Highfield Gardens Care Center in Great Neck, NY

Pros

• The staff work hard to ensure residents are comfortable.
• Melisha at the front desk and the team on 3 North greet visitors with a smile.
• The facility is fantastic and the staff are dedicated.
• The care team is attentive, compassionate, and treats residents like family.
• Abagail, the front desk receptionist, is wonderful, personable, and welcoming.
• The rehab and therapy departments are excellent and help residents regain strength.
• The meals feature favorites like delicious desserts, cookies, cakes and banana bread.
• The facility is clean, well-maintained, and safe for residents.
• The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming, and supportive, with staff who are kind and professional.
• Rita and the activity program bring joy and meaningful engagement to residents.

Cons

• There was a roach on the urinal and ants, indicating poor cleanliness.
• The food was poorly prepared, and other patients shared the same complaint.
• Promised twice-daily PT and twice-daily bed baths were not delivered; medications were delayed and not explained.
• The patient's room was unbearably hot, with an air conditioner that didn't work properly.
• The staff were described as incompetent and unkind, with some saying they should be ashamed.
• The facility was described as dreadful: food was slop, residents were not treated promptly, and care was inconsistent (e.g., rehab not started timely; bedsores noted).
• On Thanksgiving night, the patient received no care and felt neglected, with abuse concerns raised.
• The receptionist hung up on a caller and was described as rude.
• One review labeled the place the worst: incompetent, inattentive staff, and a failure to provide timely hospital care when pneumonia arose.

Review

Highfield Gardens Care Center is best suited for families seeking a rehab-to-nursing continuum where a strong therapy program and a genuinely caring staff can drive meaningful recovery and daily comfort. The facility consistently earns praise for cohesive PT/OT/speech teams, attentive nurses and aides, and a front-line culture that feels personal and family-oriented. Residents who arrive focused on rebuilding strength, independence, and confidence often find the environment welcoming, with daily activities, entertainment, and even pet or wildlife programming that keeps spirits engaged. For families prioritizing tangible rehab outcomes and a supportive, hands-on approach from clinicians and care staff, Highfield delivers concrete value.

Those who should consider alternatives include families with hard deadlines for flawless medication management, strictly consistent care, or exacting standards around air temperature and room conditions. A number of reviews flag inconsistent attention to routine tasks - delays in medications, irregular assistance with bathing, or gaps in discharge planning - that can undermine progress for sicker or more vulnerable residents. Language accessibility and cultural food preferences also show up as gaps in some reports, suggesting that non-English speakers or households with specialized dietary needs may prefer a facility with more robust multilingual staffing or a more tailored culinary program. For highly regulated expectations or very particular care needs, it pays to compare options carefully.

On the plus side, the rehab ecosystem at Highfield is repeatedly described as well-coordinated and outcomes-focused. Therapists such as Carine, Esther, Sinead, Arete, Dioms, and Jenena are frequently highlighted for pushing patients to regain walking ability, balance, and independence, often enabling a timely discharge home. The nursing and caregiving corps receive abundant praise for dedication and compassion, with multiple reviewers naming specific CNAs, RNs, and floor coordinators who consistently go the extra mile. Social work and discharge-planning professionals - touched on by families as being effective in coordinating transitions - further reinforce the sense that rehab at Highfield can culminate in real, measurable progress and a smoother return to daily life.

Yet notable cons recur enough to shape a practical decision. Several reviews describe episodes of subpar cleanliness, heat management, or uncomfortable room climates, sometimes alongside roach or ant sightings. Food quality appears uneven, with some patients and families labeling meals as unappealing or not aligned with dietary needs, even as others praise dessert and specific menu items. Staffing can feel uneven, with reports of understaffing during certain shifts and uneven customer service at the front desk or on the floor. A few accounts recount slow responses to requests or critical gaps in monitoring and medication administration, which can be concerning for residents requiring high vigilance.

Those pros and cons offer a meaningful trade-off. When rehab outcomes are the central goal and the emphasis is on a compassionate, knowledgeable therapy team that can drive strength gains and confidence, Highfield's strengths often offset the occasional operational hiccups. The same staff who make patients feel seen - whether through evening conversations, personalized routines, or cheerful midday activities - also become a family-level resource for families navigating transitions. The by-name recognition of therapists, nurses, and front-desk personnel in many reviews creates trust that the care team will rally to address problems when they arise. In healthcare decisions, such relational capital can be as powerful as clinical metrics.

For families actively evaluating Highfield, a practical plan is essential. Prior to admission, demand specifics on shift-by-shift staffing ratios, weekly rehab frequency, and how med-admin tasks are tracked and verified. Confirm room climate controls and the dining program's ability to accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions, and assess the center's responsiveness by requesting a direct contact for concerns rather than relying on general channels. Visit multiple times at different hours to observe interactions on the floor, and meet both the therapy team and the social worker who would manage transitions. If choosing Highfield, frame expectations around measurable rehab milestones and a clear, documented discharge pathway, while staying alert to early signs that a resident's care needs may outstrip available resources.

Located in Great Neck, New York, this area offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With several reputable physicians and hospitals nearby, residents have easy access to quality healthcare services. The proximity to public transportation such as the LIRR stations makes it convenient for seniors to travel around the city. Additionally, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants for socializing and dining out, as well as parks for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. The presence of pharmacies ensures quick access to medications and healthcare supplies. Overall, this part of Great Neck provides a well-rounded living environment that is both convenient and enjoyable for seniors seeking a comfortable retirement lifestyle.

Physicians

• North Shore Gastroenterology Associates PC (1 miles)
• 2 Pro Health Plaza (1.7 miles)
• Winthrop Professional Building (4.4 miles)
• Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group (8.7 miles)

Transportation

• LIRR - Manhasset Station (1 miles)
• LIRR - Little Neck Station (2 miles)
• LIRR New Hyde Park Station (3.7 miles)
• LIRR - Floral Park Station (4 miles)
• LIRR - Westbury Station (6.5 miles)
• LIRR - Mets-Willets Point Station (7.6 miles)
• MTA - Mets-Willets Point Subway Station (7.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (8.7 miles)
• Cafe Zeppieri (8.8 miles)
• Starbucks (8.9 miles)

Parks

• Allenwood Park (1.4 miles)
• Alley Pond Park (3.7 miles)
• Cunningham Park (4.9 miles)
• Hempstead Lake State Park (7.7 miles)
• Flushing Meadows Corona Park (7.7 miles)
• Eisenhower Park (8.3 miles)
• Coes Neck Park (8.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Division of Vascular/Interventional Radiology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (1.9 miles)
• St Francis Hospital (2.4 miles)
• Winthrop University Hospital New Life Center (4.3 miles)
• Winthrop University Hospital (4.3 miles)
• Nassau University Medical Center (8.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Toku Modern Asian (1.9 miles)
• Hendrick's Tavern (3.1 miles)
• Burger King (3.2 miles)
• McDonald's (4.3 miles)
• Bar Frites (4.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (4.9 miles)
• Vincent's Clam Bar (5.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Community Church of East Williston (3.9 miles)
• St Luke's Episcopal Church (8.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Fresh Meadows 7 (5 miles)
• AMC Roosevelt Field 8 (5.4 miles)
• Regal Westbury Imax & RPX (7.8 miles)
• AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13 (8.6 miles)