Golden LivingCenter - St. James

Pros

• The staff were wonderful during hospice care.
• They handled her with dignity and gentleness.
• The facility has a down-home, comforting feel.
• The therapy department did a great job with her.
• The transport drivers were great.
• The staff were nice, caring, and helpful, showing compassion for residents.

Cons

• The reviewer claims the staff demanded the resident’s back pay be placed in a trust, restricting access to his own money.
• The reviewer describes the staff as vile, horrible, money-hungry, dishonest, and evil, warning not to trust the facility.
• The rooms were dirty, items went missing, most staff were unfriendly, and there were issues like clothes with dried food and unwashed faces.
• The reviewer notes theft of possessions and a lack of care, including insufficient help with restroom needs, described as humiliating.
• The reviewer alleges the facility tried to charge their CashApp and portrays someone there as scheming to steal money.
• The reviewer states their credit card was charged (stolen) and that there were attempts to take $50 from them by unknown people.
• They observed some staff treating residents poorly and felt only a few workers truly cared; the center needs better staff.
• The administration is described as unprofessional and failing to plan for discharge.
• The facility is described as dirty with an unbearable odor and not fit to be in business.
• The reviewer would not recommend the facility to anyone who loves their family.

Review

Golden LivingCenter - St. James is best suited for families that can provide vigilant oversight of both daily care and financial affairs and are prepared to face ongoing governance and safety questions. The pattern in these reviews is clear: care quality varies widely, and residents rely on persistent family involvement to ensure basic dignity. In practical terms, this community tends to work for a resident whose loved ones will stay engaged, request documentation, and intervene when staffing gaps appear. If the aim is hands-off management or independence without close oversight, this is not the site to default to.

Those considering alternatives should prioritize facilities with proven accountability: transparent billing practices, stable staffing, and clear escalation paths for concerns. Look for communities where the administration is responsive, where theft or unauthorized charges are not tolerated, and where resident rights are actively protected. If end-of-life or rehabilitative care is central, seek locations with dedicated, well-coordinated hospice or therapy teams and established, proactive discharge planning. In short, pursue options that demonstrate consistent, measurable reliability rather than episodic warmth alone.

On the upside, the records highlight pockets of real care: hospice staff and some therapy personnel can be compassionate and effective, and a few frontline team members receive praise for their support. Transport drivers and select social-work staff occasionally stand out as helping a loved one toward meaningful goals. Yet these positives do not cancel the broader concerns. Most reviews describe dirty rooms, missing items, and a perceived lack of accountability. Reports of unfriendly or disrespectful staff, disorganized teamwork, and administration that does not keep families adequately informed repeatedly surface. The imbalance favors risk over solace.

The reality of ownership change is acknowledged, but it matters little unless concrete progress follows. The facility’s transition from Golden LivingCenter to Health System Inc and the rebranding to St. James Livingcenter appear more as a backdrop than a cure, with no compelling evidence in the reviews that safety, billing integrity, or care consistency has improved. Prospective residents should treat governance changes as capital to watch rather than a guarantee. Until credible, verifiable improvements, such as independent financial audits, transparent billing, lower staff turnover, and reliable care coordination, are demonstrated, the risk profile remains high.

For families still weighing this community, demand concrete, written assurances before any move: an up-to-date care plan with clear discharge or transition steps, documented financial practices that prohibit discretionary charges, and a formal process for reporting theft or billing concerns. Insist on speaking with both the administrator and frontline staff, and seek current references from families with residents currently there. Schedule multiple visits at different times to gauge day-to-day operations and cleanliness, and request independent verification of staffing levels and turnover. Without these safeguards, the balance of risks outweighs the potential comfort.

Bottom line: the pattern of experiences here raises serious questions about safety, stewardship, and everyday quality of life. This community should be approached only by families prepared to police care and finances relentlessly, and only if there is credible, visible evidence of tangible improvement. For most seniors and their families, exploring other options with stronger governance, more consistent staffing, and transparent, respectful treatment will yield a clearer path to peace of mind and a steadier, safer living environment.

Located in a quaint and peaceful part of St. James, Missouri, this neighborhood offers a variety of conveniences within close proximity. With several restaurants ranging from fast food options like Subway and Sonic Drive-In to local favorites such as Los Mendiolas Grill, residents have plenty of dining choices. The area also boasts easy access to healthcare facilities, including Forest City Family Practice and Phelps County Regional Medical Center. For spiritual nourishment, there are multiple places of worship nearby such as the First Baptist Church and St James United Methodist Church. Additionally, seniors can enjoy leisurely walks in the nearby parks like St James Park Entry or venture out a bit further to Splash Zone Waterpark for some outdoor recreation. Overall, this neighborhood offers a balance of amenities for those seeking a comfortable and convenient living environment in St. James.

Restaurants

• Public House Brewing Company (0.3 miles)
• Subway (0.3 miles)
• Los Mendiolas Grill (0.4 miles)
• Ruby's Ice Cream (0.4 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• Burger King (0.6 miles)

Physicians

• Doctors Office (0.5 miles)
• Forest City Family Practice (0.5 miles)
• DR Brent Caudill MD (0.8 miles)
• The Dermatology Center (7.9 miles)
• Heartland Cardiology (8.6 miles)
• Phelps County Regional Medical Center (8.9 miles)
• Central Missouri Urology Clinic (8.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Baptist Church (0.7 miles)
• Broadway Baptist Church (0.8 miles)
• St James United Methodist Church (1.1 miles)
• Missouri Ministries-Church-God (1.2 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (2.1 miles)
• City of Light and Life Ministries (2.8 miles)
• Oak Grove Church of Christ (2.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Forest City Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Sinks Pharmacy (8.4 miles)
• Medley Pharmacy Inc. (8.5 miles)
• Sinks Pharmacy (8.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (9.9 miles)
• Walgreens (10.1 miles)

Cafes

• Firehouse Coffee Shop (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (9.1 miles)
• The Purest Coffee (9.5 miles)
• The Giddy Goat Coffeehouse (9.8 miles)
• Scooter's Coffee (10.2 miles)

Parks

• St James Park Entry (1.3 miles)
• Splash Zone Waterpark (9 miles)
• Schuman Park (9.2 miles)
• Ridgeview Park (10.4 miles)

Hospitals

• DaVita Rolla Dialysis (8.2 miles)
• Phelps County Regional Medical Center (9.6 miles)
• Phelps County Regional Medical Center Medical Group (10.3 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Forum (8.5 miles)

Transportation

• City Cab (9.5 miles)