Connect 55+ Kansas City

Pros

• Alysia, Dave, and Kee are highly regarded for their hard work, keeping residents happy and fostering a family-like community.
• Kee is praised as an superb activity manager who brings residents together.
• Todd is described as a great community director who genuinely engages with residents and their families.
• Cathy is recognized as an effective manager who knows what she's doing and ensures timely repairs and updates.
• Under new management, the community has shown weekly progress and visible improvements.
• Long-time residents are glad they stayed and consider Connect55 a wonderful place to live.
• The facility is described as clean with nice rooms and a peaceful, sociable environment.
• The staff are viewed as available and attentive to residents' needs, with engaging social events.
• Reviews consistently note that the management team listens, cares, and makes Connect55 feel like home.

Cons

• There are huge potholes on the property.
• There is no activity coordinator currently on site.
• The door entry system is outdated and hardly works; it should be FOB-scanned.
• Rent is high.
• There is currently no on-site manager.
• The thermostat is not accessible for visually impaired residents.
• Management does not address issues adequately.
• Corporate has not returned calls or addressed concerns.
• A water pipe burst caused flooding and management delayed repairs for an extended period.

Review

Connect 55 has become a place where many residents feel a real sense of community and care, even as some continue to wrestle with ongoing concerns. For some, the shift in leadership over the past couple of years has transformed the experience from one of uncertainty to one of reliable support and meaningful activity. A recurring thread is the praise of certain staff members who render a consistently attentive approach: Alysia, Dave, Kee, Kathy, Todd, and Cathy are frequently named as the anchors who keep things moving in the right direction. Kee is celebrated as an exceptional activity manager who pulls people together and keeps social life vibrant. Alysia is described as the one who makes sure management issues are addressed, and Dave is credited with ensuring maintenance requests are handled promptly. When these team members are present and engaged, many residents feel the complex operates more smoothly and feels more like a family.

Several residents highlight the positive impact of the most recent management overhaul. In recent reports, new leadership is credited with visible weekly progress - repairs completed, updates implemented, and a more proactive approach to resident needs. Fran G., for example, notes a dramatic turn in the last six months: a manager who truly knows what they're doing, consistent actions being taken, and a palpable sense that the community is heading in a better direction. This sentiment is echoed by others who emphasize Todd's role as community director and Cathy's effective complex management, describing the place as one they wouldn't have wanted to leave even after years of living there. The overall tone from these residents is one of gratitude and renewed confidence in the leadership team.

The appreciation for individual staff members is widespread. Alisia is singled out as especially helpful and kind, with residents recognizing the positive impact she had during their interactions with Connect 55. The warmth and assistance she provides are seen as a reflection of a broader culture that values resident well-being. This kind of personal connection - where a staff member is described as a "sweetheart" and a source of real support - contributes to the sense that the complex has become more than just a place to live; it feels like a community that cares for its people.

Of course, not every review paints the same picture. Structural and operational concerns appear prominently in several accounts. Some residents point to rough infrastructure - huge potholes, an outdated door entry system that doesn't always function, and a general sense that essential amenities are not as modern or reliable as they could be. The suggestion that a more modern entry system with FOB access would improve security and convenience is a common theme. Additionally, the rent being high while some maintenance or accessibility issues persist creates a tension for residents who want to see consistent value and reliability alongside the improved social atmosphere.

New residents' experiences vary as well. A recent mover describes arriving with expectations shaped by a tour that promised certain accessibility features but facing a different reality after signing the lease. The absence of a stable on-site manager during a critical onboarding period added to the confusion, especially for someone who requires accessible thermostat controls. The frustration is compounded by a sense that communication could have been clearer and more timely. The takeaway here is that strong, visible weekday management and reliable onboarding processes are essential to prevent misalignment between what is promised and what is delivered.

Other reviews highlight positive, family-like experiences extending beyond the individual units. A father who has lived there for over a year emphasizes a clean facility, friendly staff, and a peaceful community. He notes management's availability and attentiveness and points to the social events that enhance daily life. A resident who goes by Ron McCombs expresses similar sentiment, describing how relationships with Kathy, Todd, and new friends make living there feel like home. These stories reinforce the sense that, for many, Connect 55 offers genuine warmth and connection that enrich daily living.

There is a strong voice praising the sustained improvements observed in late 2023 and beyond. The community notes that a great staff and a renewed commitment from management to address residents' needs have transformed the experience. Todd's active engagement with residents and families during activities is highlighted as a refreshing change that demonstrates care and attentiveness. The overall assessment from these voices is that the complex has earned high marks - up to five stars in a recent positive review - when the leadership demonstrates consistency and a willingness to listen.

Yet not all experiences align with this optimism. A number of long-term residents recount periods of instability marked by frequent management changes, upkeep challenges, and rent increases, describing their time as regrettable rather than reassuring. One reviewer recounts a "nightmare" involving unsatisfactory handling of a family member's situation, with accusations of misrepresentation and poor communication that left them feeling unsupported. Another account mentions being steered in the wrong direction during moving and having limited, inconsistent responses from corporate and on-site staff. These narratives serve as cautions about variability in leadership continuity and the importance of reliable, transparent operations.

Ultimately, Connect 55 presents a complex portrait: a community that can be exceptionally welcoming and livable when strong, attentive management and involved staff like Alysia, Dave, Kee, Todd, Kathy, and Cathy are present; and a place that can fall short in the face of turnover, inadequate infrastructure, or insufficient weekday presence. For prospective residents or families, the current consensus suggests looking for consistent on-site management, clear communication channels, accessible and well-maintained facilities, and opportunities to engage in meaningful activities. In the end, the strongest themes celebrate the human connections and the care that staff bring daily, while acknowledging that ongoing improvements and steady leadership are essential to sustaining the positive momentum and ensuring every resident feels heard and well cared for.

This part of Kansas City, Missouri offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for senior living. There are multiple physicians' offices and a nearby hospital for medical care, as well as pharmacies for easy access to medications. Places of worship are also available within a short distance. In terms of dining options, there are several restaurants and cafes to choose from, catering to different tastes. Additionally, there is a park nearby for recreational activities. The area also offers entertainment options with a family entertainment center and movie theaters within driving distance. Overall, this part of Kansas City provides convenient access to essential services and leisure activities for seniors looking to settle in the area.

Physicians

• nimal Clinic of Newmark (0.3 miles)
• Meritas Health Gashland (0.6 miles)
• Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Rejuvenation Center (0.7 miles)
• Gashland Clinic (0.7 miles)
• Priority Care Pediatrics (0.7 miles)
• Discover Vision Centers in North Kansas City (0.7 miles)
• Pediatric; Care North (2.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• North Oak Christian Church (0.4 miles)
• Gashland Presbyterian Church (2.4 miles)
• Calvary Chapel Church God (6 miles)
• North Cross United Methodist Church (6.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Sun Fresh (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (4.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Destiny's Bar & Grill (1.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Asian Buffet (2.2 miles)
• PowerPlay Family Entertainment Center North (2.3 miles)
• The Sandbox (2.3 miles)
• Kate's Kitchen (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Friendly Bean Coffee (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Barry Platte Park (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Luke's Medical Group (4.6 miles)
• Rehabilitation Services (4.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Barrywoods 24 (5.1 miles)
• Liberty Cinema 12 (6.8 miles)