University Center East in De Land, FL

Pros

• The facility smells nice and clean and residents are well taken care of.
• The food is among the best they have had in a nursing home or hospital setting, and the cooks are caring.
• The staff are great, the rehab services are wonderful, and Lilly the CNA is highly praised.
• The administration team regularly checks on residents and makes them feel at home.
• Blue Lake Post Acute is described as offering exceptional rehab therapy and caring staff.
• The building is beautiful and well-maintained, with kind and welcoming staff.
• Families report personalized service and a homely feeling, and are very happy with the care.
• Many reviewers say they would recommend the facility to others.
• The rehab team helps residents regain mobility and improve well-being.

Cons

• The facility is described as a hellhole that should be shut down.
• The care given to residents is horrible and inconsistent, with preventable bed sores.
• The interior is cramped and unsafely hot, with no proper air conditioning.
• Nurses are accused of neglect, drugging patients, and not performing their duties.
• The facility is dirty and smells, with trash and missing personal belongings.
• Staff are unprofessional, rude, and uninterested in helping families or patients.
• There is poor communication with families; staff seem indifferent and unresponsive.
• Patients reportedly experience dehydration and malnutrition due to inadequate care.
• The facility is described as dangerous and abusive, with claims that residents are harmed or at risk.
• Families are warned to stay away; some reviews say not to send loved ones there.

Review

University Center East in DeLand is best suited for families seeking short-term, goal-driven rehabilitation for a loved one who needs mobility support and appreciates a hotel-like atmosphere with solid meal service. Across multiple reviews, the rehab team and dining program repeatedly stand out, with residents reporting meaningful progress and meals that exceed typical expectations for facility dining. The building's renovated, spa-like ambience and calm, welcoming vibe tend to reassure families that a positive first impression will translate into effective recovery. When recover-to-function is the objective, this community often delivers tangible gains and a sense of care that can accelerate discharge planning.

However, this community is not for everyone. A sizable portion of the feedback cautions about serious gaps in safety and daily operation that would push many families to look elsewhere. Concerns range from inconsistent medication timing and delays in basic care to reports of disorganization, poor communication with families, and in some cases distressing conditions in resident rooms. Allegations include severe dehydration, mismanagement of medications, and environments described as dirty or excessively hot. For families prioritizing reliable safety nets, consistent staffing, and timely, transparent updates, alternatives should be seriously considered.

The strongest positives center on the rehab experience and culinary program. Families frequently praise therapists and nursing staff who support mobility, daily living skills, and independence, and several reviewers highlight administrators and aides who create a supportive, almost familial atmosphere during a stay. Many residents report clean environments and responsive, compassionate care teams. Yet these strengths do not automatically compensate for the most consequential downsides. When medication schedules slip, when personal belongings vanish, or when staffing seems overwhelmed or unprofessional, quality of life and safety can suffer markedly. The overall value hinges on consistent, dependable care rather than isolated moments of excellence.

Visitors should beware of inconsistencies that appear across shifts and days. Some reviewers point to standout caregivers who make a real difference, such as dependable CNAs and a responsive rehab crew, while others describe behind-the-scenes problems: delayed medications, miscommunications with families, and housekeeping lapses. There are starkly polarized opinions, with some families feeling genuinely cared for and others reporting distress and safety concerns. Leadership has shown changes over time, contributing to fluctuations in service. Prospective residents should verify current leadership stability and request a candid, written care plan with measurable rehabilitation goals and daily living benchmarks to understand what the facility is actually delivering day in and day out.

To minimize risk and align expectations, perform targeted due diligence. Schedule a multi-hour tour with the administrator and head of nursing, observe staff responsiveness, and ask for a live walkthrough of a typical day for a resident needing help with meals, hygiene, and mobility. Inquire specifically about medication management, blood glucose monitoring for diabetics, and the process for reporting concerns to families. Request details on room assignments, laundry and personal items handling, and the facility's approach to infection control, housekeeping, and emergency preparedness. Bring a trusted family member to observe meals and daily activities to gauge consistency, tone, and safety across weekday and weekend shifts. Documentation and cross-checking experiences during different times will reveal the true operational rhythm.

In the end, University Center East presents a credible option for rehab-focused care where meals and therapy quality deliver tangible value. For long-term residents with dementia, complex medical needs, or families requiring predictable, transparent communication and rigorous safety standards, alternatives are prudent. Families with flexibility can leverage the rehab strengths while negotiating clearer expectations around staffing and daily operations; but there is no sugarcoating the reality that care quality appears uneven and safety concerns have been raised. The practical course is to pursue this option only after confirming current leadership effectiveness, stable staffing levels, and a thorough, written plan that commits to steady, comprehensive care covering both rehab progress and everyday well-being.

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)