Allen-Calder Skilled Nursing

Pros

• The facility is very clean and well maintained.
• The staff has been wonderful and attentive.
• OT and PT staff are the best.
• They make residents feel comfortable, relaxed, and laughing in no time.
• Transportation to appointments has gone very well.
• The acute rehabilitation side is excellent; physical and occupational therapists are excellent.
• Therapy staff is totally awesome and listens to concerns.
• The nursing staff is terrific; aides are helpful and kind.

Cons

• The reviewers describe the facility as unprofessional and neglectful, noting insulin was not given for two days.
• The nursing staff is labeled "garbage" and accused of neglect and poor care.
• A 94-year-old mother was left on the toilet for an extended period with no aide available.
• Chronic understaffing made it nearly impossible to get a CNA, leaving patients lying in feces and urine.
• A meeting with the nurse in charge devolved into a loud, politically charged confrontation, which felt unprofessional.
• Meals and medications were not transferred correctly from the hospital, leading to incorrect diets and med issues.
• Showers were infrequent (often once a week) and patients were left uncomfortable or unsheltered.
• The floor was not mopped, a patient became dehydrated, and doctors/NPs were not seen promptly.
• The subacute side was described as terrible, while the rehab therapists were praised; the nightly nursing staff was called a nightmare.
• Call lights were often turned off or ignored, leading to delayed assistance and neglected care.

Review

The collection of reviews about MVHS St. Luke's Rehabilitation and Nursing Center presents a facility with two very different faces. On one hand, there are recurring testimonies about clean surroundings, attentive therapists, and meaningful progress in rehab. On the other, there are persistent complaints about staffing gaps, inconsistent medical and dietary transfers, and moments of neglect or miscommunication that left families frightened and frustrated. Taken together, the comments paint a picture of a center that can deliver excellent rehabilitation when things run smoothly, but that also struggles with systemic issues that can compromise patient safety and comfort.

Several reviewers describe an overwhelmingly positive experience in the rehab portion of the center. A common thread is a highly supportive therapy team. The OT and PT staff are frequently singled out for their expertise and encouragement - praised as the strongest element of the facility. One family's account highlights a wife who found the environment clean and well-maintained, with menus that could be adjusted to items she preferred, and staff who were consistently attentive and responsive. The same set of voices emphasizes the rehabilitative potential: PT/OT departments repeatedly described as "second to none" or "the best," with therapists who help patients make real gains, such as regaining the ability to walk, and who monitor issues like abscesses or other concerns with diligence. Positive anecdotes include staff who stay patient, keep patients comfortable and smiling, and celebrate even small victories, which is a hallmark of effective rehab programs.

In contrast, the negative experiences cluster around several recurring themes: gaps in nursing coverage and responsiveness, miscommunication during transitions from hospital to rehab, and adherence to prescribed diets and medications. One devastating account details a diabetic patient who was not given insulin for two days, culminating in a hospitalization for a sugar reading of 500. The reviewer asserts a lack of knowledge and accountability among staff, calling the experience "unprofessional" and urging others not to go there. Another story centers on a 94-year-old mother who, after breaking her hip, faced multiple care missteps: a male aide despite a chart note asking for no male aides, a faulty transfer to the toilet, incorrect hospital-originated diet and medication orders, and a delay in correcting dietary restrictions that left her eating ground-up meals that she could not tolerate. The narrative also describes delays in medication administration (PRN meds) and a general lapse in care coordination between hospital and rehab teams, contributing to a sense of neglect during a critical recovery period.

A number of reviewers echo concerns about staffing and day-to-day care quality that affect the lived experience in both the subacute and acute rehab settings. One family notes "nearly impossible" access to CNAs to assist a loved one, including episodes of lying in feces and urine and being left uncovered while the air conditioning blasted, causing the patient to feel chilled. Another comment describes a nurse-manager interaction that became heated and political, leaving the impression that personal politics intruded on professional care. There are also recurring reminders about call bells being turned off or ignored during shifts, and long gaps in routine tasks such as regular showers or timely doctor assessments. Across multiple reviews, families express fear that if care needs escalate, the facility's ability to respond promptly may deteriorate under staffing pressures.

Nevertheless, there are hopeful, constructive notes that acknowledge the complexity of running a multidisciplinary rehab center. Some reviewers recognize the acute rehabilitation side as a standout; they praise not only the therapists but also the overall approach to patient recovery. The therapy staff's compassion and thoroughness are highlighted repeatedly, with some patients reporting temporary gains and improved function after dedicated PT/OT programs. In one case, a person recovering from a severe fall and multiple disabilities describes how therapists worked with him to rebuild strength and walking ability beyond what he anticipated, strongly affirming the value of skilled rehabilitation in this setting. There are also mentions of staff who go beyond routine expectations, such as a PT supervisor who identified a medical issue that had previously been missed and ensured it was addressed, illustrating how attentive clinicians can make a real difference in patient outcomes.

A recurring thread in the more positive updates is the practical dimension of care: cleanliness, comfortable surroundings, and the ability to tailor meals or adjust routines. Some reviewers comment that the facility is clean and comfortable, with food that can be good and varied, and with diners who appreciate when staff respect dietary preferences and restrictions. Another family recounts a successful discharge experience where the patient regained function and expressed gratitude for the care team's patience and persistence. Even in the midst of criticism, a few notes emphasize the importance of staff kindness and the value of therapy teams who listen, investigate problems, and work collaboratively with families to address concerns.

Overall, the impressions suggest a center that can deliver excellent rehabilitation outcomes when its teams operate at peak coordination and staffing levels. Yet the same body of feedback highlights substantial vulnerabilities: inconsistent availability of aides and nurses, gaps in medication and dietary transfer from hospital to rehab, and incidents where basic dignity and safety were not consistently maintained. For families deciding whether MVHS St. Luke's is the right choice, the message is nuanced. If a patient's priority is high-caliber PT/OT, attentive therapy staff, and a clean, supportive environment, the rehab experience can be very strong. If, however, you are concerned about staffing reliability, prompt medical review, and strict adherence to transfer orders and daily routines, you may encounter highly variable experiences that require active advocacy and oversight. The facility's potential remains evident, but it clearly depends on ensuring sufficient staffing, rigorous care coordination, and a sustained commitment to patient-centered operations across all units.

Located in Utica, New York, this part of town offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. With multiple hospitals and medical facilities within close proximity, residents can easily access healthcare services when needed. In addition, there are numerous pharmacies nearby for easy access to medications. For dining options, there are several restaurants offering a range of cuisines, as well as cafes for a casual dining experience. Places of worship provide spiritual support, while theaters offer entertainment options for leisure activities. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community with essential services and recreational opportunities for seniors looking to settle down in Utica.

Hospitals

• Faxton St Luke's Healthcare: St Luke's Campus (0.1 miles)
• St Lukes-Memorial Hospital Center - Faxton-St Lukes Healthcare (0.2 miles)
• St Elizabeth Medical Center (1 miles)
• Faxton X-ray Department (1.1 miles)
• FAXTON-St LUKE'S HEALTHCARE - FAXTON CAMPUS (1.1 miles)
• St Elizabeth Medical Center (1.1 miles)
• Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center (1.2 miles)

Physicians

• Thomson Anne J Pa Slocumdickson Medical Group New Hartford (0.2 miles)
• Slocum-Dickson Medical Group (0.2 miles)
• Vincent J Vacarro MD (0.2 miles)
• Dayal D Raja MD (0.2 miles)
• Medical Arts (0.4 miles)
• Marc A Feiner (0.4 miles)
• Francis Eye and Laser Center (0.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Chowder House (0.7 miles)
• Pizza Boys (1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.1 miles)
• Arby's (1.2 miles)
• Symeon’s (1.2 miles)
• Holland Farms Bakery & Deli (1.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady Of Lourdes Ch (1 miles)
• St John The Evangelist (2.1 miles)
• Kingdom Ministries Place of Worship/House of Prayer (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1 miles)
• Utica Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Kinney Drugs (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Bagel Grove (1.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.4 miles)
• Raspberries Cafe (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Daylight Donuts (1.6 miles)
• Joseph Putrello Coffee Barista Bar (2.1 miles)
• Utica Coffee Roasting (2.6 miles)

Theaters

• Marquee Cinemas - Orchard 14 (1.9 miles)