Isabella Geriatric Center

Pros

• The staff at Isabella Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care is very cordial, nice, and attentive to residents' needs.
• Many reviewers appreciated the clean and comfortable environment of Isabella, noting that the facilities are well-maintained.
• Residents have access to a variety of activities, including singing and recreational events, which contribute to a warm and friendly atmosphere.
• Family members were pleased with the helpful communication from nurses and management, ensuring they felt supported during their loved ones' stay.
• The meals provided at Isabella are described as appetizing, contributing positively to the residents' overall experience.
• One reviewer highlighted the satisfactory accommodations available for residents, including private rooms with reasonable amenities.
• Several individuals praised the accessibility of staff for any information needed, demonstrating a commitment to resident care and family involvement.

Cons

• The nursing home has a dirty old elevator with only two working, and the staff is described as horrible and unprofessional, leading to a lack of care for residents.
• A resident's flowers were left untouched and dead, indicating neglect and a lack of attention from the staff.
• The facility relies heavily on volunteers and family members due to severe understaffing, resulting in inadequate care for residents.
• Residents experienced mental and physical deterioration due to poor communication and lack of timely medical intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Incompetent nursing staff failed to provide proper care, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations and worsening health conditions.
• Bedbound patients suffer from starvation due to insufficient staffing levels, highlighting a critical failure in meeting their basic needs.
• A review indicated that doctors at the facility are judgmental and poor communicators, detracting from the quality of care provided.

Review

The reviews of Isabella Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care present a stark contrast between positive experiences and deeply troubling criticisms, showcasing the complexities often associated with nursing homes. One common thread throughout the narratives is the concern over overall care quality, particularly in light of staff shortages and inadequate management practices.

Several reviewers expressed grave dissatisfaction with Isabella’s level of care, emphasizing their disappointment toward the lack of professionalism exhibited by the staff. One individual, whose brother suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease, recounted how she never witnessed any kindness or adequate attention given to him since his admission. The neglect was highlighted by her distress upon finding flowers she had sent three weeks prior still sitting dead in their vase when she visited next, coupled with nurses claiming they had not seen them. This account illustrates a systemic issue where residents may be left unattended and uncared for during critical moments.

On the other hand, contrasting testimonials emerged from families who reported significantly better experiences at Isabella. Some spoke highly of its cleanliness and attentiveness of its personnel, noting that supportive staff created a warm atmosphere for residents. For these families, Isabella was regarded as a place where their loved ones received quality care complemented by enjoyable activities like music sessions and therapeutic services—a striking counterpoint to those who felt their family members were neglected.

Nevertheless, even amidst these positive reflections, there were hints at operational challenges within Isabella. Multiple reviewers pointed out issues related to staffing shortages that hindered the delivery of consistent care. Despite recognizing some competent staff members’ efforts amid overwhelming circumstances, many expressed concerns regarding the ratio of caregivers to patients—suggesting that without sufficient numbers on hand, resident wellness could rapidly deteriorate.

Furthermore, accounts detailing distressing experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic painted an alarming picture of mismanagement under crisis conditions. A reviewer detailed their mother’s rapid decline while isolated due to infection control measures—highlighting severe lapses in communication and care standards as she experienced hallucinations and mental deterioration exacerbated by isolation from family support. The review emphasized how such negligence seemed to stem from inadequately prepared facilities facing unprecedented challenges rather than intrinsic failures on part of the caregiving staff.

In addition to frustrations stemming from inadequate medical response during emergencies—evidenced by another patient’s hospitalization for pneumonia that could have been avoided—concerns related to food quality also surfaced frequently across reviews. Many remarked on poor meal options provided by Isabella; one reviewer mentioned family members needing to assist with feeding due to subpar food offerings available through regular service—a practice deemed unacceptable for a facility catering to individuals requiring comprehensive care.

Despite mixed reviews about Isabella Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care's amenities—from shared accommodations being described as “depressing” to private rooms regarded as comfortable—the overarching narrative emphasizes urgent calls for reform regarding staffing levels and management excellence within nursing home settings. These testimonies tell us more than just personal stories; they speak volumes about systemic issues within eldercare facilities operating under economic restraints amid public health crises—a pressing reality necessitating immediate attention and action for improvement in patient care nationwide.

This part of New York, New York offers convenient access to public transportation with several MTA subway stations within walking distance, making it easy to explore the city. The area is surrounded by parks such as J. Hood Wright Park and Inwood Hill Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisurely strolls. There are also several hospitals and physicians' offices nearby, ensuring access to quality healthcare services. For dining options, there are various restaurants ranging from fast food chains like McDonald's to upscale establishments like The River Palm Terrace. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer convenience for medication needs. Places of worship such as The Riverdale Minyan provide spiritual support for residents. Additionally, cafes like Kuppi Coffee Company and Starbucks offer cozy spots to socialize and enjoy a cup of coffee. Movie buffs will appreciate the proximity to theaters like AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 for entertainment options. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded living environment with amenities suited for senior living.

Transportation

• MTA Subway - 190th St (0.4 miles)
• MTA Subway - Dyckman St (0.4 miles)
• MTA Subway - 181st St (0.6 miles)
• MTA Subway - Inwood/207th St (1 miles)
• MTA Subway - 168th St (1.1 miles)
• MTA Subway - Fordham Rd (1.6 miles)
• MTA Fordham Metro-North Station (2 miles)

Parks

• J. Hood Wright Park (0.9 miles)
• Inwood Hill Park (1.2 miles)
• Flat Rock Brook Nature Center (2.5 miles)
• St Nicholas Park (2.5 miles)
• Riverdale Park (2.9 miles)
• Marcus Garvey Park (3.6 miles)
• Randall's Island Park (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion (1.2 miles)
• Milstein Hospital Building (1.2 miles)
• Bronx VA Medical Center (1.4 miles)
• NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital (1.5 miles)
• St Barnabas Hospital (1.9 miles)
• Manhattan Psychiatric Center (4.5 miles)
• Holy Name Medical Center (4.7 miles)

Physicians

• Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Cummings, Allegra Weill Cornell Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology (5.6 miles)
• Park Medical Group PA (5.6 miles)
• David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (6.2 miles)
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (6.5 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (2.1 miles)
• The River Palm Terrace (2.3 miles)
• Harlem Kebab Grill (3.4 miles)
• Last Stop Bar & Grill (5.2 miles)
• McDonald's (5.6 miles)
• McDonald's (5.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• The Riverdale Minyan (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Kuppi Coffee Company (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Bogota Press Cafe (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Ralph’s Café (6.1 miles)
• Pier I Cafe (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13 (5.4 miles)
• AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 (6.2 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Shops At Riverside 9 (6.4 miles)