Colonial Apartments in Rome, NY

Pros

• The building has friendly neighbors.
• The apartment is loved by residents.

Cons

• The place is not a good place to live.
• The maintenance guy screamed at a resident and wouldn't let them into the paraplegic client's home, which is locked in and needs care.
• The maintenance guy claimed to have made many keys for his aides, but there are doubts about that claim.
• The staff do not respect residents and think they can talk to them any way they want.

Review

Colonial Apartments in Rome, NY is best suited for seniors who want a straightforward, independent living option with a solid, neighborly feel and a well-kept apartment you can be proud to call home. The strongest case for this community is the atmosphere: a building that residents describe as pleasant, with friendly neighbors and a living space that many find attractive. It serves well for someone who values personal autonomy, enjoys socializing in a low-pressure setting, and seeks a comfortable, no-fruss routine where daily life can proceed without feeling institutional.

That said, this community may not be the right fit for individuals who rely on consistent, respectful on-site care or who must coordinate caregiving access regularly. A critical caution emerges from the most concerning firsthand report: a maintenance staff interaction that escalated into intimidation and barriers to access for a paraplegic client needing assistance. The account portrays a pattern of disrespect and a lack of reliability in handling keys and access for aides. For families whose loved ones depend on predictable, supportive staff and smooth caregiver logistics, these red flags should prompt serious alternatives or at least a very direct, explicit inquiry about procedures before committing.

The upside centers on tangible, everyday advantages that can offset some drawbacks for the right resident. The building’s quality, the apartment itself, and the sense of community among neighbors create a homey environment that many find welcoming and manageable. When independence matters most, personal space, straightforward housing, and a pleasant domestic routine, the positives can feel meaningful. In short, for someone who can navigate limited caregiver support and values a nice living space and friendly neighbors, Colonial Apartments offers a solid, livable baseline.

Yet the main cons bite where caregiving needs or high-stress situations arise. The most serious concern is a staff dynamic that raises questions about respect, communication, and protocol in handling access for aides or caregivers. If a loved one requires regular assistance, emergency access, or needs a cooperative relationship with maintenance and building personnel, these issues may undermine safety, responsiveness, and peace of mind. The absence of a track record, at least in the available reports, of proactive problem-solving or clearly defined escalation paths means the risk of repeated friction remains and could become a recurring burden for families.

To make a well-informed choice, approach this community with a targeted checklist. Schedule in-person visits and ask to meet the on-site manager and a few residents about day-to-day interactions with maintenance and frontline staff. Probe specifically about access policies for caregivers and aides: who holds keys, how access is granted, what the procedure is during an emergency, and how disputes are resolved. Inquire about maintenance response times, staff training regarding resident dignity and safety, and any current or planned investments in security or accessibility features. Also assess the consistency of residency experiences by speaking with multiple tenants about how often issues arise and how they are handled. If the intent is to rely on assisted support in the near term, require concrete assurances in writing.

The decision comes down to prioritizing values. Colonial Apartments delivers a pleasant apartment in a friendly, neighborly environment that can feel like a true home. It is a viable match for someone who prizes independence, a clean, comfortable living space, and social warmth, and who can tolerate, or better, mitigate, the risk of inconsistent caregiver access. For families with loved ones who need reliable, respectful, and easily navigated caregiving support, alternatives with stronger on-site staffing, clearer access protocols, and proactive resident services should be the default path. In other words, it’s a practical fit for independent living, but not a dependable solution for ongoing, hands-on care unless airtight staff processes are confirmed.

This area of Rome, New York, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With a selection of restaurants such as Arby's, Subway, and La Roma Pizzeria nearby, there are plenty of dining options easily accessible. Additionally, pharmacies like Walgreens and Rite Aid are within close proximity for any medical needs. The presence of parks like Lee Town Park and Franklin Field provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For healthcare services, Rome Memorial Hospital is conveniently located in the vicinity. Transportation options are available through Hillside Taxidermy if needed. Overall, this area offers a mix of conveniences and resources that could make it a favorable choice for senior living in Rome.

Restaurants

• Arby's (0.1 miles)
• Subway (0.1 miles)
• La Roma Pizzeria (0.2 miles)
• The Vigneto Restaurant (0.3 miles)
• Coalyard Charlie's (0.5 miles)
• Franklin Hotel (0.6 miles)
• KFC (0.6 miles)

Parks

• Lee Town Park (0.4 miles)
• Franklin Field (0.8 miles)
• Vogel Park (1.1 miles)
• Guyer Field (1.2 miles)
• Marcy Town Park (9.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (10.1 miles)
• Langdon's Apothecary (10.2 miles)
• Kinney Drugs (10.4 miles)

Cafes

• Copperccino's (0.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (10.9 miles)
• Starbucks (10.9 miles)
• Raspberries Cafe (11 miles)

Hospitals

• Rome Memorial Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Rome Memorial Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Central New York Psychiatric Center (8.2 miles)
• Faxton-St Luke's Healthcare (10.5 miles)

Physicians

• Sleep Disorders Center At Rome (1.2 miles)
• Mohawk Valley Women's Health Associates (1.4 miles)
• Robert Mitchell Rubinovich (1.4 miles)
• Mohawk Glen Radiology (1.4 miles)
• Mohawk Glen Urgent Care (1.4 miles)
• Cotronea Anthony M MD (1.4 miles)
• Mohawk Glen Center For Community Health (1.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (4.8 miles)
• Delta Lake Bible Conference Center (5.6 miles)
• Faith Alliance Church (5.9 miles)
• Beacon Light Baptist Church (9.1 miles)

Transportation

• Hillside Taxidermy (9.7 miles)

Theaters

• Marquee Cinemas - Orchard 14 (10.8 miles)