Newark Living Center in Lehigh Acres, FL

Pros

• The staff provide excellent care and are consistently attentive.
• The facility is very clean, and the staff are friendly, caring, and warm.
• Lehigh Acres Rehab has provided wonderful care to local residents for many years.
• The staff are pleasant, the food smells delicious, and residents look very well cared for.
• The activities department is awesome and keeps residents engaged with a full schedule of activities.
• The doctors and nurses are wonderful and truly care about their patients.
• The physical and occupational therapy teams are dedicated and help residents regain independence.
• The center is an exemplary rehab facility with a high level of patient dignity and progress.
• The staff go above and beyond, treating residents like family.
• The administrator and the activities director are top-notch, contributing to a wonderful experience.

Cons

• An ungodly place. Transferred my father out ASAP. Do not take your loved ones here.
• The staff's attitude toward simple questions was rude, with responses like "that's not my patient," and they seemed bothered by family interactions.
• This place is a hell hole; negligence nearly caused a family member to die.
• Showers were never provided and a catheter was not cleaned daily, leading to an infection.
• The facility is filthy and old, with roaches and flies, and the food was cold.
• Nurses argued with family members and there were nights when staff screamed at each other while patients tried to sleep.

Review

Newark Living Center in Lehigh Acres is best suited for families prioritizing a strong rehabilitation program and an active, engaging environment. The facility seems to shine for short-term and post-acute stays where the emphasis is on physical and occupational therapy, with plenty of structured activities and a consistently clean, homey atmosphere. For residents who want therapy-driven recovery, steady medical oversight from physicians and nurses, and social engagement that keeps spirits high, this community offers a compelling package and a tangible path to regain independence.

That said, there are clear reasons to consider alternatives. Several reviews raise serious concerns about safety, consistency, and bedside care, including claims of neglect, failed communications, and even unsafe practices. There are also blunt reports of an older building with maintenance issues, pests in some rooms, and meals that some families found unpalatable or lukewarm. Families should be cautious if safety vigilance, reliable 24/7 nursing attention, and a newer, more streamlined facility environment are non-negotiables. For anyone with especially high nursing needs or a preference for flawless daily operations, exploring other options may be prudent.

The strongest pros are unmistakable in rehabilitation and daily engagement. Multiple reviewers praise the rehabilitation team - physical and occupational therapy - indicating skilled, patient-centered care that helps residents recover mobility and function. The doctors and nursing staff in the rehab track receive particular commendation, with several patients and families highlighting how therapists and nurses dedicated real time and energy to progress. The activities department earns abundant praise as well, offering a robust calendar that keeps residents involved, connected, and motivated. Cleanliness and a warm, welcoming environment further reinforce the sense of a supportive recovery community.

Yet the cons carry enough weight to demand serious consideration. Reports of inconsistent bedside care, delayed discharges, and encounters with staff who appeared unresponsive or unprofessional cannot be dismissed. Allegations range from miscommunications about medications to more severe claims of neglect and safety concerns, including incidents involving catheter care and hygiene. Some reviews describe an aging, landlord-style building with pests and a lack of in-room showers, which can erode comfort and dignity for residents who expect modern, well-maintained surroundings. These issues create real anxiety for families who are assessing risk of ongoing care and the reliability of front-line staff.

Weighing the pros and cons, Newark Living Center can be an excellent fit for therapy-focused recovery and socially vibrant living, especially when families place a premium on activity programming and a clean, orderly setting. The standout therapy and activity teams offer a clear pathway to functional gains and a more fulfilling rehab stay. However, for families prioritizing uniform nursing attentiveness, unwavering safety, and a consistently modern facility, the reported inconsistencies and facility drawbacks warrant caution. The best choice will hinge on how much weight is given to proven rehab outcomes versus the fears implied by several negative encounters.

Practical next steps for decision-making are concrete. Visit with a specific plan to observe therapy sessions, talk to the director of social services, and request candid updates on staffing levels and turnover. Ask for the most recent state inspection and any corrective actions in progress, and interview the nurses on duty about daily routines, medication administration, and response times. If possible, arrange a short trial stay to gauge real-time dynamics and to verify that the promised rehab intensity and activity programming translate into daily practice. For families with persistent concerns about safety, care consistency, or facility condition, it may be wise to compare with communities featuring newer construction, higher CNA-to-patient ratios, and more robust incident-tracking and quality-improvement programs. The choice should align with priorities: strong, proven rehab and engagement versus uncompromising consistency in daily care and environment.

Located in the heart of Lehigh Acres, Florida, this neighborhood offers convenient access to a variety of essential services for seniors. With multiple physicians' offices, eye centers, and a hospital emergency room within a few miles, residents can rest assured that their healthcare needs will be met. Nearby pharmacies provide easy access to medication and wellness supplies. In addition, there are several dining options ranging from fast-food chains like Taco Bell and Popeyes to sit-down restaurants like Perkins and Culver's. For leisure activities, there are parks nearby where one can enjoy nature or take their furry friends to Barkingham Dog Park. The Southwest Florida International Airport is also within close proximity for easy travel arrangements. Whether it's medical care, dining options, or recreational activities, this part of Lehigh Acres offers convenience and accessibility for seniors looking to settle in the area.

Physicians

• Eye Centers of Florida (1.2 miles)
• South Florida Ear, Nose and Throat: Michael Jaindl, MD (2 miles)
• Kutob, David Dr - Lehigh Hospital Emergency Room (2.1 miles)
• Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida (2.5 miles)
• Physicians'primary Care of SW Fl Pl (2.5 miles)
• Sager Steven B DO (2.6 miles)
• Keys Cardiology (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (1.5 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.5 miles)
• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (1.5 miles)
• Culver's (1.8 miles)
• Arby's (2.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• Country Style Ice Cream (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Acres Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.3 miles)

Cafes

• Havana Bakery (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)
• First Watch - Colonial (7.9 miles)
• Starbucks (9.5 miles)
• Starbucks (11.3 miles)

Parks

• Barkingham Dog Park (4.5 miles)
• Buckingham Park (4.5 miles)
• RSW Aircraft Observation Area (8.7 miles)
• Terry Park (9.8 miles)

Hospitals

• LPG Orthopedics - The Sanctuary (7.6 miles)
• Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care (8.5 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse B (8.4 miles)
• Main Terminal (8.5 miles)
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) (8.5 miles)
• Concourse D (8.5 miles)
• Security Checkpoint (8.5 miles)
• Delta Air Lines (8.5 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter RSW (8.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Blessed Pope John the XXIII Catholic Church (9.3 miles)
• Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers (10.1 miles)