Riverside Convalescent Hosp

Pros

• The CNA staff is exceptional.
• The staff are friendly and helpful.
• Residents are engaging and have a good sense of humor.
• The facility is clean and has a pleasant smell.
• The program incorporates patient-centered activities for the residents.
• The facility uses picture ID check-in to enhance security for residents and visitors.
• Care is excellent and the staff are attentive and friendly.
• Administration is involved on the floor and responsive to questions.
• Nursing, social work, infection control, and activities staff are attentive, and meals are appealing and varied.

Cons

• The facility smells like feces and residents in the hallway look miserable.
• They had him in a filthy room when he was there.
• They ignored him and left him dirty during his stay.
• The head nurse is completely incompetent, unsympathetic, and out of touch with patient care.
• There was a medication mix-up and a rude, unpleasant, unhelpful nurse who wouldn't listen to concerns.
• The facility ought to be closed down for good.
• There are reports of uncaring and inhumane treatment, with people unattended in the hallway.
• The head nurse Julie is out of line, very inconsiderate, and rude.
• A reviewer claimed some staff mismanaged pain care for a hospice patient, leaving needs unmet for hours.

Review

Across the many observations, the thread that stands out most is the genuine care and warmth provided by the nursing and support staff. Several reviewers describe the CNA and nursing teams as exceptional, with staff who are friendly, helpful, attentive, and devoted to the residents. The environment is repeatedly depicted as clean, welcoming, and pleasant, with a facility that not only feels cared for but also feels safe - one reviewer notes a photo ID check-in system that adds an extra layer of security for residents and visiting families. The care culture described tends to center on patient- and family-centered activities, with activities staff and therapists planning meaningful engagement that keeps residents active and connected.

Family members frequently highlight the daily interactions that make a difference. When visiting, they encounter nursing, social work, infection control, and activities staff who are quick to respond to call lights and tend to needs with genuine attentiveness. Several accounts commend the warmth of the Administrator who makes rounds on the floor, answers questions directly, and guides families to the right person if they need help - an uncommon practice that leaves visitors with a sense of reassurance. A number of reviews speak highly of the care narrative: thorough bedside manners from physicians, compassionate bedside care, and consistent, respectful communication about residents' concerns and progress. Even when the facility is older, reviewers note that improvements have been made over time, and that the care delivered - often described as the most important factor - remains strong.

There are vivid positive examples of the facility supporting rehab and recovery. Some families are grateful for short-term stays that emphasize active, responsive care from an entire team - nurses, social workers, therapeutic staff, and even environmental services who accommodate requests with kindness. A few reviewers specifically praise rehab progress and the ability of staff to address concerns quickly, with administrators and directors stepping in to ensure issues are resolved to the family's satisfaction. One entry even thanks a specific nurse and therapy staff for helping a loved one regain essential functions, underscoring how effective treatment and sustained attention can rebuild independence and confidence after a medical event like a stroke.

However, the picture is not uniformly rosy. A number of reviewers recount deeply troubling experiences that contrast with the more favorable accounts. Some describe rooms that were dirty or smelled of waste, with residents left unattended in hallways and calls not answered promptly. There are accusations of neglect and a lack of responsiveness that lead to strong emotions, including calls for the facility to be closed down. Negative comments target specific personnel, including a head nurse perceived as incompetent or unempathetic, and a nurse deemed rude or unhelpful, illustrating how one or two problematic experiences can color overall impressions. In these cases, families report delayed pain management for hospice patients, medication mix-ups, and a general sense that some staff members are not fully attuned to the needs of seriously ill residents.

The spectrum of experiences also extends to communication challenges and follow-through. Instances where family members felt ignored or left without timely updates about loved ones contribute to fear and frustration. Some reviewers recount demanding situations - such as trouble with finding a phone line at a grandparent's room or not receiving promised callbacks - that intensified the sense of being let down during vulnerable times. There are clear contrasts between units or shifts, with some teams delivering excellent care and clear communication while others fall short on basic expectations of responsiveness and empathy.

Regardless of the mixed reviews, recurring themes emphasize what families value most: a clean, safe environment; staff who are both professional and personable; proactive administration that is visible on the floor; and a care approach that centers on the individual needs and dignity of residents. For some families, the facility's strengths - security measures, attentive nursing, robust rehab programs, and genuine acts of kindness from caregivers - outweigh the negatives, especially when their loved ones show measurable improvement and enjoyment in daily activities. For others, unresolved concerns about cleanliness, consistency of care, and staff attitudes highlight the urgent need for ongoing quality improvement and closer adherence to resident-centered care standards.

In sum, the stories reflect a facility with the potential for outstanding, person-centered care - an environment where many residents thrive, thanks to compassionate caregivers, engaged administrators, and a commitment to meaningful activities. Yet they also reveal significant areas for improvement in safety, cleanliness, communication, and staff accountability. The most powerful takeaway is that a facility's reputation for care hinges on consistent, respectful, and proactive responses to every resident's needs, across all shifts and all teams, so that trust with families can be rebuilt and maintained even in challenging moments.

This area of Chico, California, offers a wide range of convenient medical services, including physicians specializing in renal care, eye care, cancer treatment, dermatology, and more. There are also hospitals nearby for emergency and specialized care such as the Enloe Medical Center and Enloe Children's Health Center. In terms of amenities, there are several pharmacies within walking distance for easy access to medication. Additionally, there are various dining options from familiar chains like Denny's and Wendy's to local favorites like Farm Star Pizza. For those who enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, cafes like Starbucks and Dutch Bros Coffee are close by. Transportation options are readily available with taxi services and rental car companies nearby. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services and entertainment options suitable for seniors looking to live in a vibrant community with easy access to healthcare facilities.

Physicians

• Comprehensive Renal Care Group (0.1 miles)
• Reeve Woods Eye Center (0.1 miles)
• Va Chico Outpatient Clinic (0.1 miles)
• Enloe Regional Cancer Center (0.1 miles)
• Rejuvene (0.2 miles)
• Dr Jacqueline Losi (0.2 miles)
• North Valley Dermatology Center (0.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Enloe Children's Health Center (0.1 miles)
• Enloe Medical Center (0.2 miles)
• Department of Behavioral Health (0.2 miles)
• Fountain Medical Plaza (0.2 miles)
• Chico Care Center (0.2 miles)
• Kremer Kevin D DDS (0.2 miles)
• Enloe Stroke Program (0.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Chico Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Longs Drugs (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Save Mart Supermarkets (0.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Denny's (0.3 miles)
• Chico Taproom (0.4 miles)
• Cozy Diner (0.4 miles)
• Farm Star Pizza (0.5 miles)
• Wendy's (0.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.6 miles)
• Panda Express (0.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (0.4 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (0.5 miles)
• Java Detour Chico 2 (0.7 miles)
• Bidwell Perk Coffee House (0.9 miles)
• Brave Coffee (1.3 miles)

Transportation

• Taxi Dave (0.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.9 miles)

Theaters

• Tinseltown (0.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Congregational Church, UCC (1.1 miles)
• Our Divine Savior Catholic Church (1.2 miles)

Parks

• One Mile Recreational Area (1.5 miles)