Good Shepherd Peoria

Pros

• The staff at Rio Vista are kind and accommodating at every level, from CNAs to administrators.
• The facility exudes a warm, empathetic personality and an energetic vibe.
• The therapy program is highly effective and described as amazing, with daily sessions and no strict time limits.
• The care is top-notch; residents feel safe, cared for, and treated like family.
• Activities staff Starla and Renee keep residents engaged with varied, positive activities.
• The admissions team and nurses are attentive and responsive, with staff like Victoria and Tiffany praised for their support.
• The physical therapy team, including Lacey, Tami, Skylar, Milan, and Clara, contributed to successful rehab outcomes.
• Rio Vista is widely recommended; many residents and families consider it the best and would endorse it.

Cons

• One reviewer described Rio Vista as despicable and advised never to bring a loved one there, citing severe understaffing, a facility that "stinks," and awful food.
• A different reviewer reported that several residents fell within the first 24 hours of admission, including a roommate who fell with blood everywhere and that it took more than 20 minutes for an aide to respond.
• Another reviewer stated it took over two hours to receive pain medication after requests, and that a promised shower was delayed for two days, with bed sores developing.
• A reviewer criticized the caseworker as useless and claimed she lied about information.
• A reviewer said residents could roam unsupervised and that dehydration and swollen legs were not adequately monitored or addressed.
• A reviewer described the first day as unprepared, with no room ready and long delays in getting admitted.

Review

Rio Vista emerges in these experiences as a place that many residents and their families come to view as a rare blend of warmth, attentiveness, and robust rehabilitation. Several reviewers describe it as the best nursing facility they've encountered, with an atmosphere that feels both empathetic and energetic. The sense of care extends across the whole operation - from the CNAs and nurses to the kitchen staff and upper-level administration, and into every department, including activities and the physical and occupational therapy teams. There is a clear impression that when a facility puts effort into building a warm personality and a lively daily rhythm, it shows in the residents' mood and in the way staff interact with them. In short, Rio Vista often feels like more than a care site; it feels like a home where staff remember residents on an individual basis.

A recurring theme in the more positive testimonials is the breadth and coherence of care. Residents repeatedly praise the therapy program, citing tangible progress and a strong sense of teamwork among therapists. They describe therapists who are not just technically skilled but also consistently encouraging and patient, and they note that therapy sessions can be frequent and purposefully structured to support real improvement. The activities program is another standout, with staff such as Starla and Renee regularly devising engaging, varied activities that keep residents busy and uplifted. The overall vibe - well-planned calendars, a sense of purpose, and staff who show they genuinely care - contributes to a perception of Rio Vista as a facility with a clear, positive personality.

Several reviews highlight individual staff members who made a meaningful difference. For example, Destiny, a particularly outstanding CNA, is singled out for going above and beyond - helping with a mattress, facilitating extra showers, and offering numerous small acts of kindness that added up to a noticeably better experience for the patient. The office team also receives high marks in many entries; Victoria and other office staff are praised for timely, clear communication and for helping families navigate questions and concerns. The consistency of these personal touches - someone remembering a preference, a quick call with an answer - helps reinforce the impression that Rio Vista values its residents and their families.

Healing and recovery are frequently described as the facility's core strength. One reviewer specifically credits the physical therapy department for enabling quick rehab after a hip surgery, naming several therapists by name and saying that their collaboration and dedication contributed to a successful outcome. Other residents report feeling safe and well cared for, with staff who are attentive to both immediate needs and longer-term recovery goals. The sense of not being rushed, of therapy and medical care being responsive to symptoms and progress, contributes to a feeling of trust in the care pathway at Rio Vista.

There are, however, serious cautionary notes interwoven with the positive messages. One family recounts a troubling sequence surrounding a loved one's stay in PT care: a lack of preparedness on the first day, delays in room assignment, and a discharge plan that seemed premature despite the patient still showing concerning symptoms. The story includes multiple falls and a perception that concerns about medications, dehydration, and overall safety were not adequately addressed. The reviewer mentions a perceived lack of thorough communication from a caseworker, and an impression that the staff did not treat warning signs with the seriousness they deserved. Ultimately, this experience led the family to feel that the patient was not fully ready for discharge and to hold the facility accountable for preventable risks. The sentiment is strong: the reviewer would not recommend Rio Vista based on that experience, underscoring how critical clear communication, anticipatory safety planning, and careful discharge decisions are to trust in the facility.

Still other narratives emphasize high praise balanced with candid critique. A reviewer calls Rio Vista "despicable" and outlines a string of failures: persistent understaffing, a facility that "stinks," subpar food, multiple falls within 24 hours, delayed responses to alarms, and long waits for pain medication and showers, with bedsores developing as a result. This account is stark and emphasizes the consequences of slow responses and insufficient supervision, serving as a cautionary counterbalance to the many glowing reviews. It acts as a reminder that even widely praised facilities can fall short in critical, safety-related moments, and that family advocacy and vigilance can be essential in safeguarding residents' well-being.

Amid the differing voices, the strongest recurring thread is a clear appreciation for the rehabilitation team's dedication and the care culture that prioritizes residents' daily well-being. Several reviewers express genuine gratitude to teams who helped them regain strength and confidence, and they note that therapy is not constrained by tedious rules or limited time - some describe daily therapy without artificial caps, with residents able to attend multiple sessions or group activities that they find genuinely engaging. The presence of supportive, encouraging therapists and activities staff is repeatedly framed as a pivotal factor in making Rio Vista feel like a place where healing and daily joy can coexist.

Taken together, the collection of experiences paints a nuanced portrait of Rio Vista. On one hand, the facility stands out for its people-centered approach, meaningful therapy outcomes, a strong activities program, and staff who feel genuinely invested in residents' lives. On the other hand, there are serious reports of safety lapses, communication gaps, and staffing challenges that led some families to question discharge decisions or to doubt the adequacy of immediate care during critical moments. For families considering Rio Vista, the message is clear: the care quality and atmosphere can be outstanding, especially in rehabilitation and daily life engagement, but it is essential to thoroughly assess each resident's needs, communicate expectations clearly with the staff, and remain vigilant about safety and discharge planning. The facility's strengths offer a compelling case for many families, yet the cautionary experiences underscore the importance of ongoing oversight and proactive collaboration with care teams.

This part of Peoria, Arizona offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living. With several theaters, restaurants, and cafes within close proximity, residents have plenty of options for entertainment and dining. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies and physicians nearby for easy access to healthcare services. The parks in the area provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Places of worship are also conveniently located for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded community with diverse offerings that would be appealing to older adults looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in Peoria.

Theaters

• Park West 14 (1 miles)
• AMC Westgate 20 (2.4 miles)
• AMC Surprise Pointe 14 (5.2 miles)
• Arrowhead Fountains 18 (5.2 miles)
• AMC Arrowhead 14 (6.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers (1 miles)
• The Sicilian Butcher Peoria (1 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (1.2 miles)
• Desert Diamond Casino West Valley (1.5 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (2.2 miles)
• Dave & Buster's (2.3 miles)
• Westgate Entertainment District (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Physicians

• Academic Urology & Urogynecology Of Arizona (2.6 miles)
• Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates, PC (2.7 miles)
• Multi-Specialty Physicians (2.7 miles)
• The CORE Institute - Sun City (2.8 miles)
• North Valley Dermatology & Original Skin (4.1 miles)
• Associated Retina Consultants (4.4 miles)
• Family Health Clinic (56th Med. Grp.)(Luke AFB) (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Pioneer Community Park (2.7 miles)
• Pioneer Community Park Off-Leash Dog Park (2.7 miles)
• Rio Vista Community Park (3.6 miles)
• Grand Canal Linear Park (3.7 miles)
• Veramonte Park (5.2 miles)
• O'Neal Park (5.8 miles)
• Turtle Park (6.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (3.6 miles)
• Church At Litchfield Park (6.5 miles)