St John Community, a CCRC

Pros

• Residents at St. John Community are warm and welcoming, creating a family-like atmosphere for newcomers.
• The staff goes out of their way to provide personalized care and support, making residents feel valued and cared for.
• The apartments are spacious, well-maintained, and equipped with full kitchens, enhancing the residential experience.
• The chef is highly praised for accommodating special dietary needs and offering a wide variety of delicious meal options.
• Social activities and events at the facility are engaging, helping residents maintain an active and vibrant social life.
• Cleanliness of the facility is consistently highlighted as exceptional, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• The cost of living at St. John Community is considered a great value compared to other facilities in the area.
• Residents appreciate the availability of dedicated staff who are attentive and caring towards their needs.

Cons

• The initial transition for residents lacked detail, relying only on a handbook, and could have benefited from a follow-up re-orientation after moving in.
• There is a lack of transportation options available for medical appointments, making it difficult for residents who cannot drive or rely on family.
• One relative expressed dissatisfaction with the facility's environment, stating that it felt more suited for older individuals rather than someone who is 58 years old and in need of care.
• A resident with dementia was moved abruptly without sufficient warning, causing stress and complications for their family during the relocation process.
• St. John’s staff failed to communicate important health information regarding a COVID test result to the family while moving belongings, leading to further distress and inconvenience.
• One reviewer felt that the facility primarily focused on financial gain rather than genuine care, calling out "gross incompetence" and "total lack of caring."

Review

Review Summary of St. John Community and Similar Facilities

The transition to independent living at St. John Community is generally characterized by positive experiences, although some areas have shown room for improvement. One notable shortcoming was the orientation process for new residents, which lacked detailed guidance. Residents were expected to familiarize themselves with the handbook prior to moving in, but this approach did not suffice during the chaotic move-in period filled with packing and unpacking tasks. A follow-up re-orientation session about a week after settling in could potentially enhance the experience, helping residents adjust more comfortably to their new environment.

Support from staff and fellow residents stands out as a highlight of life at St. John Community. The facility's manager and staff are frequently praised for their helpfulness in resolving queries as they arise, contributing significantly to a sense of community among residents. The chef has also received commendations for accommodating special dietary needs while maintaining a diverse menu that includes ethnic options alongside staples like soup, omelets, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. The cleanliness of the facility and the friendliness of the staff elevate the overall atmosphere.

The communal spirit at St. John Community fosters a familial environment where residents actively welcome newcomers and encourage participation in various activities. The relatively small size of the community allows for personalized interactions amongst residents and staff alike, enhancing feelings of belongingness. While primarily categorized as an "independent living" facility, many reviewers expressed hope for transport services at a reasonable fee for medical appointments—especially beneficial when some residents find themselves unable to drive or require support from family members.

Residents generally express satisfaction regarding value; most rated it highly concerning cost compared to similar facilities nearby, emphasizing that the quality provided justifies pricing levels. Reviewers consistently note that apartments are well-maintained with full kitchens contributing to a comfortable living arrangement suitable for independence without sacrificing comfort or care.

While most experiences are positive within St. John Community, there is awareness that individual circumstances can lead to differing perspectives on care levels—especially noted by family members supporting loved ones with health conditions such as dementia or mental health challenges requiring specialized assistance. One poignant review highlighted serious concerns regarding communication failures during transitions between care settings; this incident resulted in undue stress on families when timely updates were lacking.

Moreover, reviews from other facilities reflect admiration towards dedicated staff that prioritize personalized care tailored specifically toward each resident's needs rather than adhering strictly to generic protocols associated with assisted living or nursing homes—the overall impression being one of caring professionalism focused on fostering enriching lives rather than merely providing basic accommodations.

In conclusion, despite initial transition challenges and isolated incidents concerning care levels post-admission adjustments largely influenced by specific resident needs—most feedback reflects an overwhelmingly positive sentiment surrounding St. John Community particularly regarding its attentive staff interactions coupled with active social opportunities available daily leading into making impactful memories while embracing independence gracefully within supportive frameworks from each resident’s individual journey through this chapter of life along with robust engagement efforts offered throughout these communities ensuring every person feels valued cherished appreciated welcomed respected loved deeply understood celebrated throughout their stay!

This part of Mars, Pennsylvania offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With multiple places of worship nearby, including Mars United Methodist Church and Valencia Presbyterian Church, residents have access to spiritual support and community engagement. The area also boasts several pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, ensuring easy access to medication and healthcare necessities. Additionally, there are numerous dining options available, from casual eateries like Dented Keg Brewing Company to popular chains like Chick-Fil-A. For medical needs, there are several physicians' offices nearby, including Good Samaritan Pain Clinic and Kids Plus Pediatrics. The abundance of parks in the vicinity, such as Adams Township Community Park and Cranberry Township Community Park, provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this part of Mars provides a well-rounded living experience for seniors seeking a vibrant community with essential amenities within close proximity.

Places of Worship

• Mars United Methodist Church (0.1 miles)
• Valencia Presbyterian Church (1.9 miles)
• St Richard's Church (4.8 miles)
• St Ferdinand's Church Rectory (5.1 miles)
• Salem United Methodist Church (5.3 miles)
• Victory Family Church (5.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)
• Market District Pharmacy (4.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.5 miles)
• Evans City Pharmacy & Gift (5.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Breakneck Tavern (0.4 miles)
• Springfield Grille (1.4 miles)
• Dented Keg Brewing Company (2.2 miles)
• Dq Grill & Chill (2.3 miles)
• Bruster's Ice Cream (2.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.7 miles)

Physicians

• Good Samaritan Pain Clinic (1.5 miles)
• Bhs Cardiovascular Consultants (2.7 miles)
• Kids Plus Pediatrics (2.9 miles)
• Francis Costa Welsh & Stephen Associates In Dermatology (4.5 miles)
• Laurel ENT & Allergy-Sam Matur (4.5 miles)
• Retina Vitreous Consul (4.6 miles)
• Medical Office Building West (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Adams Township Community Park (1.6 miles)
• Middlesex Twp Community Park (4.7 miles)
• North Boundary Waterpark (5 miles)
• Cranberry Township Municipal Center (5 miles)
• Cranberry Township Community Park (5.1 miles)
• Knob Hill Community Park (6 miles)
• North Park (7.5 miles)

Cafes

• Convive Coffee Roastery (2.2 miles)
• The Bloom Cafe At (2.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Reichhold's Cafe (5.9 miles)
• Hardwood Cafe (6.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.3 miles)

Hospitals

• UPMC Passavant - Cranberry (4.5 miles)
• Passavant Hospital (4.7 miles)
• UPMC Passavant (8.4 miles)
• Passavant Hospital Emergency Room (8.4 miles)

Theaters

• Cranberry Cinemas (4.9 miles)
• Cinemark North Hills And Xd (8.6 miles)

Transportation

• Pittsburgh - Butler Regional Airport (BTP) (6.8 miles)