Primrose Retirement Racine

Pros

• The mother absolutely loves Primrose.
• The staff are outstanding.
• Primrose is described as a top-tier senior living community.
• Primrose staff are exceptional across all services, including nursing, kitchen, cleaning, maintenance, and administration.
• The staff's attentive and vigilant care has kept the mother alive today.
• Primrose staff go above and beyond on a routine basis.
• The dining at Primrose is spectacular.
• Primrose offers a small, home-like setting that residents appreciate.
• Primrose activities are helpful and fun and available seven days a week.
• The grounds are lovely and the facilities are well-kept.
• The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with social spaces like a fireplace sitting room.
• Families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well cared for at Primrose.

Cons

• Some of the CNSs are nice and work hard, but the rest are lazy and sit down a lot, not caring for the residents.
• The food is terrible, highly processed, and half the time it isn't hot when served.
• The kitchen director is very young, jokes a lot, and doesn't care about the food on the menu.
• The kitchen serves the same things week after week and rarely changes the menu.
• The facility is often short-staffed.
• A drawback is that there is no memory care unit at this location.
• There are complaints about food from some residents at dinner, and there is cliquish behavior among residents.
• The reviewer would not recommend the community until staffing and kitchen leadership improve.

Review

Primrose Retirement Community comes across in these reflections as a place with a strong, sustaining sense of community and a clear focus on keeping residents engaged, comfortable, and cared for. Across multiple locations and many voices - families, residents, and staff - the message is consistently warm: Primrose offers a small, home-like setting where people feel seen, valued, and well looked after. The sentiment is echoed by an employee who calls Primrose "the best organization to work for," noting that residents and families, along with co-workers and vendors, create a positive, collaborative atmosphere. The overarching theme is that this is a place where life can be lived fully, with everyday moments of joy and connection celebrated alongside dependable care.

A recurrent thread centers on the caliber of the staff and their dedication. Reviewers repeatedly describe Primrose as having exceptional teams across all services - nursing, kitchen, cleaning, maintenance, and administration. One family emphasizes how the staff go "above and beyond" on a routine basis, and several accounts highlight attentiveness and kindness that persist whether a resident is lively and social or quiet and in need of extra support. Maintenance is praised for responsiveness - "even if a light bulb goes out, they replace it immediately" - and the entire caregiving environment is framed as a partnership with families, attentive to the evolving needs of aging loved ones. The sense of teamwork and genuine care translates into tangible peace of mind for families who see their loved ones thriving under this supportive umbrella.

The physical environments described reinforce the sense of warmth and comfort. The Mt Pleasant facility is depicted as sparkling clean, with well-tended grounds and inviting spaces that foster social interaction. Residents benefit from accessible transportation - Primrose's van takes them shopping, to errands, and wherever they wish to go - helping maintain independence and daily routine. The living spaces, including patio areas with greenery and a cozy fireplace sitting room, are described as places where residents can relax, visit with neighbors, or savor quiet moments. The dining room is frequently highlighted as a central social hub, where meals can be shared communally or enjoyed in the privacy of an apartment, and where families and residents alike find opportunities to connect in meaningful ways.

Dining and cuisine emerge as a particularly impactful area of feedback, with many reviews labeling Primrose's dining as a standout experience. Several voices praise the dining staff as "spectacular," and there is enthusiasm for the variety of social dining opportunities - ice cream socials, special events, and the inviting atmosphere of dining as a social occasion. One reviewer even describes the dining staff as "the best in dining," while another notes a weekly ice cream treat as a highlight of the week. Yet, not every voice mirrors this high praise; a minority of reviews express concerns about food quality and consistency, citing highly processed foods, cold servings, and menu repetition. Taken together, these perspectives illustrate a spectrum but place strong emphasis on care-quality dining as a defining strength, with occasional room for improvement in menu variety and kitchen leadership.

The residents' and families' lived experiences portray Primrose as a place where daily life includes purposeful, meaningful activities and opportunities for social engagement. Activities are described as plentiful and accessible seven days a week, with older residents enjoying gardening tasks, card games, movie nights, bingo, church activities, performances, and classes. The presence of programming that supports both lighthearted fun and meaningful engagement helps residents feel part of a vibrant community rather than isolated. Family members describe how their loved ones flourish there - sharing meals with new friends, hosting small clubs in common spaces, and maintaining mobility and independence through the facility's transportation and on-site assistance. For many, Primrose represents the chance to age in place in a setting that mirrors the rhythm of a busy, connected life.

Personal anecdotes underscore the emotional resonance of Primrose for families. One review highlights a mother who is now over 100 years old and speaks warmly about the attentive, vigilant staff who keep her safe and comfortable. The same narrative emphasizes how Primrose enables a sense of continuity and dignity in later years, including the ability to participate in everyday activities and outings with a level of independence that remains supported by the staff. Visitors and relatives recount feeling relief and gratitude, especially when touring the community or observing the care in action during daily routines. A frequent refrain is the sense that Primrose provides not just care, but a home where residents can continue meaningful living.

There is also a candid recognition of areas for growth. Some reviewers point to variability among staff experiences, with a few voices describing particular caregivers as less engaged or less effective, and noting kitchen leadership issues or short-staffing at times. A specific drawback mentioned is the absence of a memory-care unit at a Bristol location, which may shape decisions for families considering memory-support needs. A few critiques also target the menus and consistency of meal quality, urging improvements in staff alignment and kitchen leadership to ensure all residents consistently receive high-quality, varied cuisine. These observations reflect a balanced picture: while Primrose is widely praised for its people and purpose, guests and families still see opportunities to refine operations and further elevate the dining and clinical experiences.

Overall, the collection of experiences paints a picture of Primrose as a caring, community-centered retirement setting that many families come to regard as a trusted home for their loved ones. The voices converge on a core truth: Primrose is a place where loving, attentive staff work to create a safe, engaging, and dignified day-to-day life. Prospective residents and families are invited to visit, tour, and even enjoy a meal to see for themselves the warmth, the care, and the opportunities for connection that define life at Primrose. For those already part of the Primrose family, the recurring narratives convey gratitude, reassurance, and a continued appreciation for a community that feels like home.

This area of Racine, Wisconsin, offers a convenient and bustling location with various amenities nearby. With several pharmacies within a short distance, accessing medical supplies and prescriptions is easy. Additionally, there are numerous physician offices and hospitals in close proximity, providing accessible healthcare options for seniors. The area also offers several parks for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. For dining options, there is a variety of restaurants to choose from, including fast food chains and sit-down establishments. Cafes are also available for a relaxing cup of coffee. Furthermore, the neighborhood features a cinema for entertainment purposes. Places of worship can be found nearby for spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this part of Racine provides a well-rounded environment suitable for senior living with convenient access to essential services and recreational opportunities.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Ascension Rx - Racine Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Nutritional Designs & Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Aurora Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Spring Street Medical Offices (1.1 miles)
• All Saints Pediatrics (1.1 miles)
• Neurological Clinic (1.1 miles)
• GI Associates (1.1 miles)
• Eye Clinic Of Racine (1.1 miles)
• Atrium At Wheaton Franciscan (1.2 miles)
• Dr James D. Mataczynski, MD (1.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints (1.1 miles)
• Reach Unlimited (2.6 miles)
• R M Lakeshore Investments (3.2 miles)
• St Luke's Sleep Center (3.5 miles)
• Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints (3.5 miles)
• Mental Health Service-st Lukes (3.5 miles)
• Aurora Quick Care (7.6 miles)

Parks

• Racine Quarry Park (1.3 miles)
• Racine Lakefront Parkway (3.7 miles)
• Lake Park (4.5 miles)
• Petrifying Springs Park (6.4 miles)

Restaurants

• O&H Danish Bakery (1.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.5 miles)
• Burger King (1.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.6 miles)
• Jose's Blue Sombrero Restaurant & Cantina (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Wilson's Coffee & Tea (2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• The Coffee Pot (10.4 miles)

Theaters

• Renaissance Cinema Sturtevant, Wi (3.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Stephen's Catholic Church (9.2 miles)
• Lakeside Lutheran Church (9.7 miles)
• Holy Rosary Parish (10 miles)