Overall sentiment across the reviews for Kanawha Place is predominantly positive, centered on a consistent theme of caring staff, strong nursing support, good food, and a homelike atmosphere. Multiple reviewers emphasize that staff are attentive, compassionate, and often go above and beyond. Nursing and clinical services receive repeated praise, and medication management and safety monitoring are frequently cited as reliable. Many families describe a smooth move-in experience and quick, responsive communication via phone, email, or text. The admissions team, particularly one director named Sheila Hall, is singled out positively in multiple comments.
Dining and therapy are notable strengths. Reviews repeatedly highlight that meals are nutritious, appetizing, and in some cases described as chef- or restaurant-quality, with personalized meal options available. The on-site therapy department, regular physical therapy offerings, and additional amenities such as a beauty salon, craft room, and exercise area are mentioned as valuable supports for residents’ physical and social well-being. Activities programming is described as engaging, with planned events and occasional outings that foster participation and a sense of community. Many residents and families report that the facility feels welcoming and comfortable — a “family” atmosphere with communal spaces, a courtyard, sunlit rooms, and private rooms that residents can personalize.
Facility maintenance and cleanliness are generally praised, with many reviewers calling the building clean, well-maintained, and airy. Rooms are often described as tidy and spacious, and the overall environment is consistently characterized as homelike rather than luxurious — smaller and less fancy than some competitors but cozy and welcoming. The facility’s location near CAMC Memorial Hospital and quiet, safe neighborhood are additional positives mentioned by families. Several reviewers recommend Kanawha Place strongly, noting improved resident well-being, good hospice support when applicable, and overall satisfaction with care and services.
However, important and recurring concerns temper the overall favorable view. A small but significant number of reviews describe serious lapses: an alleged privacy/HIPAA breach and inappropriate disclosure to a social worker, and an allegation of harassment by the Community Relations Director. These incidents generated distrust and negative impacts on families’ plans. Operational issues also appear intermittently: the front desk is reported as sometimes unstaffed, some tour guides are described as unprepared or unable to answer questions, and a few reviewers encountered strong odors (urine) or a pest sighting (roach) — suggesting inconsistent housekeeping in isolated instances.
Care consistency is another theme of concern. While many families report exemplary, attentive care, others note understaffing, underpaid employees, distracted care staff (phones), instances of staff yelling, or inadequate assistance for certain residents. Several reviewers explicitly warn that Kanawha Place is not set up for dementia care; it meets non-dementia assisted living needs but lacks appropriate programming or secure dementia-specific services. One family reported being denied admission due to open bed sores and criticized the facility’s lack of treatment options for that condition. Taken together, these critiques indicate variability in resident experience depending on staffing levels, specific personnel, and individual expectations.
In summary, Kanawha Place appears well-regarded for its compassionate staff, strong nursing and therapy services, high-quality meals, cozy environment, and active community life. Many families express gratitude and strong recommendations based on observed improvements in residents’ well-being and positive daily experiences. Nevertheless, prospective residents and families should be mindful of several caveats: ensure the facility’s suitability for any memory-care needs (it is generally not equipped for dementia), verify current staffing levels and front-desk coverage, clarify the facility’s policies and track record on privacy and conflict resolution, and ask about infection control/housekeeping history. Visiting in person, asking direct questions about specific concerns raised in reviews (HIPAA incidents, pest control, response to care deficits), and confirming how the facility handles clinical issues like wounds or complex medical needs will help families weigh the mostly favorable reviews against the reported inconsistencies and isolated serious complaints.
