Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center
Save808 South Colley Road, Starke, FL 32091
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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Riverwood presents itself in the reviews as a facility that inspires strong, competing emotions. For every glowing endorsement about warmth, compassion, and a sense of community, there are parallel accounts of frustration, neglect, and unsettling conditions. Some families describe Riverwood as a supportive place where staff go above and beyond, while others recount experiences that feel unsafe, unsanitary, or disrespectful. Taken together, the collection reads like a dichotomy: bright spotlights on individual caregivers and moments of genuine care juxtaposed against persistent concerns about basic comfort, safety, and the overall culture of the facility.
Several reviewers highlight the genuine care and dedication of staff members who made meaningful differences in patients' lives. One praised the "amazing atmosphere" and the staff's willingness to be there for residents, calling out a particular nurse or support person by name for going "above and beyond." In these accounts, admissions teams, nurses, CNAs, and therapists are described as responsive, compassionate, and personable, with Heather Limoges, the Admissions Director/Liaison, singled out as "so AMAZING" for going the extra mile - even showing up on her days off to handle ongoing needs. Families repeatedly mention the therapy department as a bright spot, with therapists and aides providing attentive, effective care, and with staff in various roles - nurses, CNAs, social workers, custodians - receiving praise for professionalism, warmth, and a commitment to patient well-being.
Yet the negative experiences are equally emphatic and specific. Several reviewers recount immediate logistical failures on arrival, such as oxygen equipment that did not work and a lack of timely support to provide essential medical supplies, forcing patients and their families to intervene directly "to have oxygen now." Complaints extend beyond equipment to daily operations: ongoing issues with smells in the hallways described as "the aroma of urine," and reports that rooms and common areas could feel unclean, citing odors, dirty floors, and even alleged fecal or urine evidence in living spaces. One reviewer described the facility as "very dirty and filthy" with staff who were "very very rude," while another stated bluntly that "this place should be shut down immediately." These accounts emphasize a perceived gap between expectations for a respectful, clean, and dignified environment and the day-to-day reality some residents faced.
Food service is another recurring point of contention. Several reviews describe meals as cold, undercooked, or unappealing, with frequent complaints that meat is not served or that meals arrive lukewarm. Descriptions of grits without butter, congealed textures, and a general sense that nutrition and comfort were not being prioritized surface repeatedly. In contrast, other reviewers describe meals positively or simply as adequate and note that the kitchen staff and housekeeping personnel contribute to a generally supportive atmosphere, illustrating once more the uneven experience reported by families and patients.
Interactions between staff and residents are varied as well. Some reviewers recount friendly, patient, and respectful care, with nurses and aides making efforts to communicate clearly and provide reassurance. Others recount direct confrontations, hostile exchanges, or a perception of harsh treatment, including a roommate who was met with "a cup of ice" denial and a stern response. Where some families see empathy and patience, others see a culture where personal warmth and individualized attention feel inconsistent or absent, depending on who is involved and when.
A subset of reviews focuses on the day-to-day rhythms and the overall environment. There are mentions of round-the-clock routines - night feeds, night baths, and night-time vitals - that leave some residents feeling there is little rest, even as others praise the facility for maintaining a clean, well-kept environment with housekeeping actively tending to floors and surfaces and staff appearing consistently engaged in resident care. In some accounts, the facility's leadership is praised for clear communication, with regular updates from the executive director about issues like Covid and visiting arrangements, underscoring a commitment to transparency and family involvement.
Perhaps the most striking and troubling thread comes from an alarming sequence of events described in a later post. One reviewer recounted an experience where a loved one was moved out after several days amid "strange activities" at night, a night staff that was described as rude, a fall, and delayed help at the call button. The reviewer stated their relative was terrified and ultimately could not be kept safely, leading to an emergency hospital transfer and, in their account, a death shortly thereafter due to severe abdominal trauma. This narrative casts a harsh light on patient safety and response times, coloring the broader impression with a sense of urgency and profound grief.
In sum, Riverwood appears to deliver a complex tapestry of care. For some families, it is a place of genuine compassion, thorough communication, and capable rehabilitation, where staff members - like Heather Limoges and Phyllis Innocent - are remembered as true advocates who go above and beyond. For others, it is a facility where basic comforts and safety can feel neglected, where odors and cleanliness issues clash with expectations of a clean, respectful, and dignified environment, and where responsive, empathetic care can seem inconsistent. The reviews collectively suggest that the experience at Riverwood is highly dependent on individual staff interactions, the specifics of the day, and how well families and patients navigate the facility's processes to secure timely support and attention.
Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center in Starke, FL is a premier assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents. With a focus on providing a comfortable and engaging environment, Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center strives to meet the unique needs of each individual.
At Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center, residents can enjoy amenities such as a beauty salon for pampering and self-care, access to cable or satellite TV for entertainment, community-operated transportation for convenience, and a computer center for staying connected. The dining room offers restaurant-style dining where nutritious meals are prepared and served with special dietary restrictions taken into consideration. Additionally, there is a kitchenette available for those who prefer to prepare their meals.
For recreational activities, residents have access to various spaces including a fitness room equipped with exercise equipment to encourage physical wellness. There is also a gaming room, small library, and outdoor space where residents can relax and enjoy nature. Scheduled daily activities and resident-run activities provide opportunities for socialization and engagement.
The care services at Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center are comprehensive and provided by trained professionals. With a 24-hour call system in place, assistance is readily available whenever needed. The staff provides 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers.
Medication management ensures that residents receive their medications on time. A mental wellness program is in place to support emotional well-being. Special dietary restrictions are accommodated through personalized meal preparation. Transportation arrangements are made both for non-medical purposes as well as transportation to doctors' appointments.
Located in Starke FL, Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center benefits from its proximity to various amenities nearby. With 2 cafes, parks, pharmacies within close range; 9 physicians nearby; 15 restaurants allowing easy access to dining options; convenient transportation options available; places of worship just around the corner; and a hospital in close proximity, residents have access to everything they need.
Overall, Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center in Starke, FL provides a comfortable and enriching environment for its residents. The wide range of amenities and care services ensure that individuals can maintain their independence while receiving the necessary support.
Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center is located at 808 South Colley Road, Starke, FL 32091 in Clay County, Florida
Riverwood Health & Rehabilitation Center on seniors.fyi includes 14 photos including images showing interior, dining, building, landscaping, outdoor, lighting, exterior, bedroom, and more.
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