Arbors East Skilled & Rehab in Columbus, OH

Pros

• Linda the aide was very nice, caring and hardworking.
• The aides who picked up his tray and brought ice were very nice.
• The nurse apologized after realizing the visitor was a family member.

Cons

• He is not impressed at all with the facility.
• The only reason he is there is because it's near him.
• There is only one dresser for two residents to share.
• The nurse and one aide were very rude and nasty to him.
• A used insulin syringe was left on his bedside table and not promptly removed.
• There is nothing colorful or special in the presentation or flavor of the food.
• The hot plates and coverings are old and battered.
• The staff are very loud in the hallways.
• Housekeeping is subpar at best, with a greasy bedside table and lunch food smeared on the floor.

Review

Arbors East Skilled & Rehab in Columbus is best suited for families seeking a nearby, temporary rehabilitation option for a resident who can tolerate uneven care quality and does not require constant medical oversight. The clearest advantage is proximity: a stay framed as short-term physical therapy can still hinge on a familiar location. Yet the hopeful premise is quickly tempered by the lived reality reported by multiple family members - the environment is not consistently supportive, and the promised efficiency of rehab can be undermined by care gaps and a lack of dependable oversight.

Those weighing alternatives should consider other facilities if compassionate staff, reliable daily care, clean surroundings, and dependable medical coordination are non-negotiables. Reviews repeatedly flag rude interactions, medication handling lapses, and a lack of physician involvement, which translate into real risks for an older adult. If a resident requires regular doctor visits, a structured nursing protocol, or safe, dignified meals, Arbors East is unlikely to meet those needs. For families with the option to shop around, the safer choice is to tour competitors with steadier reputations and clearer records of quality care.

From the handful of positive notes, the strongest takeaway is that some aides genuinely engage and can be helpful - one aide, Linda, stands out as an example of everyday kindness and practical assistance. There are moments when basic tasks like delivering meals or removing a tray are performed competently. But these minor positives are overwhelmed by recurring behavioral and systemic problems: a nurse described as rude, a used insulin syringe left on a bedside table, and inconsistent, sometimes curt communication with family members. When care is delivered in a reactive rather than proactive manner, small acts of decency cannot compensate for a pattern of gaps that erode trust.

Facility conditions amplify the concerns. Shared dressers and adjoining bathrooms for two residents reflect cramped space and privacy compromises. The equipment and surface finishes are aging - hot plates and coverings look worn - and the kitchen environment raises questions about meal quality and safety. Hallways remain loud with staff conversations, and housekeeping is described as subpar, with greasy surfaces and meals or trays left unattended. These tangible issues point to a setting that feels chaotic rather than calming, especially for residents who rely on predictable routines and environments to reduce anxiety and confusion.

These factors ripple into decision-making. For families choosing between rehab, assisted living, or skilled nursing, Arbors East presents a high-risk profile: proximity cannot compensate for inconsistent medical oversight, fragile nutrition practices, or potential neglect. The risk of medication errors or abrupt changes in care without clear physician involvement makes it unsuitable for residents with complex medical needs or those requiring steady monitoring. In short, the deficits outweigh any potential upside from location or occasional courteous interactions, making it a less attractive option unless every other choice proves worse.

Bottom line: Arbors East is not a wise default choice for most families. It may be considered only when no viable alternatives exist and proximity becomes a decisive factor, with the understanding that rigorous due diligence is essential. Before committing, demand a thorough tour focused on clinical oversight, infection control, meal service, and housekeeping procedures; insist on speaking with the attending physician or rehab team; review current care plans; and verify emergency response protocols. If these assurances cannot be secured, steer toward facilities with stronger track records for dignity, safety, and reliable medical management.

This area of Columbus, Ohio is a bustling and convenient location for senior living. With several medical facilities nearby, including Equitas Health King-Lincoln Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital Livingston Ambulatory Center, residents have easy access to quality healthcare services. There are also plenty of dining options such as Condado Tacos and Katzinger's Delicatessen, as well as pharmacies like CVS and Kroger for medication needs. Additionally, there are places of worship for spiritual fulfillment, parks like Scioto Mile and Goodale Park for outdoor recreation, cafes like One Line Coffee and Fox in the Snow Cafe for socializing, and transportation options such as John Glenn Columbus International Airport for travel needs. Overall, this area offers a diverse range of amenities to support a comfortable and fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

Physicians

• Equitas Health King-Lincoln Medical Center (0.3 miles)
• Nationwide Children's Hospital Livingston Ambulatory Center (0.8 miles)
• The Eye Center of Columbus (1.3 miles)
• Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center (2.4 miles)
• Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry (2.5 miles)
• Martha Moorehouse Medical Pavillion Lung and Allergy Center (3.6 miles)
• West Side Health Center (4.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Condado Tacos (0.8 miles)
• Katzinger's Delicatessen (1 miles)
• Greater Columbus Convention Center (1 miles)
• Lindey's (1 miles)
• Milestone 229 (1.1 miles)
• Marcella's (1.2 miles)
• Schmidt's Restaurant und Sausage Haus (1.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Market District Supermarket (2.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (0.9 miles)
• St Catharine Church (3.3 miles)
• Holy Name Church (3.3 miles)
• St Christopher Church (3.5 miles)
• Faith Ministries Church (4.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Nationwide Children's Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Ohio State University Hospital East (1.3 miles)
• Select Specialty Hospital (1.8 miles)
• Richard M Ross Heart Hospital (2.7 miles)
• OSU Harding Hospital (2.8 miles)
• Ohio Health (5 miles)

Parks

• Scioto Mile - Promenade/Riverfront (1 miles)
• Goodale Park (1.3 miles)
• Schiller Park (1.6 miles)
• Whetstone Park / Park of Roses (5.6 miles)
• Stoneridge Park (5.7 miles)
• John Bishop Memorial Park (6.1 miles)

Cafes

• One Line Coffee (1.5 miles)
• Fox in the Snow Cafe (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)

Transportation

• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) (5.7 miles)
• TSA Security Checkpoint A (5.8 miles)
• Concourse C (5.8 miles)
• CMH Passenger Drop-off / Pick-up (5.8 miles)
• TSA Pre-Check B (5.9 miles)
• TSA Security Checkpoint B (5.9 miles)
• Concourse B (6 miles)