Mariner Healthcare Group Inc in Sumter, SC

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Pros

• Sumter East Health and Rehabilitation Center is described as an excellent nursing home with caring staff and strong leadership.
• The staff are friendly, compassionate, and dedicated to residents’ well-being.
• The activities department, led by Mrs. Jones, provides engaging and life-filled activities that residents love.
• Kieta in Activities and her team bring morale up and invite the community to participate, making the facility feel lively.
• Patrice Pino’s professionalism and kindness make a meaningful difference for residents and families.
• LaRosa Johnson is professional, helpful, and a pleasure to work with, making the admissions process smooth.
• Ashley Isaac (and Ashley Nelson) provide patient, empathetic information and support, earning high praise from families.
• The facility is clean, bright, and offers a warm, home-like atmosphere with positive energy.

Cons

• The facility is horrible and should be closed down.
• The experience there was the worst, and they would not recommend sending a loved one.
• The staff argued with the family about getting their relative to the hospital.
• The administrator is rude, uneducated, and passive-aggressive.
• The staff are not friendly and do not take good care of the patients.
• The bugs were horrible day and night.
• The food was always cold.
• The facility was unclean and unsafe, with residents not receiving proper care.
• There is high turnover and no one answers the phone.
• There are many lawsuits alleging abuse and neglect at the facility.

Review

Sumter East Health and Rehabilitation Center, a Mariner Healthcare Group facility in Sumter, SC, is best suited for families seeking an active rehabilitation environment with a warm, home‑like atmosphere. It resonates with residents who thrive on structured therapy, daily programs, and social engagement, rather than a sterile, hospital feel. The care teams are repeatedly praised for approachability and skill, particularly the rehabilitation staff, social services advocates, and the admissions team who provide steady support through the transition. For families prioritizing mobility restoration alongside meaningful activity and emotional reassurance, this community offers a practical path to regain independence while preserving dignity and daily joy.

At the same time, certain cautions must be weighed. Those requiring flawless medical oversight and consistently reliable administrative responsiveness should consider alternatives. The reviews reveal a pattern of devoted staff paired with uneven administrative follow‑through, with instances of unreturned calls and coordination gaps around transportation and scheduling. The most serious red flags surface in a minority of accounts alleging medication errors or delayed physician involvement. While these are not universal, they signal real risk for residents who rely on precise, timely care. Families with prior experiences of similar lapses will want to probe governance, accountability, and quality assurance before committing.

The strongest positives center on people and programs. The rehab team demonstrates tangible progress in walking, balance, and function, while the activity department keeps residents engaged with a steady calendar of events and community involvement. Front-desk and social work staff, many cited for advocacy and supportive communication, tend to make families feel informed and cared for. The facility’s environment contributes a quiet advantage: described as clean, bright, and welcoming, with décor that reinforces a sense of home. When families participate and receive clear updates, these strengths can substantially offset occasional administrative missteps, creating a cohesive experience where residents look forward to daily life rather than merely enduring it.

Yet the negatives cannot be dismissed. Staff shortages and turnover appear in several reviews as a factor behind inconsistent communication, occasional delays in care, and perceived gaps in accountability. Some residents and families report issues with medications, treatment coordination, and timely physician input, and a few accounts describe unprofessional conduct or supervisory gaps. The concerns extend to operational irritants, bedside transportation challenges, missed requests for supplies, and periodic lapses in food service clarity, that collectively erode confidence if left unaddressed. The physical plant, while not uniformly criticized, shows signs of aging in some reviews, including outdated furnishings and maintenance gaps. Taken together, these operational pressures can magnify risk for vulnerable residents during recovery or long‑term stays.

For families evaluating Sumter East, a disciplined due‑diligence approach is essential. During tours, press for specifics on staff scheduling across evenings and weekends, medication administration protocols, and the mechanism for auditing and correcting errors. Inquire about the escalation path for family concerns and the timeliness of return calls, and verify transportation arrangements for therapy and medical appointments. Request access to current care plans, MDS notes, and a clear outline of how residents’ daily activities are coordinated with dietary and nursing staff. Observe therapy sessions, speak with front‑desk staff, and check the cleanliness and quality of meals on a sample day. A direct test of communication reliability now can prevent future disappointments.

In summary, Sumter East Health and Rehabilitation Center presents a compelling option for families prioritizing robust rehab, active programming, and a compassionate caregiving culture. It stands out in the Sumter area for residents who want to stay mobile, socially connected, and emotionally supported within a welcoming, family‑like environment. However, potential residents should enter with a clear plan to monitor care, verify safety protocols, and confirm administrative accountability, given the spectrum of experiences reflected in reviews. If high reliability of medical oversight and rapid responsiveness is non‑negotiable, exploring well‑vetted alternatives is prudent. For many, the combination of strong rehab momentum and heartfelt staff makes Sumter East a practical, not‑to‑be‑missed candidate.

This part of Sumter, South Carolina offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With a variety of restaurants such as Angel's Mexican Restaurant and Thai House Buffet & Sushi Bar within close proximity, residents can enjoy delicious dining options without having to travel far. Additionally, there are several places of worship nearby including Trinity United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. For medical needs, there are multiple physicians' offices and pharmacies like Colonial Urgent Care and Walmart Pharmacy available for easy access to healthcare services. The presence of Tuomey Regional Medical Center ensures that residents have reliable hospital care within reach. Furthermore, entertainment options include GTC Beacon Sumter Cinemas for movie enthusiasts, while parks like Sumter Historic District offer outdoor recreational opportunities. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community with essential services tailored to meet the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Restaurants

• Angel's Mexican Restaurant (0.1 miles)
• Captain D's (0.2 miles)
• Hibachi Grill (1.1 miles)
• Murray's Donuts (1.1 miles)
• Thai House Buffet & Sushi Bar (1.1 miles)
• King Wok (1.2 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (1.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• General Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists (0.4 miles)
• Harmony Church (1 miles)
• New Fellowship Covenant Ministry (1.8 miles)
• Trinity United Methodist Church (1.8 miles)
• Brookhollow Place (1.9 miles)
• First Baptist Church (1.9 miles)
• Prayer-A-Day Service (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• Colonial Urgent Care (0.8 miles)
• Colonial Family Practice (0.8 miles)
• Dermotology & Skin Surgery (0.8 miles)
• Sumter Medical Consultants (0.8 miles)
• Santee Hematology & Oncology (1 miles)
• Sumter Occumed (1 miles)
• Sandhills Medical Foundation (1.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Colonial Pharmacy Rx (0.8 miles)
• Sup Rx Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Piggly Wiggly Central (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Prescriptions (1.3 miles)
• Octapharma Plasma (1.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Tuomey Regional Medical Center (0.8 miles)
• Tuomey Healthcare System (1.7 miles)
• Tuomey Foundation (1.8 miles)

Theaters

• GTC Beacon Sumter Cinemas (1.4 miles)

Transportation

• L A Leasing (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Sumter Historic District (1.9 miles)
• Jenkins Center (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Bt Variety Store & Cafe (2.1 miles)