Overall sentiment in the reviews is mixed but leans positive with a strong emphasis on the quality of staff and the social environment. Multiple reviewers repeatedly highlight the staff as a standout feature: described as caring, helpful, amazing, welcoming, and family-like. These comments span many visits and different family perspectives, suggesting sustained positive relationships between staff and residents. Reviewers also note that the facility fosters a small-town, homey feeling where residents and staff interact warmly and where people are treated like family. Several reviewers explicitly said the residents are cared for well and that the facility is a good value or the best option among local homes.
Care quality and activities receive frequent praise. Reviewers report good overall clinical care and an active events calendar that includes game nights, church services, communal dining, nail painting, creative hair styling, and use of a big-screen TV and community center for social events. Dining and socialization are commonly presented as strengths: meals are often served in a communal setting and residents are encouraged to eat together, contributing to a social atmosphere. While one specific meal (Swedish meatballs) was singled out as tasty, reviewers gave mixed feedback on food overall, noting that most meals are fine but occasional dishes are unappealing.
Despite the many positive notes about staff, social life, and care improvements after a management change, serious and recurring concerns about sanitation and infection control appear prominently and must be weighed heavily. The most alarming and frequently mentioned issue is a cockroach problem, with multiple reviewers reporting roaches in residents rooms and bathrooms and describing the situation as absolutely disgusting and concerning for elderly residents. At least one reviewer indicated that the problem is severe enough to consider filing a state complaint. In addition, at least one reviewer said rooms are not being disinfected due to a resident's lung issues and that family members end up cleaning themselves; overall room cleanliness was rated around 6–7 out of 10 by a reviewer, though they also noted there was no offensive smell. These sanitation issues conflict with the otherwise positive descriptions of the facility's appearance and atmosphere.
Infection-prevention and safety protocols are another consistent area of concern. Several reviewers referenced visitation policies such as requiring visitors to call ahead, and some voiced unease about the facility's vaccination policy. More directly, there are reports that some staff do not wear masks, which contributors saw as a hygiene and safety lapse, particularly concerning in a healthcare setting with vulnerable older adults. These criticisms, combined with the pest reports and the family-reported need to disinfect rooms themselves, point to gaps in environmental and infection control practices that prospective residents and families should investigate further.
Management and facility appearance receive mixed but improving remarks. A number of reviewers noted that the building looks nice and that there has been noticeable improvement since a management change, with residents reportedly having more fun and staff described as awesome. Visitors generally found the staff helpful and the overall visit pleasant, reinforcing the narrative that interpersonal care and the activity program are strengths. However, the sanitation and infection-control issues stand out as high-priority negatives that could undermine trust and resident safety.
In summary, Holden Manor Health & Rehabilitation is consistently praised for its compassionate, family-like staff, active social programming, and the overall caring environment, with some reviewers calling it the best local option and saying it is well worth the money. At the same time, significant concerns about pest infestation, inconsistent meal quality, room cleaning and disinfection practices, and lapses in infection-prevention (mask use and vaccination policies) appear repeatedly and are significant. Families considering this facility should balance the strong personal care and community aspects against the reported sanitation and safety issues, and should follow up directly with facility management about pest control measures, cleaning/disinfection protocols, and current infection-control policies before making a placement decision.
