Mar-Ka Nursing & Rehabilitation
Save201 South 10th Street, Mascoutah, IL 62258
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
The collection of remarks about this facility reads like a rollercoaster, with some people praising it as a wonderful, homelike place and others painting a starkly different picture of danger, neglect, and dysfunction. A common through-line among the harsh critiques is that residents can feel ignored, unwell, or unsafe, while several families describe a stark lack of communication and responsiveness that leaves them anxious and out of the loop. At the same time, a number of reviewers insist the staff are caring, compassionate, and dedicated, making the difference between a good and a terrible experience depend largely on who is on duty and the perspective of the observer.
On the negative end, many reviewers recount situations where urgent help seemed out of reach. The nurse call button was reportedly ignored, and calls for assistance from residents were described as routinely unanswered. Complaints of neglect and even abuse surface in several accounts, with residents wandering unmonitored, calls for help unanswered, and relatives left in the dark about medical updates. Maintenance and cleanliness also drew pointed criticism: flies swarmed the facility, odors were described as pervasive, and the building itself was labeled dirty and rundown. Specific safety concerns were highlighted, including a room where a 240-volt outlet was hanging from the wall and other outlets that felt unstable, suggesting potential electrical hazards. Water leaks and bugs in rooms added to the impression of an unsafe, neglected environment.
The harm described extended beyond discomfort to concrete incidents that families could not ignore. One reviewer mentioned hearing aids being lost or misplaced and the facility refusing to reimburse the cost, while others pointed to resident falls and even broken ribs. Food quality was questioned as part of the overall care experience, and some families described a lack of protection and attention during critical moments, painting a scene of care that was not consistently reliable. There were even accounts of residents crying or moaning and not receiving timely aid, and of administrative staff being perceived as unorganized or unprofessional. In several entries, the tone conveyed not merely dissatisfaction with care but a sense of betrayal and fear for a loved one's safety.
Communication with families emerged as a persistent stressor in many reviews. Some families claimed there was little to no information shared about residents' conditions or treatment plans, and there were frequent assertions that, if you value being kept in the loop, this is not the place to entrust a loved one. The sentiment that the facility prioritizes other concerns over patient welfare appears in several places, with references to being told what to do rather than being listened to, and to a general feeling that leadership does not always act in the residents' best interests. A recurring theme is the difficulty in getting consistent answers, culminating in statements about contacting state authorities or seeking outside advocacy.
Leadership and administration drew mixed to sharp criticism and praise in various proportions. A recurring name in the negative commentary is Katrina, described by some as a rude, money-driven administrator who lacks genuine investment in staff, residents, or families. The accusation that residents are viewed as "dollar signs" surfaces in some reviews, along with claims of under-staffing and a sense of indifference toward the people who live and work there. Yet the other side of the spectrum includes glowing tributes to leadership, with several reviewers praising the administrator and the director of nursing (DON) as warm, capable, and responsive. Phrases like "the DON is amazing" and "the administrator is the best" appear alongside other entries that describe a homey, supportive atmosphere created by the leadership and staff. Some reviewers even attribute a strong, caring culture to those in management, suggesting a broad variance in experiences tied to shifts, departments, or individual leaders.
Amid the strong opinions, there are also persistent affirmations that the staff can be wonderfully caring and that the facility is a "home-like" environment when things are going well. Multiple accounts praise specific staff members, including CNAs and nurses, and describe the atmosphere as welcoming and kind. Some reviewers speak of staff as "family," of dedicated caregivers who are helpful, patient, and genuinely invested in residents' well-being. There are even endorsements of particular roles, such as a DON who is described as approachable and supportive, and a cosmetologist who expresses joy in caring for residents. In certain pieces, families report that their loved ones were happy, well-treated, and content with their daily lives, underscoring the genuine warmth and care that exists in some shifts and days.
A notable caveat, however, is the sense that many of the positive voices may come from people connected to the facility itself - staff members or insiders - while other reviewers urge caution about relying on those accounts alone. One comment explicitly suggests evaluating reviews from multiple perspectives and implies that staff-written praise can inflate the perceived quality of care. Taken together, the reviews present a complex picture: a place that can be a nurturing, supportive home for some, but dangerously overstretched, inadequately maintained, and poorly communicating for others. The experience one has seems highly contingent on specific staff, leadership at the time, and the particular day.
For anyone considering care here, the message is to proceed with careful, independent due diligence. Visiting the facility, requesting direct conversations with both the DON and the administrator, and reviewing state inspection reports and current occupancy or staffing data could help separate the disparate experiences reflected in these reviews. Speaking with a variety of families and residents, and observing how calls for assistance are handled in real time, can offer a clearer sense of whether this environment will meet a loved one's needs. Given the spectrum of experiences described, it's wise to gather multiple viewpoints, verify safety and maintenance concerns, and assess whether the facility's strengths align with what matters most for a specific resident's health, dignity, and daily comfort.
Mar-Ka Nursing & Rehabilitation in Mascoutah, IL 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.
For convenience, residents can take advantage of our on-site beauty salon, computer center, gaming room, small library, and fitness room. We also provide fully furnished living spaces with private bathrooms and offer housekeeping services to maintain cleanliness and tidiness.
Delicious meals are served in our dining room with restaurant-style dining, catering to special dietary restrictions as needed. Our dedicated staff is available around the clock to assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. We also offer medication management for optimal health and wellbeing.
At Mar-Ka Nursing & Rehabilitation, we prioritize mental wellness and provide a comprehensive mental wellness program for our residents. Transportation arrangement (non-medical) is available for community outings as well as transportation to doctors' appointments.
We understand the importance of social engagement and offer a variety of activities including concierge services, fitness programs, planned day trips, resident-run activities, and scheduled daily activities. With two parks nearby, residents can also enjoy outdoor spaces and spend quality time in nature.
In terms of nearby amenities and facilities, there are two pharmacies within close proximity, ensuring convenient access to medications. Additionally, there are three restaurants nearby for dining options outside the community. For spiritual needs, there are two places of worship nearby where residents can find solace.
With one hospital nearby and reliable transportation arrangements in place, residents can rest assured knowing that their healthcare needs will be taken care of effectively.
Mar-Ka Nursing & Rehabilitation provides a warm and caring environment where seniors can receive personalized assistance while enjoying an active lifestyle surrounded by beautiful amenities.
Mar-Ka Nursing & Rehabilitation is located at 201 South 10th Street, Mascoutah, IL 62258 in St. Clair County, Illinois
Mar-Ka Nursing & Rehabilitation on seniors.fyi includes 4 photos including images showing dining, interior, landscaping, building, artwork, bedroom, healthcare, chandelier, and more.
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