Amity Village at St. Luke's Retirement Villag in Hazleton, PA

Cons

• They were told they would receive money in four weeks, but that never happened.
• The HR department is described as incompetent and unable to communicate with elderly customers.
• The experience is characterized as terrible and disrespectful.
• They are frustrated by the complete lack of a reply from staff.

Review

Amity Village at St. Luke's Retirement Village in Hazleton is best suited for families and seniors who understand that administrative processes may be unpredictable and who can enforce clear, written agreements around finances. The lone review paints a stark picture: promises of money returned after moving out were never fulfilled, and the HR department is described as unable or unwilling to communicate with residents in a respectful, timely way. In practical terms, this community requires active, assertive oversight from families or guardians rather than a hands-off approach to fiduciary matters and daily administration.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are primarily seniors who rely on reliable, courteous, and transparent communication from staff, especially regarding financial arrangements. If a smooth refund process, prompt replies, and respectful treatment are non-negotiable, this particular property would warrant looking elsewhere. Prospective residents should expect a level of administrative competency and resident-facing courtesy that aligns with the standards found in higher-rated communities, not the deficits highlighted in the review.

The absence of clearly documented positives in the review means the cons dominate the decision. The purported financial mishandling and poor HR communication are the defining factors, and they outweigh any potential benefits that are not captured in the feedback. In other words, without tangible evidence of reliable financial handling, timely responses, and respectful interactions, the "pros" cannot offset the significant risk signaled by the experience described. Families must weigh the lack of verified strengths against the potential costs of frustration, delayed reimbursements, and strained relations with staff.

During tours and initial conversations, focus on obtaining explicit, enforceable terms. Ask for a written policy on refunds and moving-out settlements, including exact timelines, required documentation, and accountable parties. Request a dedicated point of contact for financial matters and a documented escalation process if responses are delayed. Probe HR responsiveness with concrete expectations: who handles resident inquiries, what response times are guaranteed, and how disputes are resolved. Require these commitments in writing before any agreement is signed, and insist on contemporaneous notes of any financial promises made during conversations.

In addition, assess the overall culture of communication and resident respect beyond the financial office. The review's characterization of the HR department as lacking respect and failing to communicate with the elderly is a serious cultural red flag. Families should observe how staff interact with residents in common areas, how promptly messages are returned, and whether there is a clear patient advocate or ombudsperson available. If front-line staff reflect similar patterns of dismissiveness or neglect, the likelihood of a positive experience diminishes considerably. This is not a market where soft assurances suffice; tangible, documented commitments are essential.

Bottom line: for households prioritizing dependable financial handling and respectful, transparent communication, Amity Village at St. Luke's Retirement Village represents a high-risk choice based on the available feedback. The absence of credible positives in the review amplifies the concern that main drawbacks - unreliable refunds, poor communication, and disrespectful treatment - could undermine daily living and long-term arrangements. Unless prospective residents or their families can secure ironclad, enforceable guarantees and a demonstrably responsive administrative structure, exploring other assisted living options is prudent.

This part of Hazleton, Pennsylvania offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With multiple pharmacies nearby such as Health Mart Pharmacy and Hazle Drugs, access to medications and healthcare supplies is convenient. There are also reputable physicians in close proximity including Paul I Roda and Fresenius Medical Care of Hazleton, ensuring quality medical care is easily accessible. Several places of worship such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Holy Rosary Church provide spiritual support for residents. Additionally, the presence of hospitals like Hazleton General Hospital and Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton ensures quick access to medical facilities in case of emergencies. Dining options include Alta Pizzeria & Pasta House and Angelo's Italian House, offering a variety of cuisine choices. For leisurely activities, residents can visit parks like Alfred Mitcho Memorial Park for outdoor relaxation. Overall, this area provides a mix of healthcare services, dining options, religious institutions, and recreational facilities suitable for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Health Mart Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Heights Terrace Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Hazle Compounding (1.4 miles)
• Hazle Drugs (1.4 miles)
• Lehigh Care Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Johnson's Pharmacy (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• Paul I Roda (0.2 miles)
• Fresenius Medical Care of Hazleton (1.3 miles)
• Hazleton Radiology Associates (1.5 miles)
• Healthy Beginnings Plus (1.5 miles)
• Hazleton Imaging Center (1.6 miles)
• Dr Widuch Mert (1.7 miles)
• A Woman's Place Obgyn Assoc (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Jehovah's Witnesses (0.7 miles)
• Holy Rosary Church (1.2 miles)
• SS Peter & Paul's Byzantine Catholic Church (1.8 miles)
• Transfiguration Church (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Hazleton General Hospital (0.8 miles)
• Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Corporation (0.8 miles)
• Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton (0.8 miles)
• Center City Medical Group (1.5 miles)
• Hazleton General Hospital (1.9 miles)
• Occupational Health (4.8 miles)

Restaurants

• KFC (0.8 miles)
• Alta Pizzeria & Pasta House (1.2 miles)
• Jimmy's Quick Lunch (1.3 miles)
• Frankies Pizzeria & Restaurant (1.4 miles)
• Wendy's (1.6 miles)
• Subs & Suds Biagio's (1.9 miles)
• Angelo's Italian House (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• The Poppy Press Coffee Company (1.4 miles)
• Cusat's Cafe (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)

Parks

• Alfred Mitcho Memorial Park (2.2 miles)
• Eurana Park (6.7 miles)