Overall sentiment across the reviews for Northbrook Health and Rehab is mixed but leans positive in many areas, with a strong core of reviewers praising the facility's environment, cleanliness, rehabilitation services, and numerous staff members. Many visitors and family members repeatedly highlight a modern, clean building with bright, spacious common areas and tasteful decor. Multiple reviewers note that rooms are fairly large and that private rooms are available in some cases. Housekeeping is often singled out as excellent, and the facility atmosphere is frequently described as welcoming and resident-focused.
Staff performance is the most polarizing theme. A large number of reviews praise nurses, CNAs, and administrative staff by name for being kind, patient, thorough, and accommodating. Specific staff members receive individual commendations for going above and beyond, and rehab/therapy services are repeatedly credited with successful outcomes and helping residents return home. Admissions and financial staff are also frequently described as professional and helpful, contributing to positive first impressions for new families.
However, alongside these positive accounts are multiple, serious complaints about staffing levels and inconsistent care quality. Understaffing is a recurring concern; reviewers describe caregivers as overwhelmed and stretched thin, which appears to contribute to slower response times to call lights and delays in medication administration. Several reviews recount troubling clinical incidents — delayed or incorrect medication dosing, long waits for Tylenol or emergency help, and in a few cases alleged elder abuse or neglect (one report even claims a resident was found naked with oxygen tubing issues). These allegations represent significant red flags and contrast sharply with the many positive care reports.
Facility condition and amenities show a mostly positive pattern but with notable exceptions. The building is new and well-decorated for many, and common spaces are described as spacious and bright. At the same time, a few reviewers describe areas of disrepair such as failing furniture and an overall 'Stephen King' vibe, indicating maintenance issues may be intermittent or localized. Outdoor space is limited, making it difficult for residents to 'go for a walk,' which may matter to active residents or families looking for more accessible outdoor areas.
Dining and activities generally receive favorable mentions: meals are described as appetizing and at least average to above average, and the activities program appears lively and resident-centered (examples include singing and dancing to classic songs and a clean theater space). Nonetheless, a subset of reviews reports meals not being served timely and other service inconsistencies that reflect the broader pattern of variable performance.
Management and communication are again mixed. Many reviewers praise friendly, informative, and accommodating administrative staff, noting good communication during admissions and a welcoming reception experience. Conversely, other reviewers report poor family communication, problems around hospice coordination, and one serious complaint about failure to provide promised hospice support. There are also allegations of policy violations related to power of attorney and at least one mention of misleading advertising. Communication infrastructure problems (no working landline) were also cited, which could exacerbate responsiveness and coordination concerns.
Notable patterns and takeaways: (1) The facility earns frequent, specific praise for individual staff members and for rehabilitation outcomes — a clear strength. (2) Recurring understaffing appears to be the root cause of many negative experiences, leading to inconsistent care, slower responses, medication delays, and in the worst-reported cases, alleged neglect. (3) While the physical plant and communal areas are often commended, there are isolated reports of maintenance and safety lapses. (4) Memory care and dementia support are areas of concern for some reviewers, with at least one reviewer explicitly warning it is not an appropriate memory care facility.
Recommendation for prospective families: consider Northbrook Health and Rehab if you value a clean, modern environment, strong rehabilitation services, and many compassionate staff members — but do due diligence. Visit at different times of day, ask about staffing ratios, dementia care protocols, medication administration procedures, emergency response times, hospice coordination, and recent state survey/citation history. Meet with the Director of Nursing and inquire about specific steps taken to address past complaints. Given the mix of glowing and serious critical reviews, an in-person assessment and direct conversations with management and staff are essential to determine if the facility’s strengths align with a particular resident’s needs and to ensure any safety or care concerns have been appropriately resolved.
