University Center East

Pros

• The facility is described as clean and well maintained, with residents well cared for.
• The food is praised as excellent, with the cook shown to genuinely care for residents and deserving of a raise.
• The staff is consistently described as friendly, helpful, and treating residents like family.
• The rehab team is commended for helping residents regain mobility and independence.
• Specific staff members are repeatedly thanked for exceptional care, including Cna Lilly, nurses Alexis and Kesha, administrator Alyssa, and Sara in admissions.
• Reviewers express gratitude and say they would readily recommend Blue Lake Post Acute to others.
• The overall care is portrayed as outstanding, with residents feeling at home and well supported.

Cons

• They reported missing personal items (clothes, hair products) and claim staff acted as if they didn't know what happened.
• They described the facility as hot and humid and unacceptable, leading to transferring their loved one to a different facility.
• They called the place a hellhole and said it should be shut down, alleging patients were overmedicated and that staff were money-driven.
• They alleged their loved one was sedated with multiple medications and that some staff appeared to be under the influence.
• They stated their loved one developed bed sores that could have been prevented due to inadequate nursing care.
• They criticized diabetic care as unsafe, citing post-meal glucose checks, sliding-scale insulin, and meds often being delayed.
• They described the staff as unprofessional and unhelpful, with poor communication with families and dirty conditions.

Review

The various reviews paint a picture of a facility - Blue Lake Post Acute - that evokes strong, mixed emotions from families and loved ones who passed through its doors. On the positive side, many comment on a warm, welcoming atmosphere and notable attentiveness from staff. Several visitors talk about clean, well-kept spaces and a dining experience that stands out in the rehab or hospital setting. One reviewer describes the food as the best they've had in a nursing home or hospital, praising the cook and noting that their sister, who arrived malnourished, asked for seconds and thrived on the meals. The sense of genuine care is echoed by others who single out the dietary team, the rehab staff, and the administrative crew for going "above and beyond," turning what could have been a difficult experience into a hopeful recovery story. For some families, the facility feels like a place where healing, nourishment, and personal warmth are prioritized, and they repeatedly thank the staff for helping their loved ones regain their strength and dignity.

In a number of testimonials, the rehab team is singled out for meaningful, life-changing impact. Patients and family members repeatedly mention the Rehabilitation team as the backbone of progress, with praise directed at nurses, CNAs, and therapy staff who helped patients regain mobility and confidence. A particular CNA, Lilly, is highlighted as exceptional in care and compassion, inspiring gratitude not only from patients but from their families. Administrators and admission teams are also lauded for kindness and support - some reviews mention staff members by name who took extra steps to ensure comfort, answered questions, and helped with personal needs or hobbies. The overall sentiment here is that, when staff listen, communicate clearly, and engage with patients in meaningful ways, the facility feels more like a collaborative recovery space than a cold medical institution.

Yet the same facility earns a stark contrast in other accounts, where families recount troubling experiences that shake confidence. One reviewer describes a distressing incident in which a loved one's clothes and belongings went missing, clothes were damp, the environment was uncomfortably hot, and the family felt the facility did not take appropriate responsibility. The reviewer notes that documenting the issues led to a transfer to another facility within a couple of days, underscoring concerns about accountability, security, and basic quality of care. This account emphasizes a perception of disorganization and inadequate safeguarding of personal items, which makes a difficult transition even more painful for families at a vulnerable time.

The most severe criticisms come from reviews that allege abuse, neglect, and systemic problems. One reviewer uses exceptionally strong language to describe a patient who was allegedly sedated with multiple medications, in a setting they claim was unsafe and poorly monitored. They compare the living conditions to a prison-like environment and accuse staff of prioritizing money over patient welfare, including concerns about air quality, bed sores that reportedly could have been prevented, and drug administration practices that they believe endangered a loved one. The writer also accuses staff of encouraging drug use outside the facility and suggests illegal or harmful behavior. This account is unequivocally critical, calling for drastic action and the shutdown of the facility in the face of what they describe as inexcusable treatment.

Other reviews focus on the practical, day-to-day care experiences, with some patients or family members noting gaps in essential support. A reviewer highlights issues with diabetic care, reporting that blood sugar was checked after meals and then managed with sliding-scale insulin in a way that potentially caused dangerous drops. They also mention delayed medications and a lack of consistent assistance with basic needs like showers, especially when their loved one required more frequent oversight. While acknowledging that some staff were helpful and friendly, this account emphasizes that these medical and logistical shortcomings could have life-threatening consequences and require reeducation of nursing practices to ensure patient safety.

There are also mixed but generally more balanced testimonials that celebrate positive outcomes alongside cautionary notes. Some reviewers are clearly impressed by the cleanliness and the availability of timely food service, describing staff as friendly and the environment as welcoming. In a few cases, families emphasize the "turnaround" they experienced, with admissions staff and care teams creating a supportive atmosphere that facilitated healing and progress. Others express gratitude for improvements in activities, communication, and personalized attention, suggesting that the facility has the capability to deliver high-quality care when operations run smoothly and staff are aligned in their approach to patient needs.

Across all the voices, there is a common thread of hope and frustration interwoven. Positive narratives praise the compassionate, attentive care that helps patients regain independence, the quality and enjoyment of meals, and the patient-centered warmth that families feel during visits. Negative narratives, however, warn of serious lapses - missing belongings, unsafe or unhygienic conditions, inadequate communication with families, medication management issues, and alleged harmful practices - that erode trust and demand urgent attention. Together, these accounts present a complex picture of Blue Lake Post Acute: a place capable of excellent, life-affirming care for some residents and, for others, a source of fear and disappointment due to perceived neglect or unsafe conditions.

In sum, the collection of reviews offers a spectrum of experiences that reflects both dedication and challenge within the facility. For many families, the care team's kindness, the supportive rehab environment, and the quality of meals create a sense of relief and gratitude in a difficult time. For other families, alarming concerns about safety, security, and medical management underscore the need for rigorous evaluation, accountability, and measurable improvements in patient protection and communication. The shared takeaway is that Blue Lake Post Acute has potential when the staff collaborate effectively and uphold high standards of care, but it also faces serious criticisms that must be addressed to ensure every resident receives safe, respectful, and comprehensive treatment.

This part of De Land, Florida, offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing for seniors looking to relocate. With multiple physicians and pharmacies in close proximity, medical care and prescription needs are easily accessible. The presence of restaurants, cafes, and parks provides opportunities for dining out, socializing, and enjoying outdoor activities. Places of worship are also nearby for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. In case of emergencies, there are two hospitals within a short distance. Additionally, transportation options such as Amtrak are available for convenient travel. Overall, this area combines healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities, and essential services to create a well-rounded community suitable for senior living.

Physicians

• Central Florida Eye Specialists P L (0.9 miles)
• Krishnan MD Ananth Pa (1 miles)
• Florida Kidney & Hypertension Specialist (1 miles)
• Happy Brain Neurofeedback (1.2 miles)
• Advanced Dermatology (1.5 miles)
• SAAFE Behavioral Services (1.7 miles)
• Virginio Rodrig Uez (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Ritter's Towne Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walmart Fuel Station (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• McCabe's (0.9 miles)
• Checkers (1.2 miles)
• The Half Wall DeLand (1.2 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.7 miles)
• Denny's (1.9 miles)
• Captain D's (1.9 miles)

Cafes

• Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co. (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Rhonda's Kitchen (7.7 miles)

Parks

• Earl Brown Park (1.3 miles)
• Barkley Square Dog Park (3.7 miles)
• Lake Beresford Park (4.1 miles)
• Hontoon Island State Park (5.7 miles)
• Blue Spring State Park (6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grace Chapel (1.7 miles)
• Bible Baptist Church (4 miles)

Hospitals

• AdventHealth DeLand (2.2 miles)
• Florida Hospital Deland (2.2 miles)
• AdventHealth Fish Memorial (7.9 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (4.2 miles)