Oneonta Nursing Home

Pros

• Chestnut Park staff are described as friendly and taking good care of residents.
• Dr. Nathan, Olivia, and their team are described as professional, very experienced, and a joy to work with.
• Families note the staff's energy, drive, professionalism, and caring nature, often going above and beyond.
• The administration department is described as extraordinary, with Cassie and Bridget providing essential insurance and resident support.
• The kitchen staff and the food are praised, and the therapy department is described as very helpful with the nursing staff working hard.
• Care meetings are viewed as well run and rehab plans as thorough and effective.
• The staff's dedication is evident, with many coming in during snow and challenging conditions.
• Many reviewers would recommend Chestnut Park to others based on their positive experiences.
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy are described as excellent and capable of helping patients regain mobility quickly.
• The care given for loved ones is described as compassionate and comforting by family members.

Cons

• The service was horrible and unresponsive, with calls going unanswered for days.
• A rehab patient ended up in a room where the call bell didn't work most of the time.
• The bed control had frayed wires, creating a safety risk.
• Staff did not bathe the patient during the stay.
• The aide Judy should be fired for her actions.
• The administrator dismissed concerns as a "learning experience."
• Pills were found on the floor and a nurse allegedly gave narcotics illegally.
• The patient contracted MRSA there, and the director of nurses said that's not how they treat it.
• After discharge, the patient returned home only to become critically ill from MRSA sepsis.
• The facility should be shut down.
• Understaffing caused long waits for help and some nights were not checked on.
• The night shift nursing supervisor was described as horrible and rude.

Review

Chestnut Park Rehabilitation evokes a wide range of experiences from the families and residents who have interacted with it. On one hand, there are many stories that highlight friendly faces, compassionate care, and meaningful progress in recovery. On the other hand, a substantial number of accounts describe serious safety concerns, neglect, staffing shortages, and allegations of misconduct that left loved ones vulnerable. The truth, as reflected in these accounts, seems to hinge on inconsistent staffing levels, communication gaps, and the particular staff members involved at any given time.

Several reviews center on consistently positive encounters with the facility's therapists, nurses, and support staff. Families repeatedly praise the rehabilitation program, noting strong physical therapy and occupational therapy that helped patients regain function quickly. Specific staff members are mentioned by name for their professionalism and dedication. Dr. Nathan and Olivia are cited as highly capable, and intake personnel like Cassie are described as helpful in navigating the process. The nursing and therapy teams are frequently described as "excellent and caring," with therapists who go above and beyond to tailor plans, keep families informed, and keep patients moving toward recovery. The kitchen and activity departments also receive commendations for quality food and engaging activities that keep residents occupied and comfortable.

In many of these positive portrayals, Chestnut Park is depicted as a well-organized place where discharge planning is thoughtful and treatment plans are clearly communicated. Families recount moments when staff met them with empathy and respect, praised the facility's compassion, and felt that their loved ones were treated with dignity. Some reviewers mention that even on challenging days - such as snowy weather or periods of understaffing - the team still showed up, collaborated, and did what was needed to care for residents. The administration is described in favorable terms by those who had smooth experiences, with praise for the way the team supports families through the rehabilitation journey and beyond.

Yet, the other side of the story is substantial and troubling. A number of reviews describe alarming safety lapses, including call bells that didn't work reliably, delays in responding to patients' needs, and concerns about equipment safety (for example, frayed wires on bed controls). Some accounts allege that patients did not receive timely assistance, with waits sometimes stretching to an hour or more, especially at night. There are repeated claims that certain basic standards - cleanliness, timely showers, and regular medication administration - were not consistently met. Several reviewers describe emotionally distressing experiences, including neglect and perceived indifference to the suffering of residents.

There are particularly serious accusations that go beyond everyday concerns. One family alleges discovering narcotics in a patient's room and receiving a narcotics supply from a nurse who allegedly violated policy. Another family claims a patient developed MRSA and septic complications linked to care at Chestnut Park, with a different review asserting that the administration dismissed those concerns as a learning experience and that the patient's outcome was devastating. Some reviewers assert that medication management and processes around discharge or changes in treatment were mishandled, including one account in which discharge orders and vitamins were withheld, and another in which a facility administrator was described as dismissive of concerns. A few posts explicitly urge closing or shutting down the facility, underscoring the intensity of their frustration and fear for loved ones.

The mixed environment is further complicated by statements about ownership and finances. One review attributes systemic issues to the company that owns Chestnut Park, suggesting that the parent organization fails to pay bills (such as for snow removal) and that this could reflect broader management or resource allocation problems. This adds a layer of concern about how facility operations are funded and serviced, potentially impacting everyday care and safety.

Beyond the stark positives and severe negatives, there are also nuanced accounts that acknowledge both excellence and strain. Some reviewers acknowledge that certain shifts or departments feel understaffed, which can strain even well-intentioned personnel. Others celebrate particular staff members who consistently provide exceptional care and advocacy, while simultaneously describing moments of frustration with systemic challenges. In these narratives, the people who work at Chestnut Park are portrayed as hardworking and caring, yet the facility's organizational and staffing pressures sometimes compromise the patient and family experience.

In sum, Chestnut Park Rehabilitation emerges as a place where compassionate care and professional rehabilitation can and do occur, often leading to meaningful recoveries and grateful families. At the same time, there are serious, emotionally charged accounts of neglect, safety lapses, and management concerns that raise questions about consistency, reliability, and the overall standard of care. Potential patients and families weighing Chestnut Park's options would likely benefit from visiting the facility, asking pointed questions about staffing levels, safety protocols, medication administration, and discharge planning, and seeking out current feedback from a range of residents and families to form a balanced view of what to expect.

This part of Oneonta, New York offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. The area features a range of dining options such as Iron Chef Buffet, Sloan's New York Grill, and Nick's Diner and Pizzeria, providing diverse choices for meals. There are several pharmacies in close proximity including Rite Aid and Walgreens for easy access to medications and health supplies. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable facilities like Bassett Healthcare Network–Oneonta Specialty Services and UHS Pediatrics nearby. Additionally, there are cafes like Table Rocks and Yellow Deli where seniors can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with friends. Places of worship such as Temple Beth El and Community Gospel Church offer spiritual support within the community. For recreation, parks like Fortin Park and Gilbert Lake State Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment with essential services for seniors considering senior living in Oneonta.

Restaurants

• Iron Chef Buffet (0 miles)
• Sloan's New York Grill (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Dante's (0.4 miles)
• Nick's Diner and Pizzeria (0.5 miles)
• Pizza Land (0.7 miles)
• Toscana Northern Italian Grill (1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• Pharmassist (16 miles)
• Service Pharmacy (17.2 miles)
• Church & Scott (17.9 miles)

Transportation

• Alamo (0.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (16.4 miles)
• Blue Trolley Parking Lot (17.8 miles)

Physicians

• Bassett Healthcare Network–Oneonta Specialty Services (0.6 miles)
• UHS Pediatrics (0.7 miles)
• Emerson Testing (0.7 miles)
• New York Skin and Vein Center (0.8 miles)
• Bassett Health Center Oneonta Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (1.1 miles)
• New York Skin & Vein Centers (1.2 miles)
• Planned Parenthood (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Table Rocks (0.8 miles)
• Yellow Deli (1.1 miles)
• Capresso Coffee Bar (1.2 miles)
• Peet's Coffee and Tea (1.5 miles)
• Argo Tea (1.6 miles)
• B Brewed Agro Grill (14.5 miles)
• Origins Cafe (17.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Temple Beth El (1 miles)
• Community Gospel Church (1.1 miles)
• Christian Science Reading Room & Church (1.1 miles)
• Unitarian Church (1.3 miles)
• Big House (1.4 miles)
• Oneonta Church (1.4 miles)
• Holy Cross Rectory (10.5 miles)

Hospitals

• A.O. Fox Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Lincare (1.9 miles)
• Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital (18.6 miles)
• Bassett Railroad Ave (18.7 miles)

Parks

• Fortin Park (3.7 miles)
• Gilbert Lake State Park (8.5 miles)
• Texas Parks & Wildlif (18.7 miles)