Norwood Health & Rehabilation in Norwood, MA

Pros

• It is described as a great place with lots going on, and the reviewer's wife is very happy there.
• The activities department is impressive, with live entertainment and staff who care about residents' quality of life.
• The rehab section's activities program is starting up after Covid, and the staff are very caring and concerned about the patients.
• The occupational therapy and physical therapy departments are considered quite good.

Cons

• The facility is a horrible place to force a loved one to live.
• The place is a mouse haven.
• The staff barely speak English.
• The air conditioning barely works.
• Residents have contracted scabies due to dirty bedding and unprotected care.
• The facility should be shut down immediately due to abuse and neglect.
• It is a horrible dump with patients sitting in barren hallways, matted hair, and stained clothes.
• There is little nurse interaction; staff sit on their phones.
• The room was cluttered with another person's belongings, causing distress.
• The facility has an awful odor; staff avoid patients, with little interaction.
• The director is rude and poorly mannered.
• The staff never answer the phone and hang up on callers.

Review

Norwood Health & Rehabilation in Norwood, MA is best suited for families that can provide hands-on oversight and want an active rehab-oriented environment to support a loved one's recovery. When the therapy team is consistent, residents can make meaningful gains from occupational and physical therapy and enjoy social programming that helps mood and motivation. This is not a passive placement; success hinges on attentive family involvement and a facility culture that can sustain reliable care. For short-term rehab cases where a calm, engaging setting and access to rehab services matter, the program can offer legitimate value. But the positives rely on stable staffing and disciplined operations, which reviews repeatedly call into question. Without that backbone, even strong therapy wins may fail to translate into durable safety or satisfaction.

Those with higher medical needs or cognitive symptoms requiring constant monitoring should consider alternatives. Reports of pests, odors, and visibly substandard room conditions raise red flags about cleanliness and infection control. Language barriers and inconsistent communication with staff hamper care coordination. A for-profit ownership structure paired with frequent leadership changes generates uncertainty about accountability and follow-through. Families unable to dedicate time to monitor care or advocate on behalf of a loved one are at elevated risk of delayed responses and suboptimal treatment. In short, reliability on basic safety and daily needs is not reliably demonstrated here, making other facilities with stronger clinical oversight a wiser choice for many seniors.

Yet there are bright spots that cannot be ignored. The activities department and some frontline therapists are consistently praised for engagement and warmth, and when residents participate, quality of life improves. A rehab-focused atmosphere can help a recovering patient regain independence more quickly, and active staff interactions can meaningfully reduce isolation. For families who can maintain a steady oversight and who value meaningful programming, these benefits create a practical payoff that complements the clinical side. The reality is that the best experience at this facility depends on stable staffing and someone monitoring daily operations to ensure that therapy benefits are matched by safe, attentive care.

However, the dominant concerns are hard to overlook. Multiple reviews portray ongoing sanitation problems, roach infestations, strong hallway odors, and rooms that feel neglected. Reports of scabies and other infection risks, along with limited access to reliable nursing attention, point to systemic gaps in care. Staffing appears inconsistent, with high turnover and frequent use of agency nurses that hinder relationship-building and personalized care. Instances of poor communication, perceived call-light neglect, and even aggressive or dismissive treatment by some staff cast doubt on the facility's ability to uphold resident dignity. Several families urge regulatory scrutiny, and the most damning narratives describe neglect or harm surrounding hydration, feeding, and overall safety. These are not cosmetic flaws; they are fundamental failures that undercut any rehab gains.

Prudent evaluation means demanding concrete assurances before placement. Prospective families should obtain current state inspection reports and review any deficiencies, then tour at multiple times to observe actual care dynamics. Ask detailed questions about nurse-to-patient ratios, infection control practices, how emergencies are handled, and how care plans are communicated across shifts. Speak directly with nursing aides, therapists, the activities director, and a supervisor, and observe whether patients receive respectful, timely attention. Verify the availability of clean linens, towels, and supplies, and assess whether call-buttons are functioning and answered promptly. If possible, arrange a supervised trial period or put a formal oversight agreement in place to monitor performance and address issues early.

In sum, Norwood Health & Rehabilation presents a high-stakes tradeoff: potential rehab benefit and engaging activities come with material risks around cleanliness, staffing stability, and consistent clinical oversight. It is not a sound default choice for seniors who require reliable medical attention, predictable routines, and a pristine environment. For families ready to invest sustained oversight and to push for rapid fixes, it can be navigated, but only with a clear plan and an exit strategy if safety or care standards fail. Otherwise, prioritize facilities with stronger clinical reputations, cleaner environments, and proven staffing consistency. A disciplined comparison, plus consultation with a trusted elder-care attorney or advocate, is essential before any commitment.

This part of Norwood, Massachusetts offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors looking to relocate to the area. With multiple physicians' offices and medical centers within close proximity, including Guild Medical Center and Dedham Medical Associates, residents have access to quality healthcare services. Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are also conveniently located nearby for prescription needs. In terms of dining options, there are various cafes and restaurants such as Starbucks, Panera Bread, Yard House, and C.F. McCarthy's offering a range of choices for meals out. Nearby parks like Francis William Bird Park and Houghton's Pond provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, transportation options including Canton Junction Station and MBTA Commuter Rail stations make it easy to travel around the area. Overall, this part of Norwood provides a well-rounded environment that caters to the needs and preferences of seniors looking for a comfortable living situation.

Physicians

• Guild Medical Center (0.1 miles)
• Dedham Medical Associates (1.2 miles)
• Pediatric Associates of Wellesley (4.5 miles)
• Dedham Medical (5.2 miles)
• The Foxboro Center For Women's & Family Health (6.6 miles)
• Brigham & Womens Mass General Healthcare Center (7.5 miles)
• Signature Healthcare Pediatrics (8.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Wegmans (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Catherine of Siena Parish (0.4 miles)
• First Baptist Church (8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Brookside Cafe (1.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Dunkin' Brands (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• French Press Bakery & Cafe (6.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Castle Island Brewing (1.6 miles)
• Wendy's (1.9 miles)
• Yard House (3.1 miles)
• C.F. McCarthy’s (3.8 miles)
• Eggs & Thai Cafe (4.2 miles)
• Rico's Pizzeria (4.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (5.1 miles)

Parks

• Francis William Bird Park (2.5 miles)
• Hinckley Playground (5.2 miles)
• Houghton's Pond (5.7 miles)
• Cutler Park (6.5 miles)
• Almont Park (7.9 miles)
• Pagel Playground (8 miles)
• Newton Highlands Playground (8.7 miles)

Hospitals

• New England Baptist Outpatient Care Center (2.9 miles)
• West Roxbury VA Hospital (6 miles)
• Lemuel Shattuck Hospital (9.1 miles)

Transportation

• Canton Junction Station (3.1 miles)
• Route 128 station (3.2 miles)
• Readville (4.8 miles)
• MBTA Commuter Rail (7.2 miles)
• Norfolk Transfer Station (8.2 miles)

Theaters

• Showcase Cinema de Lux Randolph (7.5 miles)
• AMC Braintree 10 (8.9 miles)
• Showcase SuperLux (9.3 miles)