Hickory Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Save721 Hickory Street, Akron, OH 44303
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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From the many experiences shared about Hickory Ridge and the competing care at Phoenix of Fairlawn, a troubling pattern emerges. Families describe vastly different levels of care, attention, and communication, with Hickory Ridge repeatedly portrayed as a place where neglect and poor oversight are common, and Phoenix repeatedly shown as a place where residents receive timely assistance, clean surroundings, and proactive medical management. Amid the strong opinions, a few voices do acknowledge moments of genuine kindness from certain staff at Hickory Ridge, but even those passages feel overshadowed by broader concerns about safety, dignity, and basic everyday care.
One of the most forceful accounts describes a resident whose abuse and neglect appeared systemic rather than isolated. The reviewer alleges favoritism among staff that translates into overlooked abuse, with a resident who had black eyes and had become unable to feed themselves. They describe a scene of passivity: curtains closed to mask the smell of meals going uneaten for hours, and a general atmosphere of indifference once concerns were raised. Reporting abuse allegedly made the resident a problem, not the abuse, and the reviewer blames an entrenched culture where paperwork, accountability, and proper supervision are skirted. The complaints extend to scheduling and human resources, which are described as unprofessional and unstable, with frequent turnover that further erodes continuity of care. The warning at the end is stark: avoid this facility for both employment and for loved ones.
In stark contrast, one short but heartfelt note offers a rare bright spot: Hickory Ridge was described as "very nice and caring" by a visitor who singled out specific staff and teammates who did showering, meals, and daily care. Alley received special praise for giving a shower and helping with meals, and nurses Suzie, Cindy, and Ruth were named as particularly kind. The reviewer even mentions becoming friends with residents like Bessie and a housekeeper named Erin, along with therapists Frank and others. The message here is not that Hickory Ridge is flawless, but that there are individuals there who provide meaningful, compassionate care and form supportive relationships with both residents and their families.
Another voice, equally emphatic, turns the table with a chilling narrative focused on a grandmother with dementia who deteriorated after a fall and a med reaction. The call bell reportedly never reached the resident in time, and the family found her soaking wet, unclean, and left to fend for herself during meals. A shared bathroom was described as dirty, with simple but essential tasks like getting the patient up to eat repeatedly unaccomplished. The reviewer recounts frustration at persistent miscommunications and delays in updating families about infections and overall progress. They describe a slow, disorganized transfer process out of Hickory Ridge, blaming the facility for resistance to moving patients and for a lack of proactive planning. The comparison to Phoenix is explicit: once moved, the grandmother's condition improved, and the family felt the prior care divisions were responsible for the decline.
That comparison to Phoenix of Fairlawn surfaces again in later accounts, where the new facility is portrayed as a comprehensive upgrade in care. The move is described as a turning point: staff at Phoenix are attentive, the building is clean, and medications are tracked with greater rigor. Family members report seeing their loved ones dressed, fed, and engaged with a plan for recovery. Communication with the family is frequent and clear, and the facility's atmosphere is described as supportive and hopeful - almost as if the environment itself fosters better outcomes. The reviewer emphasizes the absence of the issues they faced at Hickory Ridge, noting fast responses to needs and a team approach to evaluating and planning for discharge or return home.
The negative depictions of Hickory Ridge do not end there. A lengthy account paints the entrance as deceptive - looking decent while the interior holds a starkly different reality. The writer describes the smell, a lack of basic care, and residents who were unclothed or begging for food. Call buttons were out of reach, response times were slow, and staff were often engaged in conversations on their phones or otherwise distracted. The reviewer cites authorities visiting and uncovering violations and even an infectious outbreak, expressing concern that these conditions were not isolated incidents but indicative of a broader pattern. The tone is urgent and admonitory: look into the facility thoroughly, as the conditions described point to deep systemic issues.
Another caregiver's testimony centers on a father-in-law who was treated as if his life and comfort were secondary to money. Call bells reportedly went unanswered for long stretches, nurses were described as yelling at patients, and the overall dignity of residents was called into question. The reviewer warns against relying on this facility, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll of neglectful care. Yet another deeply critical account details repeated failures: the family had to intervene to check legs, apply compression socks, and change clothes because staff rarely did so. Food would arrive on shirts and remain uneaten, call lights went unanswered for extended periods, and staff appeared distracted or unavailable - freeing the conclusion that this facility was not suitable for loved ones needing consistent, respectful care.
Taken together, these reviews sketch a landscape in which two facilities located in the same area represent almost opposite ends of the care spectrum. Hickory Ridge is portrayed as a place where neglect, poor communication, and insufficient oversight can lead to serious harm and distress for residents and their families. The stories emphasize the fear of retaliation for speaking up, inconsistent staffing, and gaps in essential care tasks - from feeding and dressing to basic hygiene and timely response to emergencies. The collective message is a warning to prospective families: conduct thorough due diligence, observe the facility closely, and consider alternative options before placing a loved one in this environment. The strong call to action is clear - protect your family by seeking care where staff demonstrate consistent empathy, reliability, and transparent communication.
Phoenix of Fairlawn, in contrast, is depicted as a beacon amid this chorus of concern. The accounts describe tangible improvements in medical oversight, daily routines, and daily living conditions. Families speak of attentive staff who are proactive about getting meals, managing medications, and keeping residents clean and dressed. They describe an environment with better communication, regular updates, and a collaborative approach to planning for discharge, home care, or ongoing treatment. The difference between the two facilities is not just about amenities or staffing levels; it is about the quality of human connection, the responsiveness to the needs of aging or ill residents, and the dignity afforded to people in vulnerable moments.
Ultimately, the narratives illustrate a powerful reminder: the care a loved one receives hinges on many factors, including staff consistency, organizational culture, and rigorous oversight. While one facility is accused of enabling neglect and even exposing residents to unsafe conditions, another is praised for its compassionate care, transparent communication, and a patient-centered approach. For families facing decisions about long-term care, these voices underscore the importance of touring facilities, asking pointed questions about staffing, response times, infection control, and how problems are handled when concerns are raised. They also highlight the value of identifying staff members who consistently demonstrate respect and dedication, as their presence can be a crucial buffer against the broader systemic issues that the more critical accounts describe.
Hickory Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is an assisted living community located in Akron, OH. Our center offers a variety of amenities to ensure the comfort and well-being of our residents. We have a beauty salon where residents can pamper themselves, as well as cable or satellite TV in each room for entertainment. Our community operates transportation services for easy access to nearby locations.
For those who enjoy using technology, we have a computer center with high-speed internet access. Residents can gather in our dining room for delicious meals prepared and served restaurant-style. The fitness room is available for those who want to stay active, and our gaming room provides a fun space for socializing and recreation.
Outdoor enthusiasts can relax in our beautiful garden or utilize the outdoor space for activities. Housekeeping services are provided to maintain cleanliness, and private bathrooms offer convenience and privacy. Residents can make use of the small library or take advantage of the telephone and Wi-Fi facilities.
We offer 24-hour call systems to ensure the safety of our residents, along with round-the-clock supervision. Our trained staff provides assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. We understand specific dietary needs, including diabetes diets and special dietary restrictions. Medication management is also provided.
To promote mental wellness, we offer a program designed to support emotional health. Transportation arrangements are made for non-medical purposes as well as transportation to doctors' appointments. Additionally, our wellness center caters to the overall health needs of our residents.
Our community also benefits from nearby amenities including cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, theaters, and hospitals. We strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere where residents can enjoy various activities such as fitness programs, planned day trips organized by concierge services, resident-run activities, and scheduled daily activities.
At Hickory Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Akron, OH, we prioritize providing exceptional care services while ensuring that residents are able to lead fulfilling and active lives.
Hickory Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is located at 721 Hickory Street, Akron, OH 44303 in Summit County, Ohio
Hickory Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on seniors.fyi includes 8 photos including images showing interior, television, building, landscaping, bedroom, rehabilitation, exercise equipment, clouds, and more.
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