Ethel's Manor Inc. - Algiers

Pros

• The facility is a 4-star living convalescent center.
• The staff are courteous and professional.
• The staff are friendly and polite.
• The facility is clean.
• The atmosphere is lively and fun, with music playing a big part in healing.
• The team goes above and beyond in total healing.
• Jo Ellen's Smith's Physical Therapy is highly recommended.
• It is a wonderful place to retire loved ones.
• They have awesome people.
• The facility is well staffed and very clean.
• There is new ownership, a positive change.
• The staff are excellent and caring.

Cons

• Staff do not respond when the bell is rung, regardless of the problem, and the facility smells bad.
• The facility has a strong, unpleasant odor.
• The place is a joke - corrupt, filthy, and unsafe.
• The nurses could not care less if any patient dies, and they take their slowest speed to reach a patient.
• When called in the early morning hours, the nurses lie about where they are and hang up when bothered.
• The administration is unprofessional, understaffed, and focused on beds rather than people; favoritism is alleged.
• One staff member on weekends was rude, mean, and disrespectful.
• The facility smells of every human bodily fluid imaginable.

Review

The collection of comments paints a highly mixed portrait of this convalescent center. On one hand, there are frequent accolades about courtesy, professionalism, and the potential for a pleasant, active living environment. Several reviewers describe staff as friendly, polite, and dedicated, and they note that the facility can be a good place for someone who needs skilled nursing or rehabilitation. A number of remarks emphasize that the staff are approachable, that the center can be clean and well-maintained, and that residents often enjoy engaging activities and a lively, uplifting atmosphere. For example, some visitors recount pleasant experiences during visits, describe the staff as well-intentioned and hardworking, and point to moments of genuine care from specific team members.

There are also consistently positive testimonies about the personal experience of residents and their families. One reviewer recounts a relative who lived there for skilled nursing care and found it to be a wonderful place to retire loved ones, with an emphasis on kindness and a supportive staff. Another writer praises the facility as well-staffed, clean, and full of nice, caring people who create a welcoming environment. A third person even calls it a "cool lil place" with a sense that things are generally orderly and that there are caring workers who go out of their way to help. In some accounts, families express gratitude for conscientious caregivers and the reassurance of good daily routines.

Yet the other side of the story is loud and persistent: the odors and the responsiveness of the staff can be significant sources of dissatisfaction. A number of reviewers explicitly state that the place smells, sometimes describing it as an overpowering or pervasive odor of bodily fluids. This theme frequently accompanies complaints that staff do not respond promptly when bells are rung or that they maneuver too slowly to assist patients, especially at early morning hours. In one strongly critical review, the writer urges not to send a loved one there, citing a combination of persistent smells, slow response times, and alleged neglect. These odor-related concerns are paired with broader allegations about safety and quality of care, creating a powerful impression for prospective readers.

Discontent about staff behavior and administration adds another layer to the picture. Some reviewers report that certain staff members can be rude, disrespectful, or unprofessional, and at least one account highlights a particular weekend staff member whose behavior was described as rude and disrespectful. Other comments speak to underlying organizational issues: underpaid staff, chronic understaffing, and perceived favoritism within the management or nursing team. A reviewer even complains about professional culture at higher levels of administration and claims that morale and communication suffer as a result. This set of remarks emphasizes how front-line experiences can diverge dramatically within the same facility, depending on shifts, days, or leadership.

Within the realm of rehabilitation, there is a bright spot that many readers note with enthusiasm. Jo Ellen Smith's Physical Therapy is singled out by at least one writer as an exceptional choice for recovery - praising the team for going "above and beyond" in total healing, praising the uplifting, music-filled atmosphere, and the sense that recovery progresses more smoothly when the environment is engaging. The reviewer also notes a practical drawback - weekends are limited because therapists go home on weekends - yet the overall impression remains very positive, underscoring that quality rehab care can be a standout feature even when other issues exist.

A few comments present a stark contrast or outlier perspective, ranging from outright condemnation to occasional praise. One reviewer describes the facility as a "joke" that is "corrupt, filthy, and unsafe," warning strongly against placing anyone there. This negative voice emphasizes safety concerns and claims about the nurses' indifference to patient welfare, along with accusations of lying when called for help. In contrast, other posts acknowledge "great," "excellent," and highly favorable impressions, including endorsements of the center's environment, cleanliness, and staff dedication. These divergent opinions illustrate how experiences can vary widely from one person to another, and how a single center can feel like a trustworthy haven to some and a serious risk to others.

Ownership changes and historical context also appear in the collective narrative, signaling that the center's management and policies may shift over time. One anecdote references Hurricane Katrina and a past connection to the Greater New Orleans area, hinting at longstanding ties to staff who have witnessed the facility through upheaval. A separate remark declares a new ownership, accompanied by the exclamation, "WHAT A CHANGE," implying that recent leadership transitions have altered the tone, operations, or perceived quality. A few lines nevertheless return to the theme of consistently positive staff and pleasant experiences, suggesting that new ownership may have brought improvements for some, while lingering issues remain for others.

Taken together, the reviews reflect a broad spectrum of experiences. For families considering this center, the message is clear: while there are notable positives - courteous staff, cleanliness in many visits, engaging activities, and strong rehabilitation capabilities - the environment can also be marked by persistent odors, inconsistent responsiveness, and concerns about administration and staffing levels. The most prudent approach for prospective residents or their loved ones is to visit personally, observe the on-duty team during different shifts, inquire about weekend coverage and staffing levels, and assess the facility's odor profile and overall cleanliness in person. The range of opinions suggests that expectations and individual circumstances will heavily influence how this center is experienced.

This part of Algiers, Louisiana, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several physicians' offices and hospitals within a short distance, residents have convenient access to healthcare services. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies nearby for easily filling prescriptions. The area also boasts a selection of cafes and restaurants for dining options, as well as a beautiful park for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. The proximity to places of worship provides opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of its residents.

Physicians

• O Sullivan, Jennifer Vigour Pediatrics (0.9 miles)
• Heitmeier,Armani&Langhetee Medical &Surgical Eyecare (1.3 miles)
• Dimitri Dermatology (3.8 miles)
• Bone & Joint Clinic (3.8 miles)
• Smith Demarcus DDS (3.9 miles)
• Martin D. Claiborne (4.5 miles)
• Touro Med Building (4.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Winn-Dixie (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Cafe Envie (3 miles)
• Cafe Du Monde (3 miles)
• CC's Community Coffee House (3.2 miles)
• French Truck Coffee (3.2 miles)
• French Truck Coffee (3.2 miles)
• HiVolt Coffee (3.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Andrew the Apostle School (1.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Sweet Shack Snowballs (2.3 miles)
• Morrow's (3 miles)
• Observatory Eleven (3 miles)
• The Elysian Bar (3 miles)
• Jackson Brewery (3 miles)
• Cochon (3 miles)
• Cochon Restaurant (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Seaside Hospial (2.4 miles)
• St Charles Surgical Hospital (3.6 miles)
• LSU Medical - 1400 Poydras (3.8 miles)
• SE Louisiana Veterans Hospital (4.5 miles)
• Touro Infirmary (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Crescent Park (2.7 miles)