The reviews for Woodlawn Haven Rest Home present a sharply mixed picture, with strong praise for certain staff members and aspects of life there contrasted by numerous, recurring operational and safety concerns. On the positive side, many reviewers single out individual caregivers and the administrator as warm, approachable, and communicative. Several comments describe nurses and particular staff (notably one named Beverly and the administrator) as caring and effective communicators; long-term residents and family members express satisfaction, citing good food, social opportunities (residents who are pleasant to talk with and a piano), recent facility improvements such as new living room furniture, affordability, and an overall welcoming atmosphere at times.
However, an extensive set of complaints appears repeatedly and represents serious issues. The most urgent themes are poor facility cleanliness and pest problems — reviewers mention bedbugs, flies, roaches, filth, and generally dirty/unorganized conditions. Closely tied to this are frequent reports of shortages of basic supplies: washcloths, towels, sheets, linens, gloves, and soap are repeatedly reported as unavailable. Multiple reviewers state that hot water and air conditioning are unreliable, compounding comfort and hygiene concerns.
Staffing and staff behavior emerge as another dominant and troubling category. While some staff are praised, many reviewers describe unprofessional behavior — including rudeness, threats, being on personal phone calls while on duty, and agency/temporary staff that appear less familiar with residents. Several reviews allege neglectful or abusive treatment, including physical abuse or rough handling, conflicts among staff, and an overall lack of empathy or respect toward residents. There are also specific safety-related complaints: unsafe manual handling practices (excessive lifting without mechanical aids such as Hoyer lifts), lack of timely assistance, and statements that the facility can feel "scary at night." These reports raise concrete safety and regulatory concerns.
Dining and nutrition are another mixed area. While some residents and family members praise the food, multiple reviewers report inadequate meal portions, inability to get seconds, staff taking priority for meals, and generally poor food quality in other accounts. Several reviewers also express worry that the facility cannot meet residents' nutritional or medical needs, and a few allege medication mishandling or improper switching of medications — a serious clinical concern.
There are also alarming reports of theft of residents' belongings and complaints about lack of medical knowledge among some staff. Front-desk or reception behavior is called unprofessional in multiple summaries, often tied to staff being distracted by phones. Staffing patterns — including reliance on agency staff and understaffing — are cited as underlying factors for many of these operational failures.
In sum, the reviews indicate that Woodlawn Haven has meaningful strengths: a subset of compassionate, communicative staff and management; some satisfied long-term residents; enjoyable social aspects; and evidence of recent improvements. At the same time, there are persistent, serious issues that multiple reviewers raise: sanitation and pest infestations, supply shortages, safety and lifting practices, unprofessional or abusive staff behavior, potential medication errors, and theft. These problems are systemic in the accounts and suggest operational weaknesses in staffing, training, infection control, and supply management. For someone considering this facility, the decision will likely hinge on which narrative they prioritize: the individualized positive experiences centered on particular staff and improvements, or the repeated, severe operational and safety complaints reported by other residents and family members. Further on-site investigation, regulatory history checks, and direct conversations with management about remediation actions and staffing/training plans would be prudent next steps for anyone evaluating this facility.
