Friendley Acres Retirement Comm in Newton, KS

Pros

• The personnel were terrific in speeding the recovery.
• The staff are friendly, compassionate, and gentle, with wonderful dispositions, like family.
• The campus is beautiful with friendly, attentive staff and excellent therapy.
• The facility is in a beautiful area with well-maintained facilities and an amazing staff.
• The administrator is absolutely amazing.
• It is an amazing facility with caring staff, wonderful therapy, and plenty of activities.
• There are smiling faces everywhere.
• The knee-rehab program is great and helps residents regain independence.
• The staff encourage improvement and helped the resident return home.
• Asbury Park staff are outstanding in every regard.

Cons

• They don't deserve even a half-star; they never call back or consider residents' needs.
• Paramount is nowhere near as great as Asbury once was, with management focusing on money and neglecting both staff and residents.
• They recount a stepmother not being checked on all night after hip surgery, with staff on computers and no timely feeding.
• They claim the facility cares more about profit than the well-being of residents or staff, cutting staffing and treating workers like robots.
• They describe deceitful and dishonest nursing administration that moved loved ones to memory care to keep the place open, with excuses and missed meals.
• They say they would not recommend Asbury Park or its memory care unit, citing a nasty environment created by the administration and a lack of dignity.

Review

Friendley Acres Retirement Comm in Newton, KS is best suited for seniors who prioritize a rehab-forward environment wrapped in a warm, family-like culture. The reviews cumulative to this campus' strongest case: a beautiful, well-kept setting paired with an exceptional therapy program and staff who genuinely treat residents with kindness. For families navigating post-surgical recovery or short- to mid-term skilled care, the facility's physical therapy and rehab emphasis stand out as the decisive factor. Residents commonly describe the atmosphere as friendly and attentive, with care teams that feel approachable, capable, and invested in helping people regain independence. In short, this community excels when recovery, practical daily support, and a humane, homey vibe matter most.

That said, potential residents and families should explicitly consider alternatives if certain realities matter more than rehab outcomes. A subset of reviews flags admissions responsiveness and administrative stability as areas of concern, suggesting that communication during the intake process can stall. Those who require very transparent, prompt coordination, or who want assurance that long-term leadership alignment is steady may want to compare with other nearby options. Additionally, families seeking robust memory-care specialization or higher-acuity nursing oversight should evaluate whether this community's staffing mix and programmatic focus align with those needs. The best match hinges on whether the priority is a superb rehab track and a convivial environment, or guaranteed consistency in administration and oversight.

The core pros here effectively offset most of the notable drawbacks for many families. The therapy department earns frequent praise: sessions described as "phenomenal," with plans tailored to individual strengths and goals, enabling many residents to regain functional independence. Staff are consistently portrayed as courteous, compassionate, and supportive, contributing to a sense that residents are valued and well cared-for. The campus itself earns marks for beauty and cleanliness, with well-maintained rooms and common areas that reinforce a comfortable, home-like feeling. Residents also highlight good meals and a lively activity calendar, all of which bolster day-to-day quality of life alongside the rehab program. When therapy success and staff warmth are the top criteria, the offset is substantial.

However, the more difficult realities are worth weighing carefully before deciding. If admissions teamwork and ongoing family communication are non-negotiables, prospective residents should press for explicit timelines, point people, and regular updates during the intake and stay. A few reviewers imply that administrative dynamics - especially around how care decisions are coordinated and how staffing levels are managed - can swing with corporate or leadership changes. In practice, this means families should insist on direct conversations with the administrator or director of therapy, request written care plans, and seek clear expectations about response times for questions or concerns. The distinction between outstanding on-site care and back-office churn can be real, and understanding that difference protects the family's peace of mind.

For families who choose to move forward, a practical due-diligence path makes sense. Schedule a full tour with the director of nursing or therapy, and observe a therapy session in action to confirm that the level and cadence of rehab align with the resident's goals. Ask to review a sample care plan, medication management processes, and how family updates are delivered (phone calls, written notes, or portal entries). Inquire about staffing ratios on different shifts, staff retention rates, and how they handle emergencies or high-acuity days. If possible, request testimonials from recent or current residents' families and obtain a trial-stay understanding, so expectations are grounded in real-day practice rather than memory alone.

In the end, Friendley Acres stands as a compelling option for post-acute recovery and social engagement, anchored by a beautiful setting and an acclaimed therapy team. Families whose priorities are practical rehabilitation outcomes, a respectful, friendly caregiving culture, and everyday comforts will find this community a strong match. Those who require unwavering administrative transparency, consistent high-acuity oversight, or specialized memory-care programming should approach with targeted questions and a defined plan for ongoing family involvement. When these elements align, the decision to move forward becomes straightforward: this is a place where skilled rehab, compassionate care, and a welcoming environment can converge to help a loved one return home with dignity.

This part of Newton, Kansas boasts a variety of amenities for seniors looking to settle in a peaceful and welcoming community. With multiple places of worship nearby, including Grace Community Church and Salem United Methodist Church, residents have ample opportunities for spiritual fulfillment. The area also offers convenient access to parks like Roosevelt Park and the Newton City Parks Department, providing options for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, seniors can benefit from proximity to healthcare facilities such as Cardiovascular Care and Newton Medical Center, ensuring easy access to quality medical services. A selection of restaurants like Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Aki Japanese Kitchen offer diverse dining options, while cafes like Under 701 Cafe provide cozy spots for socializing over coffee. Transportation options include Amtrak and the Newton City/County Airport, making travel accessible. Overall, this part of Newton presents a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Places of Worship

• Grace Community Church (0.3 miles)
• New Life Assembly of God (0.8 miles)
• Salem United Methodist Church (1 miles)
• New Creation Fellowship (1 miles)
• Walton United Methodist Church (1.1 miles)
• Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania (1.2 miles)
• Second Baptist Church (1.2 miles)

Parks

• Newton City Parks Department (0.5 miles)
• Newton City Parks Department (1.2 miles)
• Roosevelt Park (1.7 miles)
• Harvey County East Park (7.9 miles)
• King Park (8.8 miles)
• Mc Laughlin Park (12.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (0.7 miles)
• Aki Japanese Kitchen (0.9 miles)
• Arby's (0.9 miles)
• The Breadbasket (1.2 miles)
• B J's Place (1.2 miles)
• China Inn Restaurant I (1.3 miles)
• El Toro Cafe (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Cardiovascular Care (1 miles)
• Newton Surgical Group (1.1 miles)
• Lovelle Plastic Surgery (1.1 miles)
• Associates In Women's Health (1.1 miles)
• Cottonwood Pediatrics (1.1 miles)
• Heartland Cardiology PA (1.1 miles)
• Advanced Cardiac Care of Kansas PA (1.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Central Care Cancer Center (1.1 miles)
• Newton Medical Center (1.1 miles)
• Axtell Hospital (1.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Harvey Drug Newton (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Hesston Pharmacy (8.7 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (1.3 miles)
• Newton Station (1.3 miles)
• B Nsf (1.3 miles)
• Menno Travel Service (1.5 miles)
• Newton City/County Airport (EWK) (4.2 miles)
• Graber Skulls (10.1 miles)
• Cessna Aircraft Co. (12.5 miles)

Cafes

• Under 701 Cafe (1.5 miles)
• Twelve Brew Drive Thru Coffee (2 miles)
• Elderslie Farm (11.6 miles)
• Tequilas (13.6 miles)

Theaters

• Chisholm Trail Center (2.3 miles)
• Chisholm Trail 8 Theatres (2.4 miles)