University Nursing Home in Bronx, NY

Pros

• The University Center staff are friendly and helpful, with Administrator Izzy described as very attentive.
• The staff are highly professional, incredibly compassionate, and attentive.
• The facility is clean, well-maintained, and inviting.
• There are plenty of activities to keep residents engaged and socially active.
• The team communicates well with families and keeps them informed about changes in health.
• The center is a wonderful choice for high-quality care where residents' well-being is a top priority.
• The staff treat residents with love, respect, and kindness, making them feel valued and comfortable.
• Residents often leave better than when they arrived, thanks to excellent therapy and care.

Cons

• One reviewer reported that a CNA pushed a visitor into the elevator, observed by the administrator and others.
• A reviewer stated there is no dedicated PT/OT space, with therapy limited to chairs and stairs.
• The building was described as resembling an asylum, in serious need of repairs, with dented cans of food scattered in hallways and the admin area.
• It was observed that there was little real activity, with residents mostly in day rooms watching TV.
• A reviewer questioned why insurance would pay for the facility and how it remains licensed in 2025.
• In 2023, the administration was described as rude, with allegations that health insurance was canceled to push Medicaid and attempts to change a rehabilitation patient to a permanent resident without family input.
• Checking in was described as a HORRIBLE experience, with claims that procedures were not followed.
• The facility was characterized as old and deteriorating, too small, with rotting furniture, hospital beds, and photos that do not reflect its current state.
• A reviewer claimed staff did not respond promptly, taking hours to answer calls, and criticized nurses and CNAs for not meeting needs.
• The facility was accused of negligence in patient care and poor communication with families, including a late notification of a relative’s death from Covid-19.
• There were reports of mice and water bugs, bed and toilet problems (no hot water, clogged toilets), and a pervasive smell.
• A reviewer warned not to place a family member there, stating they would not send their own family.

Review

University Nursing Home in the Bronx is best suited for families seeking a rehab-focused, intimate setting where staff and leadership are consistently engaged with residents and their families. The center earns trust through hands-on caregiving, with therapy teams that emphasize real, measurable progress and nurses and CNAs who treat residents with warmth and respect. The administrator, Izzy, is repeatedly highlighted as approachable and active in daily operations, a factor that matters greatly when navigating post-acute recovery. For short-term rehab aimed at returning home, this facility often delivers with regular updates, visible attentiveness, and a family-friendly atmosphere that supports hands-on involvement in care decisions.

Those considering alternatives should weigh modernization and consistency. Several reviews flag an aging building with dated interiors, limited dedicated therapy space, and maintenance gaps that can hinder comfort and efficiency in rehab trails. Administrative responsiveness also appears uneven in some accounts, with delays in returning calls or providing timely updates to families. For families prioritizing a pristine campus, a fully modernized environment, or unwavering, uniform leadership across shifts, exploring larger or more contemporary centers may offer clearer guarantees of reliability and a smoother long-term care experience.

Key pros offset many drawbacks where rehab success and personal care are the priority. The staff’s compassion and professional competence translate into meaningful functional gains for residents, with therapists who push toward independence and re-engagement in daily life. Meals are noted as nutritious, and the social calendar, group activities, exercise, and communal spaces, supports both physical recovery and emotional well-being. The environment, while not luxurious, feels clean, safe, and welcoming, reinforcing a sense of security for families. The administrator’s availability and proactive problem-solving consistently emerge as a stabilizing influence on care planning and day-to-day operations.

Yet the downside deserves attention. The building’s age shows in several reviews, including concerns about upkeep, occasional pest or cleanliness-related complaints, and the perception that renovations are necessary to meet evolving standards. Activity levels can fluctuate, with some days appearing less engaging for residents. Communication gaps persist in certain experiences, particularly around timely family updates or follow-through on questions. On a few occasions, specific interactions have raised alarms about safety and responsiveness, underscoring that not every shift or department delivers the same level of attentiveness. Inconsistent experiences with insurance or Medicaid handling add another layer of risk that families must scrutinize.

Despite these challenges, the care foundation remains solid for families who prize a hands-on, caregiver-led approach. The small, homelike atmosphere fosters strong relationships, enabling staff to tailor therapies and daily routines to individual needs. Families that can invest in active oversight often benefit from the one-on-one attention that appears to drive better outcomes. When communication works well, it provides real peace of mind, enabling relatives to feel connected to progress and able to participate in decisions about rehab goals and discharge plans. For the right match, that personal touch can outweigh some structural imperfections.

Decision-ready takeaway: University Nursing Home is a compelling choice for rehab-first needs where personal attention, therapy-driven recovery, and family involvement are non-negotiable. The strongest compelling factors are the caring, capable staff, active therapy programs, and a welcoming, if modest, environment that supports progress and dignity. The primary cautions are an aging facility with maintenance and modernization questions, plus uneven administrative responsiveness and the occasional serious concern about safety or communication. Prospective families should conduct a targeted tour with a rehab plan in mind, speak directly with the therapy team and the administrator, inspect therapy spaces and resident rooms, and probe recent renovations, pest-control measures, and maintenance schedules. Gathering candid references from current residents and families will illuminate the day-to-day reality beyond initial impressions, ensuring a decision that aligns care culture with facility condition and administrative reliability.

Located in the Bronx, New York, this neighborhood offers a wide range of amenities suitable for senior living. The area is home to several hospitals such as Bronx VA Medical Center and St Barnabas Hospital, ensuring accessible healthcare options. Public transportation is easily accessible with nearby MTA Subway and Metro-North stations, making it convenient to travel around the city. Additionally, there are numerous pharmacies and physicians' offices nearby for medical needs. For recreational activities, residents can enjoy parks like Inwood Hill Park and Riverdale Park, providing opportunities for outdoor relaxation. There are also various dining options ranging from fast-food chains like McDonald's to upscale restaurants like The River Palm Terrace. Furthermore, cultural attractions like theaters and cafes offer entertainment options for residents. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of healthcare services, transportation convenience, recreational facilities, and dining choices that make it an attractive option for senior living.

Hospitals

• Bronx VA Medical Center (0.3 miles)
• NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital (0.8 miles)
• St Barnabas Hospital (1 miles)
• Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion (2.6 miles)
• Milstein Hospital Building (2.7 miles)
• Manhattan Psychiatric Center (5.4 miles)
• Holy Name Medical Center (5.8 miles)

Transportation

• MTA Subway - Fordham Rd (0.3 miles)
• MTA Fordham Metro-North Station (0.6 miles)
• MTA Subway - Inwood/207th St (1 miles)
• MTA Subway - Dyckman St (1.2 miles)
• MTA Subway - 190th St (1.6 miles)
• MTA Subway - 181st St (2.1 miles)
• MTA Subway - 168th St (2.5 miles)

Parks

• Inwood Hill Park (1 miles)
• Riverdale Park (2.2 miles)
• J. Hood Wright Park (2.4 miles)
• Flat Rock Brook Nature Center (3.5 miles)
• St Nicholas Park (3.8 miles)
• Marcus Garvey Park (4.7 miles)
• Randall's Island Park (4.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• The Riverdale Minyan (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital (2.7 miles)
• Park Medical Group PA (5.6 miles)
• Cummings, Allegra Weill Cornell Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology (6.9 miles)
• David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (7.2 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (3.4 miles)
• Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (3.5 miles)
• Last Stop Bar & Grill (3.7 miles)
• The River Palm Terrace (3.8 miles)
• McDonald's (4.2 miles)
• Harlem Kebab Grill (4.6 miles)
• McDonald's (6.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13 (4 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Shops At Riverside 9 (7.2 miles)

Cafes

• Kuppi Coffee Company (5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Bogota Press Cafe (7.2 miles)
• Ralph’s Café (7.2 miles)
• Cafe Zeppieri (7.3 miles)