Samaritan Health Ctr in West Bend, WI

Pros

• The therapy department helped him stand and walk again within 21 days.
• Kirk is an amazing therapist and one of the best.
• The activity department is great and offers a wide range of engaging activities.
• Residents enjoy live music visits and regular church services.
• The staff are friendly, caring, and easy to talk to.
• The reviewer would definitely return to Samaritan if they needed this kind of care again.
• The meals are excellent and well-liked by residents.
• The facility is clean, well run, and staffed by attentive caregivers.
• The new ownership has already brought noticeable improvements and positive changes.

Cons

• The care plan was never updated, leaving staff unaware of the resident's needs.
• The food quality was poor, described as slop on a plate with no nutrients.
• The director of nursing screams at people with no consequences.
• The facility will deny needed care if the patient isn't private pay.
• There was an incident of bodily feces on the walls that wasn't cleaned promptly.
• The staff does not care about residents' wellbeing; the care is neglectful.
• A resident's purse and identification were stolen, indicating security lapses.
• The facility is woefully understaffed and lacks adequate help.
• The stench in a room indicated a need for thorough cleaning.
• Some reviewers described the nurses and doctors as terrible.
• There was a big lack of communication and staff did nothing to change it.

Review

Samaritan Health Center in West Bend is best suited for families pursuing short- to mid-term rehabilitation after hospitalization, especially when a resident needs to regain mobility and independence through skilled therapy. The center earns consistent praise for its rehab department, with stories of patients walking again after intensive therapy in a few weeks. The therapists, notably a standout like Kirk, are repeatedly described as highly capable, and the overall therapy program is a core strength that can shorten recovery timelines and support a successful discharge home. For seniors who prize a lively activity calendar, social engagement, and opportunities for faith-based services, Samaritan also delivers with a robust menu of programs and services that enhance daily life during recovery or transition.

Those considering alternatives should note who may struggle here. Care planning can become a point of friction when turnover introduces new aides or shifts without timely updates to each resident's plan. Several reviews flag inconsistent communication about care needs, and in some cases families experienced frustration when plans or follow-up actions were not promptly addressed. Understaffing is another recurring theme, with wait times for aides and a sense that not every need is met promptly. For families with a loved one who requires highly stable, consistent care, or who prioritizes uninterrupted attention from a single care team, Samaritan may not be the ideal fit. In addition, safety and security concerns - such as reported thefts and sporadic responses to incidents - demand careful consideration and scrutiny before admission.

The strongest offset to the downsides comes from the facility's front-line strengths. The combination of excellent rehabilitation outcomes, highly motivated staff, and an emphasis on compassionate, person-centered care creates a compelling case for Samaritan as a rehab partner. The activity program and church services contribute meaningfully to social and spiritual well-being, reducing isolation and supporting emotional health during recovery. Cleanliness and a welcoming atmosphere consistently come through in reviews, helping to reduce the stress that families feel when a loved one is transitioning into a care setting. When operations are stable and ownership initiatives take hold, the improvements can be noticeable - evidenced by reports of better communication and a more responsive environment after ownership changes.

On the dining and daily living front, experiences are mixed and should be explicitly explored during tours. Several residents and families praise meals as high-quality and satisfying, noting that nutrition plays a positive role in recovery. Others describe food quality as inconsistent, with concerns about malnutrition in some cases. That variance underscores the importance of verifying each resident's dietary plan and ensuring ongoing dietary oversight. The same variability appears in the perception of the living environment: some rooms and common spaces feel comfortable and well-kept, while others reference odors or tighter room configurations. These factors matter because they influence mood, appetite, and engagement, all of which feed back into recovery and overall satisfaction.

Security, accountability, and leadership quality sit at the heart of the decision to choose Samaritan. Positive reports highlight compassionate, attentive caregivers and a nursing staff that earns trust through consistent, respectful interactions. Yet several reviews raise alarms about care leadership and accountability - ranging from the director of nursing's communication style to perceived gaps in oversight during transitions. Families should demand concrete confirmation of safety protocols, care-plan governance, and incident-response procedures. Prospective residents should meet with the director of nursing and the social work team, request a current staffing census, and obtain a clear explanation of how care plans are updated and communicated.

In the end, Samaritan Health Center offers a practical, capable option for rehab-focused care and dementia-friendly support, backed by a patient-centered staff and a program of activities that keeps residents engaged. It is a strong choice for those who need powerful physical therapy, expect friendly interpersonal care, and value a clean, welcoming environment. However, it is not the universal answer for every long-term or complex-care need. If consistent, tightly coordinated care, unambiguous retention of staff on each shift, and top-tier security are non-negotiables, or if the facility struggles with odor control and room comfort, exploring alternatives in the West Bend area is prudent. A structured visit, candid conversations with the DON and therapy leads, and a clear plan for monitoring care quality during the first weeks will reveal whether Samaritan truly aligns with the loved one's goals and expectations.

This part of West Bend, Wisconsin offers a convenient location with a variety of amenities suited for senior living. With multiple physicians' offices and hospitals nearby, residents can easily access healthcare services. There are also several pharmacies in the area for prescription needs. The proximity to parks like Kilbourn Street Park and Lac Lawrann Conservancy provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisurely walks. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options including Collin's Deck Bar and Riverside Brewery & Restaurant, as well as cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks for socializing with friends or family. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded community with essential services for seniors looking to settle down in a comfortable and accessible area.

Physicians

• Affiliated Clinical Services (0.5 miles)
• Henry N Ambrookian Jr DD (1.2 miles)
• Foot & Ankle Health Center (1.8 miles)
• West Bend Clinic - East (2 miles)
• West Bend Open Mri (2.2 miles)
• Advanced Pain Management (2.2 miles)
• Froedtert West Bend Surgery Center (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Collin's Deck Bar (0.6 miles)
• Riverside Brewery & Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• Casa Tequila (0.6 miles)
• Toucan Food & Custard (0.8 miles)
• George Webb Restaurants (1.2 miles)
• M & R Bar (1.2 miles)
• Little Caesars Pizza (1.3 miles)

Parks

• Kilbourn Street Park (0.6 miles)
• Lac Lawrann Conservancy (0.9 miles)
• Regner Park (1.1 miles)
• Decorah Hills Park (1.4 miles)
• Ziegler Park (1.4 miles)
• Rolf Dog Park (2 miles)
• Ridge Run County Park (2.3 miles)

Transportation

• Hertz Rent A Car (0.6 miles)
• West Bend Taxi (1.2 miles)
• Train Tracks (8.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Immanuel United Church of Christ (0.6 miles)
• New Life Church (4.6 miles)
• Peace United Church of Christ (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• St Joseph's Hospital (1.2 miles)
• St Joseph's Community Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Froedtert West Bend Health Center (2.3 miles)
• Froedtert Jackson Health Center (7.2 miles)
• Integrated Repair & Information Services (8.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Shopko Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• West Bend Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Home Town Pharmacy (6.4 miles)
• Walgreens (7 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)