Golden LivingCenter - Richland in Johnstown, PA

Pros

• The HR manager was very polite and professional.
• The staff were nice and the facility was very organized and decorated beautifully.
• All of the staff are absolutely amazing and they feel like family.
• Tawny goes above and beyond and deserves a medal.
• The staff show exceptional care and compassion to residents and their families.
• The therapy department does an excellent job getting residents back on track.
• The staff are some of the nicest people in the healthcare business.
• The environment is welcoming, clean, and feels like home.
• The premises are attractive and the rooms are clean and cheerful.
• The nurses seem caring and attentive.
• The check-in was very easy and the staff were welcoming and friendly.

Cons

• The facility has serious issues and is not recommended for a loved one's care.
• The reviewer describes times there as horrible, citing staff issues and meals that were cold and inedible.
• The room was very warm, which raised concerns about patient comfort.
• The building needs upgrades and repairs, including the front door, windows, and flooring.
• The check-in process is a hassle for visitors.
• The receptionist was rude and would not connect calls to patients, signaling poor customer service.
• The reviewer urged others to avoid this place and to get their loved ones out of it.
• There were reports that two dear loved ones passed away there, indicating serious quality concerns.

Review

Golden LivingCenter - Richland is best suited for families seeking a warm, caregiver-first post-acute setting where rehabilitation goals are front and center and staff treat residents like extended family. The community repeatedly earns praise for a welcoming, homelike atmosphere, clean and cheerful spaces, and a team that prioritizes compassion. The therapy department is consistently highlighted for helping residents regain strength and return home, with nurses and aides who appear genuinely invested in progress and comfort. Reviewers describe an organized, well-run environment that feels like home, with administration that is approachable and involved. For families prioritizing genuine kindness, visible progress in rehab, and a caring daily routine, Richland Nursing and Rehabilitation aligns strongly with those needs.

Alternatives become worth considering for families with nonnegotiables around room size, modernization, or airtight, real-time family communication. Some accounts note small room footprints and rooms that run warm, factors that matter when a loved one spends long days in a single space. A handful of reviewers also describe delays in notifying families about health concerns or changes, and a few express frustration with check-in procedures. For families that demand consistently flawless communication, larger or more updated accommodations, or a front-door-to-nurse workflow that feels seamless at all hours, exploring other options may be prudent.

On balance, the strongest asset is the staff's approach to care. Across multiple accounts, caregivers and clinicians are patient, friendly, and consistently attentive, with nurses, CNAs, and therapy specialists coordinating care in ways that support recovery and safety. Families report rapid responsiveness to calls and a rehabilitation plan that translates into tangible gains - often resulting in residents leaving with improved function and renewed independence. The dining program and activity schedules round out a holistic approach, contributing to a sense of community and engagement that reinforces well-being. The facility's cleanliness, bright common spaces, and homey ambiance further reinforce trust that loved ones are in a supportive environment.

Yet not every experience aligns with that positive baseline. Some residents and families describe rooms that feel cramped and climates that can be uncomfortable, which can compound stress during recovery. A minority recount less timely health updates or communication gaps that leave families waiting for information during evolving situations. There are occasional observations about inconsistent customer service or administrative friction, and scattered comments call for infrastructure upgrades - upgrades that, if addressed, could ease lingering concerns about accessibility and ease of movement within the building. While these concerns are not universal, they are persistent enough to influence decision-making for families prioritizing operational consistency.

Taken together, the positives often outweigh the negatives for most residents, especially when the objective centers on rehabilitation with the goal of returning home. The care culture - evident in day-to-day interactions, responsiveness, and a team that collaborates toward recovery - tends to mitigate a number of logistical or comfort-related drawbacks. When room size and climate are acceptable and meals and activities keep residents engaged, the overall experience becomes a meaningful, home-like alternative to other post-acute options. For families weighing pathways to independence after illness or injury, Richland's strengths in compassionate care and rehab momentum provide a credible, trustworthy option.

Practical decision guidance centers on aligning expectations with the facility's evident strengths. Prioritize a comprehensive tour that includes conversations with frontline caregivers and the therapy team to gauge real-world responsiveness and care philosophy. Confirm room preferences and climate comfort, and verify that preferred channels for health updates are reliable and timely. Evaluate current staffing levels and turnover, particularly in nursing and therapy, to understand how consistent the experience will feel across weekends and holidays. If recovery, a supportive community, and a home-like atmosphere are the top priorities, Richland offers a compelling fit. If modern rooms, guaranteed punctual communication, and a flawless day-to-day operation are non-negotiables, alternatives with larger accommodations and tighter service protocols merit close comparison.

Located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, this area offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living. With convenient access to cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks, as well as restaurants such as Chili's Grill & Bar and Denny's, residents can enjoy dining out with ease. Additionally, there are several pharmacies, including Genoa Healthcare and Rite Aid, nearby for easy access to medications and healthcare needs. For medical care, hospitals like Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and the James E Van Dandt VA clinic are within a short distance. Places of worship such as Crossroads Community Church and St Benedict Church offer spiritual support for those seeking a sense of community. Transportation options like the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport provide easy travel opportunities. Parks like Lorain Park and Roxbury Park offer green spaces for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. Overall, this area provides a convenient and comfortable environment for seniors looking to settle down in a welcoming community.

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• The Morning Grind (4.9 miles)
• Flood City Cafe (5.3 miles)

Theaters

• Richland Cinemas (0.5 miles)
• Silver Drive-In (1.4 miles)

Physicians

• Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (0.5 miles)
• Associates In Family Eyecare (0.6 miles)
• Laurel Eye Clinic (0.6 miles)
• Griesheimer Patricia Nulton Diagnostic (0.7 miles)
• Univ of Pittsburgh Med Center (0.7 miles)
• Ear Nose & Throat Associates Of Johnstown (0.7 miles)
• Laurel Kidney Specialists PC (0.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Chili's Grill & Bar (0.6 miles)
• It's Just Wings (0.6 miles)
• Denny's (0.6 miles)
• Subway (0.9 miles)
• Firehouse Subs (1.2 miles)
• Main Moon Chinese Restaurant (1.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Genoa Healthcare (0.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• East Hills Family Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.2 miles)
• Randy's Bilo Foods (3 miles)
• Rite Aid (3 miles)
• Rite Aid (4.3 miles)

Hospitals

• James E Van Dandt VA clinic (1.2 miles)
• Windber Medical Center (2.4 miles)
• Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Crossroads Community Church (1.3 miles)
• Faith Chapel (1.9 miles)
• St Benedict Church (2.5 miles)
• Scalp Level Church of the Brethren (2.5 miles)
• St Patrick's Church Rectory (4.2 miles)
• St Vincent De Paul Caring Ministries (4.8 miles)
• St Clare Of Assisi Church Hall (5.3 miles)

Transportation

• John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (2.9 miles)
• Ken Lantzy All Star Game (5.3 miles)
• CamTram (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Lorain Park (3.3 miles)
• Roxbury Park (5.1 miles)