Overall sentiment in these reviews is strongly mixed but leans positive about hands-on care, environment, and activities while highlighting a few serious and recurring administrative and clinical concerns. A large proportion of reviewers praise the frontline nursing, therapy, dining and activities teams: nursing staff and CNAs are repeatedly described as compassionate, attentive, and professional. Families note quick response times to call lights, consistent 24/7 check-ins, eye-level person-centered interactions, and proactive rehabilitation and physical therapy. Many reviewers specifically say they feel peace of mind and that their relative is well cared for, often using words like "feels like home," "devoted staff like family," and "sleep well knowing he's cared for." The facility’s cleanliness and presentation are frequently lauded — spotless rooms, sparkling bathrooms, fresh bedding and flowers, and resort-like common spaces (waterfalls, big windows, attractive grounds) contribute to a consistently positive impression of physical environment and infection-control practices (including COVID precautions and lack of odors). Dining is another strong positive: multiple dining options, a secondary menu, accommodating staff (even making PB&J on request), and repeated praise for taste and variety are common. The activities/recreation program receives robust accolades for variety and frequency (many daily activities, concerts, games, art, pet visits, outdoor events) and for fostering social engagement and volunteering opportunities for residents.
Despite these strengths, reviewers raise significant and specific concerns in two main areas: end-of-life clinical care and management/administration. Several reviews recount troubling end-of-life experiences — delayed or missed pain and comfort medications, poor communication with medical providers (doctors/PAs), lack of timely or accurate palliative care planning, and in one case a patient dying with unmanaged symptoms. These are serious clinical criticisms that stand in stark contrast to other reports praising nursing and therapy. They suggest inconsistency in clinical performance or gaps in handling complex, high-acuity situations such as hospice/palliative needs. Families should view this as an area to probe directly during tours and care-planning discussions, asking how end-of-life care, pain control, and palliative coordination are managed and escalated.
Administrative and managerial themes are mixed and potentially polarizing. Many reviews celebrate a cohesive, values-driven staff team, long tenures, and a positive working environment with good pay; other reviews explicitly call out poor management, allegations of racism or an unfriendly workplace, and a profit-focused attitude that places money over residents. This split suggests variability in experiences — some families and staff experience supportive leadership and strong department-level communication (meetings with department heads are praised), while others report negative interactions and low confidence in leadership. Cost is another recurring concern: several reviewers mention the facility is expensive, and a few explicitly call out high out-of-pocket costs; still, some say "expensive but worth it." Prospective families should request clear, written cost breakdowns, ask about what is and isn't included, and explore financial policies before committing.
Other minor but notable patterns: a handful of reviewers felt individual rooms were not as upscale as comparison facilities despite overall attractive communal spaces; some reports emphasize that while frontline caregivers excel, systemic problems (medication delays, administrative promises) can undermine trust in certain situations. The reviews demonstrate a generally high level of engagement with families — staff arrange dental visits, accommodate special food requests, and invite family involvement — which is an important positive. In summary, Maplewood Nursing Home is repeatedly praised for cleanliness, compassionate frontline care, strong dining and recreation programs, and an attractive, home-like setting. However, there are nontrivial, documented risks around end-of-life/palliative management, inconsistent administrative culture, and cost transparency. Anyone considering Maplewood should weigh the strong hands-on caregiving and environment against these serious concerns: interview leadership about palliative protocols, medication escalation paths, and staffing consistency; verify costs and contract details; and, if possible, seek references from recent families who had residents with similar care needs (especially high-acuity or end-of-life situations).
