Bernardine Senior Apartments

Pros

• The staff are pretty decent.
• For those who need Medicaid-subsidized assisted living, it is the best option in the area.
• A resident has their own apartment that is open, airy, clean, and fully remodeled, with the full array of services.
• The apartments are small, clean, and suitable for seniors.
• The community recently added a second elevator tower and has a positive reputation.
• Independent living residents enjoy privacy and independence.

Cons

• Nurses walk into residents' apartments and leave doors open when residents are sleeping or away.
• People enter occupied apartments without the tenants' permission or knowledge.
• The building is filthy and unclean.
• Many residents are described as mentally ill and unkept.
• Some staff are rude.
• The reviewer would not recommend the facility.
• The staff are said to treat residents poorly.
• The hallways are hot.
• Elevators are slow.
• It's not a place they would stay.

Review

The collection of opinions about Bernardine paints a portrait of a facility that can be a good fit for some residents and a disappointment for others. On one hand, many people acknowledge that the place offers privacy, independence, and practical housing for seniors, with a sense that it can be the right option for those relying on Medicaid-subsidized assisted living. Several residents describe having their own apartments - small but practical, open and airy, and fully remodeled from the original construction. The ability to maintain a degree of independence, especially for independent living residents, is repeatedly cited as a major plus. In those views, Bernardine stands out as a reasonable choice within the local market, particularly for people who need subsidized care but still want a private living space and access to a full range of assisted-living services.

Yet behind the doors of this seemingly solid option lay a troubling thread. Numerous voices speak of a lack of privacy and safety that leaves residents feeling exposed. There are repeated complaints about staff entering apartments unannounced or without knocking, with doors left open while residents are sleeping or even when no one is home. Some reviews go so far as to say that others are allowed into occupied units without the tenant's permission or knowledge. This level of intrusion understandably raises concerns about personal security and the overall sense of control residents have over their own living spaces. In combination with mentions of unruly behavior from some residents and a perception of "mentality ill" individuals being in the building, these comments contribute to a sense of an environment that can feel chaotic or poorly managed at times.

The physical condition of the building is another source of division among residents. A number of reviewers describe the place as filthy and unkept, painting a bleak image of maintenance and cleanliness that undermines comfort and dignity. In contrast, there are remarks that some parts of Bernardine - such as the apartments themselves - are clean, open, and even remodeled, which can create a strong contrast with other areas that feel neglected. The discrepancy between well-kept private units and common areas that feel neglected or poorly maintained can be jarring and contributes to a mixed overall impression of the facility's upkeep.

The quality of care and the demeanor of staff are consistently highlighted as a major variable in residents' experiences. Some reviews describe rude staff or a sense that patience and kindness are in short supply, with phrases like "needs friendliness" and "staff treats the patients poorly" appearing in several comments. There are also mentions of how aides are involved in medication administration and daily checks, suggesting a robust level of assisted-living support; for some, this is exactly what makes Bernardine worthwhile compared to other local options. Others, however, feel that the level of care is inconsistent, with experiences ranging from positive to unsatisfactory and critical notes about attention to residents' needs. The sentiment is clearly mixed: some residents speak of the place as a good environment to live and work in, while others feel the staff fall short in courtesy or responsiveness.

The amenities and structural features of the property receive their own mixed treatment. A more neutral or even positive thread highlights the addition of a second elevator tower, which is seen as a meaningful improvement for accessibility and mobility within the building. Independent living residents, in particular, appreciate the option to have a private apartment while still benefiting from the facility's services. However, other practical irritants - such as hot hallways and slow elevators - creep into the conversation as real inconveniences that affect day-to-day comfort. The variability in how well the building handles climate, flow, and movement through its spaces helps explain why some residents feel satisfied while others feel frustrated or uncomfortable.

A key theme across reviews is the sense of a community with diverse inhabitants, where people come from different walks of life and bring with them distinct expectations and needs. Some residents describe Bernardine as a place where people can recover, heal, and receive the care required for rehabilitation after illness. This rehabilitative potential is echoed by those who say it's a good place for seniors who need medical support but also want to maintain as much independence as possible. On the other hand, several reviews emphasize the importance of managing expectations: for some, the facility offers a reasonable balance of private living space, supportive services, and access to care; for others, the operational realities - privacy breaches, cleanliness issues, and inconsistent staff interactions - make it an environment that requires cautious consideration and clear questions before committing.

Taken together, the reviews present a nuanced portrait of Bernardine: it can be a solid, practical option for seniors who qualify for Medicaid-subsidized assisted living and who value having their own apartment and access to a full slate of services. It can also be a source of frustration for residents who prize strict privacy, consistent cleanliness, and consistently courteous staff. The presence of positive experiences - independence, quiet privacy for some residents, and tangible facility upgrades - coexists with repeat warnings about privacy intrusions, maintenance concerns, and uneven quality of care. For anyone considering Bernardine, the picture that emerges is one of careful evaluation: weigh the definite benefits of independent living within a supportive framework against the potential downsides of privacy concerns, upkeep issues, and inconsistent staff interactions. In this environment, individual experiences seem to hinge on the unit, the specific staff on duty, and the ongoing management and maintenance practices that shape daily life.

This part of Syracuse, New York, offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. With a variety of restaurants nearby such as Pfohl's Tavern, Gannon's Ice Cream, and Luigi's Restaurant, residents can enjoy a mix of dining options within a short distance. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the area including Kinney Drugs and Walgreens for easy access to medications and health supplies. For medical needs, there are numerous physicians' offices and hospitals like Upstate University Hospital Community Campus and Crouse Hospital located within a few miles. Places of worship such as the Islamic Society of Central New York Mosque provide spiritual support for residents. The neighborhood also features parks like Clark Reservation State Park for outdoor recreation. Transportation is convenient with the Centro Transit Hub nearby, making it easy for seniors to get around the area. Overall, this part of Syracuse offers a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors seeking a comfortable and vibrant living environment.

Restaurants

• Pfohl's Tavern (0.5 miles)
• Gannon's Ice Cream (0.8 miles)
• Luigi's Restaurant (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• Eleven Waters (2.6 miles)
• John H Mulroy Civic Center (2.6 miles)
• Strong Hearts Cafe (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kinney Drugs (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Kinney Drugs (2 miles)
• Syracuse Community Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Gifford & West Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Wegmans (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Anne Barash, MD (0.7 miles)
• Orthopedics East (0.7 miles)
• Upstate University Hospital Community Campus (1.4 miles)
• DeRoberts Plastic Surgery (1.4 miles)
• The Vision Center (1.9 miles)
• Haxton Frances G MD (2.1 miles)
• Syracuse Community Health Center Incorporated, Infectious Diseases Department (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Specialists One Day Surgery (0.8 miles)
• Upstate Golisano After Hours Care (1.4 miles)
• Upstate University Hospital (1.5 miles)
• Syracuse VA Medical Center (2.1 miles)
• Suny Upstate Medical University University Hospital (2.1 miles)
• Crouse Promptcare (2.2 miles)
• Crouse Hospital: Human Resources (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Society of Central New York Mosque (1.7 miles)
• Apostolic Church (3.1 miles)
• St Elias Orthodox Church (3.3 miles)
• May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society (3.6 miles)
• Holy Cross Church (3.8 miles)

Parks

• Clark Reservation State Park (2.5 miles)
• Clinton Square (3 miles)
• Burnet Park (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• Centro Transit Hub (2.5 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (3.3 miles)

Cafes

• Cafe Kubal (2.7 miles)
• Original Grain (2.8 miles)
• Tous Les Jours (3.9 miles)