The reviews for Hillcrest Health & Rehab show a wide and recurring spread of experiences — from glowing reports of excellent, hotel-like amenities and outstanding clinical care to alarming accounts of neglect, hygiene failures, and clinical errors. The most consistent positive themes are strong rehabilitation offerings (notably physical and occupational therapy), compassionate and skilled staff members on many shifts, an on-site chef and appealing dining/common spaces in some units, and programs or events that enhance patient quality of life. Several reviewers describe a cohesive nurse-aide team, a well-run administration in particular areas, and clean, comfortable rooms with pleasant communal amenities and security.
However, there is a significant and repeated pattern of negative reports that cannot be ignored. Understaffing and overworked employees are cited across many reviews and appear to be a root cause for numerous downstream problems: slow call-button response times, long waits for toileting or showers, missed or delayed medication (including missed insulin with dangerous blood sugar spikes), and inadequate assistance with hygiene. Multiple reviewers specifically described feces/urine smells, soiled beds left for hours, dirty sheets, and plumbing problems in rooms — all of which raise serious infection-control and dignity concerns. Laundry service problems (missing blankets, misplaced personal items) and allegations of theft also recur. A number of families reported dehydration, skin issues or rashes, and even rehospitalizations after stays, suggesting gaps in basic nursing care and monitoring.
Dining and food services receive mixed marks. Where the on-site chef is active and meals are made-to-order, reviewers praised the quality and specials. Yet many other reports point to cold food, late deliveries, repetitive menus, and residents eating alone in rooms because dining rooms are empty or understaffed. Similar variability appears in therapy and clinical care: some patients received intensive, effective PT/OT and excellent rehab outcomes, while others experienced insufficient therapy or therapists who seemed disorganized. Medication management and clinical coordination are areas of clear risk for certain residents, with examples of delayed pain medication, unclear dosing, missed insulin, and staff conflict when families question clinical decisions.
Facility condition and amenities show a sharp contrast by unit or room. Multiple reviewers describe an 'impeccable', five-star atmosphere with modern amenities (gamer rooms, library, snack bars, security, flat accessible layout), while others point out outdated rooms, visible wear-and-tear, plumbing issues, and thresholds that pose mobility hazards. Activities and social programming are similarly uneven: some report daily activities, games, and vibrant engagement, while others say there are few activities, no crafts, or limited inclusion for residents who cannot easily participate.
Management, communication, and culture concerns appear repeatedly. Several reviewers said management gave reassuring answers that were not followed up by action, social workers were unhelpful or discourteous, and staff sometimes relied on patients for clinical information leading to inaccuracies. There are reports of too many managers relative to bedside staff, defensive staff behavior when questioned, and even calls from families for state investigation — indicating a lack of trust in parts of the leadership and accountability structure. Transportation and scheduling problems were mentioned as well — delays for doctor appointments or hospital transfers, and long waits or complicated reception processes for scheduled visits.
Overall sentiment is highly polarized: many families and patients strongly recommend Hillcrest for its therapy, caring staff, food (when available), and amenities, while an equally vocal group warns others to avoid the facility due to safety, hygiene, staffing, and clinical concerns. The dominant actionable themes are staffing levels and consistency, medication and clinical oversight, housekeeping and laundry reliability, and transparent, accountable management communication. Prospective residents and families should weigh the variability reported here: if possible, visit multiple times and on different shifts; ask specific questions about staffing ratios, medication management, laundry protocols, incident reporting, and how the facility addresses complaints. Request references or contact information for recent families whose experiences match the level of care you require — particularly if the resident has high medical needs (diabetes, CPAP, frequent toileting assistance, risk of skin breakdown). These reviews suggest Hillcrest has the capacity to provide excellent care in some circumstances but also has recurring systemic weaknesses that can create real safety and dignity risks for vulnerable residents.
