful evaluation of indicators like increased confusion and wandering. The process involves consulting medical professionals, researching suitable communities, considering financial and legal aspects, and ensuring effective communication for personalized care plans.