Overall sentiment across the reviews for Salem Care Center is predominantly positive, with a strong emphasis on the quality of interpersonal care and the facility’s family-like culture. Multiple reviewers highlight attentive, respectful, and accommodating staff, frequent praise for nurses who "are on top of things," and numerous comments that staff go "above and beyond." The social environment is repeatedly described as warm and community-oriented—residents are characterized as comfortable, entertained by activities, and often becoming like an extended family. Specific staff and leadership are called out positively (for example, references to Shay Schafer and a knowledgeable DON), reinforcing a perception of strong clinical and administrative competence.
Care quality and direct caregiving receive consistent commendation. Reviews note excellent supervision, timely explanations from staff, immediate problem resolution when issues arise, and a general feeling that residents are well cared for. Several family members describe their loved ones as happy and well engaged; phrases like "well cared for," "pleased with care," and "right decision" appear multiple times. The combination of caring front-line staff and accessible leadership contributes to many reviewers feeling confident in day-to-day medical and personal care provided at the center.
Staff culture and activities are clear strengths. Reviewers describe the staff as friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and they frequently reference a warm social program or social director who keeps residents entertained. Descriptions such as "big family," "most amazing staff," and "residents feel like family" indicate a strong emphasis on community and social connection. Outdoor amenities such as an outdoor seating area and garden are mentioned positively, as are other unspecified amenities that contribute to a homelike and comfortable atmosphere.
Facility aesthetics and amenities are viewed more pragmatically: the center is described as comfortable and homelike rather than upscale or luxurious. One reviewer explicitly contrasts Salem Care Center with a previous, "beautiful" facility but notes that the other place lacked caring staff—this underscores a trade-off observed by at least one family between physical appearance and quality of care. In short, Salem Care Center appears to prioritize compassionate caregiving and a strong community feel over high-end finishes.
There are a few notable concerns and negative reports that prospective families should consider. A small number of reviews report problems such as poor nurse treatment (presented as an isolated negative), allegations of retaliation against an employee and issues with a termination/points policy, and at least one reviewer who stated they would not recommend the facility and suggested there were better alternatives locally. Separately, billing and refund problems were mentioned: one reviewer reported being charged for a month (June) after a family member’s death and an unresolved refund request and lack of response from billing. While most comments praise management and administration ("admin on point"), these operational and personnel concerns are serious when they occur and should be investigated further by prospective families.
Taken together, the reviews paint Salem Care Center as a warm, resident-focused facility with strong caregiving staff and an emphasis on social engagement and a family atmosphere. The dominant themes are caring, attentive staff and a supportive community; leadership and nursing are frequently singled out as strengths. However, there are isolated but significant reports about personnel management and billing practices that merit follow-up. Prospective residents and families should prioritize in-person visits, talk with current residents and families about their experiences, ask specific questions about staffing stability and complaint/retention policies, and request written billing and refund procedures to address the specific negative issues noted in the reviews.