Overall sentiment in the reviews is mixed but leans toward positive regarding direct caregivers, therapy services, dining, and social programming, while raising serious and recurring concerns about management, communication, and safety in some cases. Many reviewers praise the therapy team as knowledgeable and effective — multiple accounts state that physical and occupational therapy produced clear functional improvements, coordinated smoothly with home health, and helped set up necessary medical equipment and medications. The facility’s therapy and clinical staff receive repeated commendations for producing positive outcomes and helping residents regain independence.
Front-line staff — nurses, nurse aides, and several named employees (Linda Jefferson, Gretchen, Jade, Tami, Jamie, Linda J CMA) — are frequently highlighted as compassionate, attentive, and welcoming. Numerous family members describe long-term stays that felt like home, with staff creating family memories, laughter, and gratitude. The Memory Care unit, in particular, is noted as a supportive area. Reviewers also report that the facility is clean (though this is not universal), meals are tasty and customizable, and activities—such as bingo twice daily and board games—help keep residents engaged. Several reviewers explicitly recommend Highland Park as a great place to live or work and praise the professional, pleasant atmosphere and reasonable pricing.
However, a significant and recurring cluster of negative reports centers on safety, asset security, and administration responsiveness. Multiple reviewers allege theft of valuables (jewelry, money, paintings, clothing), and some say administration did not adequately investigate or act on missing items. There are also repeated complaints about poor communication: families report not being informed about falls or hospitalizations, and a few accounts claim pressure to vacate rooms quickly after transfers. More severe allegations include neglect leading to bed sores, gangrene, and at least one reported leg amputation — claims that indicate potential lapses in wound care, infection control, and monitoring. These serious safety concerns contrast sharply with other reports of excellent care and suggest variability in care quality and oversight.
Cleanliness and odor receive conflicting mentions: many reviewers emphasize a clean building with no bad smell, while others describe a bad smell and fear among residents. This inconsistency, together with differing experiences of care quality (from 'best clinical experience' to 'neglect and daily monitoring required'), suggests that resident outcomes may hinge heavily on staff assignment, unit, or time period. Some reviewers specifically indicate a change in administration and say they would no longer recommend Highland Park under current leadership. At least one review notes perceived bias in posted reviews, which complicates interpretation and underscores the need for prospective families to verify conditions in person.
In summary, Highland Park Health Care appears to offer strong therapy services, engaged activities, good food, and many compassionate, skilled caregivers who create a warm, home-like environment for many residents. These strengths make it an attractive option for rehabilitation and long-term living for many families. At the same time, the facility has recurring and serious allegations around theft, communication failures, inconsistent care quality, and in rare but alarming cases, neglect resulting in severe medical consequences. Prospective residents and families should weigh these mixed signals carefully: visit the facility multiple times, ask specific questions about incident reporting and theft prevention, request documentation on falls and hospitalizations communication policies, inquire about wound care protocols and staffing ratios, and speak directly with current family members or residents about recent experiences. Doing so will help determine whether the aspects of Highland Park that are praised by many align with your expectations and whether the concerns raised have been addressed by management.
