Hillcrest Convalescent Center

Pros

• Many residents appreciate the pleasant and homelike atmosphere of Hillcrest Convalescent Center, describing it as a hotel rather than a nursing home.
• The dining facilities are often praised for being formal and well-maintained, with several residents enjoying the delicious food and ice cream offerings.
• Residents have noted that the facility has a spacious layout, featuring multiple outdoor courtyards, a gym, sunroom, and library that contribute to a positive environment.
• There are ongoing activities available for residents, such as jewelry making classes and entertainment events, which promote engagement and community involvement.
• Several individuals commend the physical therapy staff for their effectiveness in assisting with recovery and rehabilitation.
• The center is recognized for its cleanliness and attractive room furnishings, enhancing the overall experience of the residents.
• Family members express satisfaction with the quality of care their loved ones receive at Hillcrest, highlighting attentive interactions between staff and residents.

Cons

• The staff has been inconsistent, and some are rude and rough in handling patients.
• The food is often cold, not well-prepared, and does not cater to the dietary needs of older residents.
• There is minimal physical therapy offered, and the rehabilitation services do not effectively help residents regain their abilities.
• The rooms were reportedly not cleaned well, leading to an unsatisfactory living environment.
• Many complaints about short staffing resulted in inadequate care for residents.
• A resident experienced worse health during their stay rather than improvement.
• Some staff members displayed poor attitudes and made residents feel like a burden when assistance was requested.
• The facility lacked sufficient activities beyond therapy sessions, leading to boredom among residents.

Review

Hillcrest Convalescent Center has garnered a range of experiences from residents and their families, reflecting both commendable aspects and significant concerns. On one hand, many reviews highlight the facility’s home-like atmosphere which sets it apart from typical nursing homes. Built in 1951, Hillcrest boasts spacious rooms, a library, outdoor courtyards, and a salon. Residents appreciate the old-world charm and the pleasant environment which includes amenities such as a gym and a sunroom that encourages social interaction among residents. The design appears to create an inviting ambiance that feels less institutional, fostering a warm atmosphere for those staying there.

However, while the physical environment receives praise, several reviews point to inconsistencies with staff performance and care quality. Some reviews note that although certain staff members are attentive and caring, others exhibit poor attitudes or lack the necessary compassion when interacting with residents. One resident described being treated roughly by a nursing assistant during recovery, adding to concerns about inadequate training or supervision in some areas of care. This inconsistency results in mixed feelings about the overall quality of service provided at Hillcrest.

The food service is another aspect frequently mentioned with dissatisfaction. Many reviewers expressed disappointment over food quality and temperature issues; meals often arrive cold due to being served in rooms rather than in communal dining areas where they may remain warmer for longer periods. Additionally, menu selections were criticized for not being tailored to meet the dietary preferences of older adults who typically prefer lighter meals with familiar comfort foods rather than heavier options like hoagies or chicken on the bone.

Despite these concerns regarding meal service and staffing issues, some residents reported positive experiences related to rehabilitation services available at Hillcrest. Several accounts praised their physical therapy programs as effective for recovery from surgeries or health complications. One former resident noted that although they hadn’t achieved full independence after two months, they appreciated the professionalism of therapists who helped them regain mobility. Conversely, other individuals felt that the therapies offered were minimal compared to what they expected from a rehabilitation facility.

Activity programming also drew varying feedbacks; while some residents enjoyed organized activities including ice cream socials and community events such as jewelry-making classes, others remarked that activities were limited mostly to therapy sessions alone—leaving little opportunity for engagement outside structured therapy times. Families sought assurances regarding meaningful activities but were sometimes left disappointed by what was available throughout their loved ones' stay.

Financially speaking, Hillcrest is positioned more costly compared to assisted living facilities within Durham and surrounding regions; however, many families noted that costs are comparable across similar skilled nursing facilities in nearby metropolitan areas such as Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Despite its appealing aesthetics and potential for high-quality care with ample community features like worship services and seasonal festivities—which families largely appreciated—the overall experience remains overshadowed by inconsistent staff interactions along with criticism surrounding meal services which cannot be overlooked.

In summary, Hillcrest Convalescent Center presents itself as an attractive option for long-term care with its home-like setting and excellent rehabilitation resources; however its strengths are countered by notable shortcomings related to staffing consistency and food service quality—the latter having become a recurring theme in numerous reviews shared by families seeking better experiences for their loved ones residing within its walls. As individuals weigh these factors against personal needs or expectations on behalf of relatives requiring assistance—decisions become challenging given this mix of high praise coexisting alongside considerable critique about crucial elements of life at this convalescent center.

Restaurants

• Locopops (0.7 miles)
• Mothers and Sons Trattoria (1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.8 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• Guglhupf Bakery & Patisserie (2.2 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Duke Hospital of Dentistry & Facial Pain (0.9 miles)
• Durham Regional Hospital (2.5 miles)
• North Carolina Cancer Hospital (10.1 miles)
• UNC Transplant Clinic (10.1 miles)
• UNC Hospitals Ambulatory Care Center (10.5 miles)

Cafes

• Cocoa Cinnamon (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Duke University Chapel (1.1 miles)
• Yates Baptist Church (2.3 miles)
• Judea Reform Congregation (2.7 miles)
• Church of Reconciliation PC USA (7.8 miles)
• New Hope Church (8.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.2 miles)
• Walgreens (6.3 miles)

Parks

• Northgate Park (1.8 miles)
• Whippoorwill Park (3 miles)
• Bethesda Park (5.8 miles)
• Piney Wood Park (6.1 miles)
• Cedar Falls Park (7.1 miles)
• Homestead Skate Park (8.7 miles)
• Grandale Park (8.9 miles)

Physicians

• Avance Care (1.8 miles)
• Garrett S Bressler, MD (2.3 miles)
• North Carolina Orthopaedic Clinic (5.1 miles)
• Duke Health Center (6.5 miles)
• Duke Primary Care Sage Road Pediatrics (6.5 miles)
• Chapel Hill Pediatrics & Adolescents Pa (6.6 miles)
• EmergeOrtho-Southpoint (7.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Southpoint 17 (7 miles)