Cooper River West in Pennsauken, NJ

Pros

• The staff are welcoming and friendly, making visitors feel at home.
• The atmosphere is bright, clean, and never feels like a nursing home.
• The therapy program is excellent and effective in helping residents recover.
• The activities are engaging and keep residents busy and entertained.
• The food is excellent and dining experiences are enjoyable.
• The facility is well maintained, with clean rooms and tidy common areas.
• The administration and front desk are helpful and accommodating.
• Many reviewers would highly recommend Riverfront Rehab to others.

Cons

• The facility is described as horrible and unsafe.
• It is severely understaffed and poorly managed, leading to neglect.
• The rooms are dirty and smell of urine, with pests like ants and roaches present.
• The food is often described as inedible or of very poor quality.
• The staff are rude, unprofessional, and unresponsive to residents' needs.
• Personal belongings are frequently lost or mishandled.
• Communication from administration and social workers is unreliable, delaying care or discharges.
• The building is outdated and poorly maintained, with issues like broken beds and leaking panels.
• Some reviewers allege abuse or mistreatment, including medication mishandling.

Review

Cooper River West is best suited for seniors who need focused short-term rehab with an emphasis on aggressive physical and occupational therapy, delivered in a bright, social environment. It appeals to families that value approachable staff, a welcoming atmosphere, and ongoing activities that keep residents engaged throughout recovery. The center's bilingual staff and lively day rooms are real assets for residents who benefit from clear communication and a sense of community. When recovery goals center on returning home quickly and maintaining a sense of normalcy, this community can deliver solid results, especially for those who respond well to structured therapy and daily engagement.

Those weighing alternatives should note who may want to look elsewhere. Families seeking near-flawless cleanliness, absolute staffing consistency, or unwavering safety protocols may be disappointed by the variability reflected in the reviews. Several accounts describe under-staffing, delayed call bells, and gaps in routine care. Others report odors, pests, and rooms that feel dated or poorly maintained. For residents with high dementia care needs, fragile safety concerns, or a strict expectation of zero-tolerance for administrative missteps, a different facility with a more uniform record of performance might be prudent. These risks deserve careful, in-person evaluation before choosing.

The strongest positives center on therapy quality and everyday warmth from the caregiving team. Reviewers repeatedly highlight exceptional rehabilitation, with therapy teams that are described as skilled, encouraging, and able to push residents to regain mobility. The nursing staff and aides are frequently praised for their kindness, approachability, and willingness to go the extra mile, contributing to meaningful recovery and a sense of being well cared for. The environment, when it is well maintained, feels clean, bright, and home-like, with social activities and outdoor space that invite family involvement and friendly interaction among residents.

The dominant concerns pull in the opposite direction. Under-staffing issues surface in several reviews as long call-bell waits, delays in routine care, and inconsistent attention to patient needs. Reports range from frustrations with medication handling and chart accuracy to accounts of rooms that appear dirty or poorly maintained, with odors or pests mentioned in some cases. A number of reviews describe strained social-work and administrative experiences, with suggestions that discharge planning can be delayed or unclear. Food quality and meal service also surface as a mixed factor, sometimes adequate and at other times described as lacking, which can matter for residents who rely on hospital-like dining during recovery.

How the positives and negatives balance out depends on priorities and safeguards. For families prioritizing a strong, outcome-driven rehab program, the therapy staff's expertise and the consistently positive interpersonal style of many caregivers can offset a great deal of day-to-day operational stress. Residents who thrive on routine, social programming, and bilingual support may find the overall experience satisfying and hopeful. However, for those whose criteria include ironclad staffing reliability, spotless sanitation, and flawless administrative handling, the concerns raised in several reviews may overwhelm the benefits. The facility can produce excellent recovery stories, but it also carries enough risk signals to demand rigorous due diligence.

Decision-makers should approach Cooper River West with a clear checklist. Schedule a day-of-visit during peak activity to observe therapy sessions, nurse interactions, call-bell responses, and housekeeping practices. Ask for the latest state inspection and any corrective-action plans, and request a direct contact for ongoing concerns. Review the menu options and feeding routines, confirm the availability of bilingual staff across shifts, and speak with current residents and family members about discharge timelines and care consistency. Finally, set measurable expectations for rehab milestones, communication cadence, and accountability before committing. With disciplined oversight, Cooper River West can be a strong fit for rehab-focused care; without it, the variability across reviews suggests looking at other options.

This part of Pennsauken, New Jersey offers a convenient and well-rounded community for senior living. With several pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS nearby, residents have easy access to essential medications and healthcare supplies. There are also a variety of cafes like Starbucks and Jersey Java & Tea where seniors can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while socializing with friends or family. Access to transportation options like the PATCO Westmont Station allows for easy travel around the area. In terms of dining options, seniors can choose from upscale restaurants like The Capital Grille to casual favorites like Pizza Hut and Chick-Fil-A. Nearby hospitals include Cooper University Hospital and Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, ensuring quality medical care is easily accessible. Additionally, there are several parks such as Penn's Landing and Franklin Square for outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as theaters like Landmark Theatres - Ritz Five for entertainment options. Overall, this part of Pennsauken provides a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Wegmans (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Jersey Java & Tea (2.6 miles)
• ReAnimator Coffee (4.5 miles)
• La Colombe Coffee Roasters (4.5 miles)
• Elixr Coffee (5.3 miles)
• La Colombe Torrefaction (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)

Transportation

• PATCO Westmont Station (2 miles)
• Jefferson Station (4.9 miles)
• 30th Street Station (6.2 miles)

Restaurants

• The Capital Grille (2.4 miles)
• Auntie Anne's (2.7 miles)
• Pizza Hut (2.9 miles)
• Ponzio's Diner-Bakery-Bar (3.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.7 miles)
• The Franklin Fountain (4.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Cooper University Hospital (2.5 miles)
• Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital (2.9 miles)
• Episcopal Hospital (5.3 miles)
• St Christopher's Hospital for Children (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Advocare Heights Primary Care (3.4 miles)
• Frankford Avenue Health Center (6 miles)

Parks

• Penn's Landing (3.9 miles)
• Race Street Pier (4 miles)
• Weccacoe Park (4.2 miles)
• Independence National Historical Park (4.4 miles)
• Piazza Dog Park (4.4 miles)
• Franklin Square (4.6 miles)
• Palmer Park Farmers Market (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• Landmark Theatres - Ritz Five (4.1 miles)