Regency Waterford in Waterford, MI

Pros

• The staff are amazing and attentive to residents.
• Regency of Waterford's management team is great.
• The administrator Scott and the discharge planners lead a team that truly cares and goes above and beyond.
• The facility is clean, welcoming, and well maintained.
• The Director of Nursing is a delight, honest, and compassionate.
• The therapy department is outstanding and highly effective.
• The caregivers are compassionate and treat residents like family.
• Regency at Waterford provides a warm, positive environment with friendly staff.
• The administration is friendly and responsive to residents and families.
• The staff are courteous, helpful, and take care of patients seriously.
• Regency at Waterford is highly recommended by families and guests.
• The rehab unit is totally awesome and the therapy team is top-notch.

Cons

• This is one of the worst places to send a loved one; they don't even change patients after a bowel movement for over an hour.
• A relative's mother was left in soiled clothing for two days with no showers.
• The facility is grossly understaffed; some shifts are a nightmare.
• The food was horrible and residents often did not receive meals on time.
• The staff were not truthful and families were passed around with unanswered questions.
• The halls reek of urine and call lights were ignored.
• There was extreme neglect during the Covid shutdown; requests were routinely ignored.
• The facility was not clean and basic hygiene care was not consistently provided.

Review

Regency Waterford is best suited for families seeking strong, outcomes-oriented rehabilitation in a warm, community-first environment. The facility consistently earns praise for its therapy department and the engaged, compassionate staff who treat residents like family. For someone coming out of a hospital and needing to regain mobility or function, Regency's therapists are repeatedly described as outstanding, with a schedule and approach that emphasize real progress, accountability, and a positive recovery mindset. The administration and management team are also frequently highlighted as accessible and responsive, reinforcing a sense that care partners are reliably coordinating every step of the journey.

That clarity about Regent Waterford's strengths should be paired with an awareness of who may want to consider alternatives. Families prioritizing unwavering 24/7 nursing coverage and medical oversight may wish to compare options with more visible staffing consistency, particularly for long-term stays. Some reviews raise concerns about understaffing, especially during night shifts, and about lapses in basic daily care and communication. Additionally, while many residents and families rave about the atmosphere and meals, others report notable dissatisfaction with food quality and housekeeping in certain periods, suggesting variability that serious planners will want to verify firsthand.

The positive core of Regency Waterford rests on three pillars: rehab excellence, compassionate frontline staff, and a welcoming, clean environment. The therapy team is repeatedly described as the place where tangible progress happens, with therapists who tailor plans, maintain motivation, and coordinate closely with families and, when applicable, hospice teams. The DON and administrator receive frequent accolades for steadiness, clear communication, and hands-on problem solving, which can dramatically reduce family anxiety during a difficult transition. In addition, the facility's cleanliness, pleasant atmosphere, and engaging activity calendar contribute to residents feeling valued and connected, an important offset to hospital-level rehab stress.

Yet the cons cited in reviews cannot be ignored. A subset of families report understaffing that affects responsiveness and consistency, especially at night, and occasional communication gaps between social services, admissions, and direct-care staff. Some critiques focus on food quality or dining service, while others point to lapses in daily care and room cleanliness. There are also highly negative anecdotes that describe neglectful moments and alarming delays in essential tasks. While these reports are not universal, they signal real risk factors that potential movers must scrutinize - staffing ratios, turnover, and systems for monitoring acute changes in a resident's condition.

When weighing pros and cons, Regency Waterford often rises to the occasion because the therapy outcomes, staff compassion, and managerial accountability create a solid foundation for recovery and daily living. Families who value aggressive PT/OT goals, transparent care planning, and a culture that treats residents with dignity will frequently feel the positives outweigh the negatives. The facility's strengths in rehab, coupled with reliable transportation for dialysis and strong collaboration with families, can deliver peace of mind during a vulnerable time. For someone whose priority is a vibrant, supportive rehab experience and a place that feels like a second home, Regency is an excellent match - provided the family is prepared to verify staffing levels, quality of meals, and daily operations at the outset.

In practical terms, the decision to move forward should include concrete steps: arrange an on-site visit during multiple shifts to see how staff interact with residents, request to meet the director of nursing and the administrator, observe a therapy session, and review recent care plans and discharge planning processes. Ask for a transparent account of staffing ratios, especially on night shifts, and request examples of how concerns about nutrition, hygiene, and call-light responsiveness were addressed in recent months. If these conversations yield confidence, Regency Waterford stands out as a strong, well-regarded choice for rehab and ongoing care. If not, exploring alternatives with more consistent daily operations may save time and heartache later.

This part of Waterford, Michigan offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to individuals looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. The area is home to a selection of restaurants ranging from fast food options like McDonald's to more upscale choices like Nino's Italian House. There are also several pharmacies nearby, making it easy to access necessary medications. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians and hospitals within close proximity, ensuring quality healthcare. Additionally, cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread provide inviting spaces for socializing or enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby parks and trails for recreational activities. Overall, this neighborhood offers a mix of dining options, healthcare facilities, and recreational opportunities that would make it a suitable choice for seniors looking for a well-rounded community to call home.

Restaurants

• Bob E's Super Chief (1.1 miles)
• On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Nino's Italian House (2.7 miles)
• Bar Louie - Great Lakes Crossing Outlets (2.9 miles)
• Miyako Japanese Steakh (2.9 miles)
• Rainforest Cafe (3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.3 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• Oral & Facial Surgeons of Michigan PC (2.3 miles)
• Coleman, Stephanie Mclaren Oakland Waterford Medical Associates (3.2 miles)
• Clarkston Plastic Surgery (4.8 miles)
• The Radiology Center Of Michigan (4.8 miles)
• Waldon Family Medicine (4.8 miles)
• Clinton Womens Health Care (5.9 miles)
• Michigan Ear Nose & Throat Associates (6 miles)

Hospitals

• McLaren Oakland (2.8 miles)
• Poh Clarkston Primary Care (5.1 miles)
• Beaumont Hospitals Departments (7.8 miles)

Cafes

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.2 miles)
• Avon Donuts (4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Dodge #4 State Park (4 miles)
• Riverside Park (5.8 miles)
• River Woods Park (6 miles)
• Pontiac Lake Mountain Bike Trail (6 miles)
• Friendship Park (7 miles)
• Innovation Hills (7.4 miles)
• Avondale Park (7.6 miles)

Theaters

• MJR Waterford Digital Cinema 16 (5.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Kensington Orion (5.4 miles)
• Maranatha Baptist Church (5.9 miles)
• St Hugo of the Hills Church (6.6 miles)
• St Daniel Church (7.1 miles)
• Oakland Christian Church (7.6 miles)
• Church Of The Holy Redeemer (8.1 miles)