Commander Nursing Ctr in Florence, SC

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Pros

• The Palms has wonderful staff and a clean, pleasant facility.
• The transition to The Palms was smooth and organized for his brother.
• The grandma had a great rehab experience, with friendly staff and a therapy department that exceeded expectations.
• The staff are genuinely caring and clearly enjoy their work.
• The facility is clean, odor-free, and welcoming.
• Two staff members went above and beyond during a visit; they were a pleasure to speak with.
• The nurses and CNAs are truly phenomenal, and The Palms has been a blessing to the family.
• The staff are attentive, helpful, and professional, making visits and care feel smooth.
• The staff have genuine affection for residents; the updates look wonderful and residents are loved and cared for.

Cons

• A family member’s shirts were stolen from his room, and the reviewer says there is absolutely no accountability on weekends and would not recommend the facility.
• The hallways smell terrible, mainly of urine, and the reviewer says the patient is left alone without assistance, with a full and dirty urinal and sheets, and rude staff.
• The new owner and director are described as oblivious to anything but their own returns, and transportation to appointments is poorly handled.
• One reviewer labels it the worst nursing home in Florence and alleges neglect and harm to a family member.
• The admissions staff cannot locate prior records, making the process feel like a waste of time.
• The facility is described as under-staffed and unprofessional, with staffing ratios not being maintained.
• A reviewer says they would give negative stars and states a loved one was poorly cared for in the rehab section.

Review

Commander Nursing Center in Florence is best suited for seniors who need rehabilitation or skilled nursing and for families who prize a clean, calm environment paired with attentive, people-centered care. The community consistently earns praise for staff warmth, tidy surroundings, and therapy teams that take rehabilitation seriously. It’s a fit for residents who respond to structured activities, clear routines, and staff who communicate in a respectful, practical manner. Those prioritizing a straightforward rehab pathway, where daily progress is visible and staff engagement feels reliable, will find this setting aligns with that goal. If the priority is flawless, around-the-clock accountability with minimal risk of gaps on weekends or after-hours care, alternatives should be considered.

The strongest pro bundle centers on frontline staff and the overall atmosphere. Reviews repeatedly highlight excellent, caring staff who are attentive and genuinely focused on residents’ well-being. Cleanliness and a well-maintained environment are consistently noted as a foundation for comfort and recovery, and families report positive experiences with transitions into the facility, significant because a smooth start often foreshadows ongoing progress. The rehab and therapy components receive broad praise: therapists and therapy teams are seen as capable, thorough, and capable of driving meaningful mobility and strength gains. Visitors describe kind, helpful interactions across disciplines, and many remark on the facility’s renovations and updates, which contribute to a feel of renewed, welcoming space. The general sense is that, when things run well, residents enjoy meaningful engagement and a supportive daily rhythm.

Yet, the record is not uniformly rosy, and several meaningful concerns demand consideration. A subset of reviews flags serious gaps in day-to-day responsiveness, with specific incidents of delays in assistance and difficulties with basic tasks such as bathroom help, bed changes, and equipment maintenance. Odor issues and hygiene lapses surface in some accounts, along with reports of dirty linens and uncomfortable conditions in certain shifts or areas. There are pointed accusations about rude interactions, poor handling by staff, and a perception of uneven accountability, particularly on weekends. These experiences are not universal, but they are persistent enough to warrant caution. When families encounter these problems, they can substantially erode trust and complicate the recovery environment, especially for residents who require steady, proactive support.

Given the mixed track record, it’s important to spell out who may want to explore other options. Families that cannot tolerate even occasional lapses in basic care, or those who have experienced or heard about chronic staffing shortages and inconsistent leadership, should benchmark additional facilities with stronger, steadier day-to-day performance. Similarly, those whose loved ones require unwavering supervision, rapid response times, or highly consistent care around the clock should compare facilities known for proven staffing stability and rigorous accountability processes. In short, Commander Nursing Center can be a strong pick for rehab-focused care, but a cautious shopper will weigh the risk of weekend gaps and the potential for care inconsistencies against the clear strengths in staff dedication and environment.

Weighing the pros against the cons yields a practical verdict: the favorable elements, competent rehab therapy, a clean, welcoming setting, and compassionate, involved staff, can offset many concerns if the family maintains an active partnership with the care team. For residents whose recovery hinges on sustained therapy intensity, consistent daily contact with empathetic caregivers, and a home-like atmosphere, the positives frequently translate into real progress and peace of mind for relatives. The negatives, when they surface, tend to center on operational rifts, slow responses, perception of uneven care coverage, and isolated instances of mismanagement. Families who engage in transparent communication with administration, insist on clear escalation paths, and request regular updates can often mitigate these risks and preserve the recovery trajectory. Yet for those who view such gaps as non-negotiable red flags, the cons overwhelm the benefits.

In practical terms, Commander Nursing Center stands as a solid option for rehabilitation-minded families who are prepared to stay involved. It is worth visiting with specific questions about weekend coverage, nurse-to-patient ratios, and the process for addressing complaints or incidents. Prospective residents should request candid feedback from current caregivers and families, review any available incident logs, and observe the floor environment at different times of day to gauge consistency. If the resident’s goals center on steady, reliable daily care with minimal friction, or if prior experiences with abrupt leadership changes or uneven accountability raise concern, exploring alternatives that emphasize staffing stability and transparent quality controls is warranted. For families who align with the facility’s strengths and are ready to partner closely with the care team, Commander Nursing Center can deliver meaningful rehab outcomes within a respectful, clean, and supportive setting.

This area of Florence, South Carolina has a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to live. There are several restaurants nearby offering a range of dining options, as well as pharmacies and physicians' offices for easy access to healthcare. The presence of multiple places of worship may also provide a sense of community and support for those who value religious practice. In addition, the proximity to hospitals such as Carolinas Hospital System and McLeod Regional Medical Center ensures that residents have access to quality medical care when needed. For leisure activities, there are cafes like Starbucks, theaters such as Julia 4 Cinema, and parks like Lucas Park and Timrod Park for relaxation and recreation. The availability of transportation options like Amtrak adds convenience for traveling outside the area. Overall, this neighborhood offers a mix of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a well-rounded living environment in Florence.

Restaurants

• Zapatas Grill Mexican Restaurant (4.6 miles)
• Stefano's (4.6 miles)
• Zaxby's (4.9 miles)
• Ruby Tuesday (4.9 miles)
• Cookout (5.1 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (5.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Tabernacle Church (4.6 miles)
• Sacred Sky Farms & Greenhouses (5.1 miles)
• Olive Grove Baptist Church (5.8 miles)
• Highland Park United Methodist Church (6.5 miles)
• Mt Rona Baptist Church (7.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (4.7 miles)
• Lowcountry Pharmacy (4.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.3 miles)
• Walgreens (6.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.6 miles)
• Pharmacy Express (6.8 miles)
• Longs Drugs (7.6 miles)

Physicians

• MUSC Health Hematology & Oncology (4.7 miles)
• MUSC Health - Infectious Diseases (4.7 miles)
• Urology Clinic of Carolinas (4.7 miles)
• Carolinas Dermatology Group (4.7 miles)
• MUSC Health - Podiatry (4.7 miles)
• Carolinas Internal Medicine (4.7 miles)
• Pee Dee Pathology Associates (4.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Carolinas Hospital System (4.7 miles)
• Regency Hospital (6.7 miles)
• Regency Hospital Of Florence (6.8 miles)
• Carolinas Rehabilitation Hospital (6.8 miles)
• Emergency Department, McLeod Children s Hospital (7.1 miles)
• McLeod Regional Medical Center of The Pee Dee (7.1 miles)
• McLeod Regional Medical Center (7.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.7 miles)

Theaters

• Julia 4 Cinema (6.1 miles)

Parks

• Lucas Park (6.7 miles)
• Timrod Park (6.8 miles)
• Florence Veterans Park (7.7 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (7.2 miles)