“It is hard to imagine a residential setting more caring and better suited to the needs of elders.”
“Truly a warm, caring, supportive community. I love it here.”
Recognition in senior care is best earned and most meaningful when it truly represents the voice of the residents who call your communities home. That is why St. John’s is proud to have received “Best Senior Living” recognition for each community that qualified in 2026, based on feedback received from dozens of residents. These award recognitions were tabulated using U.S. News and World Report‘s Best Senior Living ratings.
Brickstone by St. John’s was named Best Independent Living while also receiving special recognition for “Activities and Enrichment” and “Feels Like Home.” St. John’s Meadows was also named Best Independent Living, and earned Best Assisted Living distinction for Hawthorne at St. John’s Meadows.
“We take pride in actively seeking resident input in all aspects of life across our St. John’s communities, all throughout the year,” says Tony Zaccaglino, St. John’s Vice President of Senior Housing. “I believe that the U.S. News and World Report Best Senior Living awards for each of our independent and assisted living communities reinforces the idea that their voices are consistently heard, and that they feel valued as residents. We often hear about how our communities are more than just a place to live after you sell your house or downsize from a larger living space, and the reviews from residents that helped us earn these designations strike that familiar tone. It is always great to hear residents say they feel safe, comfortable, and appreciated, because we work very hard to ensure they continue to feel that way.”
Brickstone by St. John’s Feels Like Home
“Moving to Brickstone was the best possible thing for my husband and I at this time of life,” said one resident from Brickstone by St. John’s. “We love the caring community and staff and feel we are in a very safe environment.”
Brickstone by St. John’s is a modern independent living community offering month-to-month leasing and no entrance fee for residents. “I am more than happy with the life I have here at Brickstone,” said another satisfied survey respondent. “It exceeds our expectations and continues to provide a fascinating and stimulating way of life for my wife and I.”
“Brickstone is above and beyond what I anticipated when I made the move from my home,” said one respondent who gave high marks for the activities and enrichment opportunities offered at the community. “There are so many opportunities to socialize, to learn, to enjoy live entertainment, especially the musicians, and to volunteer. I feel blessed.”
View the Brickstone by St. John’s U.S. News profile
St. John’s Meadows Named Best Independent Living
“We moved here from another state, (we) didn’t know anyone at the Meadows, and were welcomed warmly by everyone,” said one St. John’s Meadows resident contributing to the U.S. News and World Report survey. Their insights illustrate how St. John’s Meadows is a top choice not just for those local to the Rochester area, but for older adults moving from anywhere across the country. “From the janitors to the top leaders we are treated with kindness every day.”
“The Meadows offers a great opportunity for seniors who are looking for a lifestyle that they can shape to their personal taste.”
Since the community opened almost 30 years ago, St. John’s Meadows has evolved into a community that meets the needs of today’s older adults and helps provide a lifestyle that is uniquely their own. One respondent explained how St. John’s Meadows fit their loved ones’ lifestyle years ago and now does the same for them: “You never have to be bored or alone at the Meadows. Between the social rec programs, the walking paths, the pool, the store, the libraries, the art gallery, the many friendly residents and staff, it’s like being on a cruise ship year-round. As a 2nd generation resident, I always knew The Meadows would be my first choice as my retirement home.”
View the St. John’s Meadows U.S. News profile
St. John’s Assisted Living Also Tops “Best Senior Living” List
A combination of assisted living residents and their loved ones shared their opinions on Hawthorne at St. John’s Meadows with U.S. News, resulting in the community being named “Best Assisted Living.”
“St. Johns Meadows is a very special place, with very special people,” said one family member who responded to the survey. “It feels like home for my mom and the whole family feels ‘at home’ when we visit! It is like a big extended family! Thank you!”
“I just feel fortunate to be here with a caring staff,” said one resident in their survey response. This testimonial, and many others like it, reinforces the idea that the Hawthorne care team plays an integral role in the lives of enhanced assisted living residents.
“The ratings recognize communities that have excelled at providing highly satisfactory services and making residents feel safe and well cared for,” said U.S. News and World Report when announcing the awarded communities nationwide. “U.S. News evaluated participating communities for each type of service provided using information from resident and family surveys.”