P O Box F-1, 1622 Walnut Street, Syracuse, NE 68446
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Good Samaritan Society - Syracuse
Pros
The staff were very welcoming during the facility tour.- The facility was clean and smelled great.
- The staff are kind-hearted and care deeply.
- It is a great place with great staff to work with.
- The nurses advocate for residents with dementia.
Cons
They wouldn’t listen to her; they were a bunch of idiots.- The staff contacted her brother but not her when the mother was taken to the hospital.
- Some nurses got cranky and seemed to side with residents with dementia over those who started the argument.
- They babied the residents who yell instead of encouraging them to use the call button.
Review
This community is best suited for families seeking a warm, neighborly atmosphere where courtesy, cleanliness, and everyday reliability are the core expectations. It works well for residents who thrive on steady routines, social engagement, and hands-on, compassionate care delivered in a setting that feels welcoming. It is less ideal for those who need ultra-responsive family notification protocols or highly consistent, neutral staff behavior on every shift. Families prioritizing transparent, formalized communication with every hospital transfer or medical decision may want to compare options. Similarly, if a loved one requires highly specialized dementia programming or a uniformly calm staff tone, consider alternatives with a stronger emphasis on these elements.
On the plus side, the place makes a strong positive first impression. Tours frequently note a welcoming staff presence and a facility that feels clean and well maintained, with a pleasant atmosphere that helps residents settle in. Several reviewers highlight kind-hearted employees who genuinely seem to care, and the general sentiment among staff is described as supportive and cooperative. The combination of a friendly culture and a livable environment can translate into meaningful daily experiences for residents who value human connection, routine, and predictable care. These factors contribute to a sense of safety and belonging that matters for many families.
However, there are clear downsides that families should weigh against the strengths. A notable complaint centers on inconsistent family communication, with one account describing hospital transfer notices going to a sibling but not to another involved child, despite the latter claiming equal involvement. Such lapses signal a policy gap that can leave families frustrated during stressful times. Additional concerns point to occasional crankiness among some nurses, and questions about how staff respond to conflicts, particularly in dementia-related situations. There is also an impression that some staff rely on yelling rather than using the call system, which raises concerns about responsiveness and procedure adherence.
These pros and cons do not exist in a vacuum; their interaction matters for decision-making. The warm, attentive care and the clean, welcoming environment help offset a few rough edges in communication and interpersonal dynamics. When staff are genuinely kind and residents feel safe, families can accept occasional missteps as fixable through better processes. Yet the gaps in notifying all relevant family members and the inconsistent calmness of some caregivers can erode confidence, especially for loved ones who must be kept in the loop during medical events. In short, the core strengths are meaningful, but they do not completely neutralize the risk of disjointed communication and uneven staff demeanor.
For families weighing the choice, the practical path is clear. If choosing this community, insist on establishing a formal primary contact protocol and a predictable hospital-notification routine that covers all guardians. Seek concrete assurances about call-button response times and staff training in de-escalation, particularly for residents with dementia. Ask about staff turnover, which strongly influences consistency and tone, and request access to a sample care conference where family input is documented and acted upon. If these systems feel uncertain or incomplete, it is prudent to explore other facilities that demonstrate a stronger track record in consistent communication and steadier management of behavioral concerns.
In the end, Good Samaritan Society – Syracuse stands out for warmth, approachability, and a clean, welcoming environment that can comfort families seeking daily companionship and steady routine. Its strongest argument is the human touch, staff who seem to care and a setting that feels homey. The clear caveats are communication gaps and occasional staff reactions that can undermine trust during important moments. For families who prize interpersonal warmth and a respectful, less clinical atmosphere, this community is a compelling option. For those for whom flawless family communication and perfectly uniform staff discretion are non-negotiables, it pays to interview alternatives with a sharper emphasis on process rigor and consistent staff conduct.
88 resident community capacity
Skilled Nursing Facility
Air-conditioning
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Community operated transportation
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Concierge services
Planned day trips
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