Pennypack Center in Philadelphia, PA

Pros

• The staff provide very kind hospitality and are highly recommended.
• The facility offers wonderful service and the nurses treat residents like family.
• They take exceptionally good care of residents and the residents adore them.
• The staff are courteous, professional, and friendly, and the facility is clean and attentive.
• The staff and therapists are friendly and positive.
• Pennypack is a safe, clean facility with friendly staff.
• It is a friendly and safe place for rehabilitation.
• The DON is phenomenal and caring, and the therapy department is supportive.
• The administration and staff are top-notch.
• The facility is wonderful, clean, and well-run, with accommodating staff.
• The care and compassion shown by the entire staff is exceptional.
• The therapy team is nice and professional, and residents see good results.

Cons

• The facility ran out of basic supplies, leaving the patient in urine-soaked incontinence pants for over five hours.
• A male LPN refused to give the patient his name when asked.
• The meals consisted of only two hot meals over five days, with almost no vegetables.
• The patient developed a pressure sore and deteriorated due to lack of movement.
• The bathroom was inoperable for a week and bed mechanisms weren't functioning.
• The reviewer described the facility as cramped and filthy and said it should be shut down.
• The administration refused to answer questions about availability.
• Patients waited hours for pain medication, showing neglect by staff.
• Random patients wandered into a relative's room to use the bathroom.
• One reviewer called the facility the worst place and said it didn't deserve even one star.
• Jewelry and belongings were reported stolen from a resident.

Review

Pennypack Center in Philadelphia is best suited for seniors who need short-term rehabilitation or skilled nursing and want a warm, home-like setting. Families facing post-acute transitions after hip surgery, stroke, or other procedures will find a place that emphasizes personal attention, practical therapy, and a culture that feels familial. The center tends to work well for residents who value a hands-on therapy program and daily routines conducted with kindness and respect. Its smaller, intimate campus helps staff stay accessible and conversations with families feel meaningful. But it's essential to weigh whether a compact building and occasional operational hiccups will align with needs that demand unwavering consistency and upkeep.

On the upside, the staff reputation is the core asset. Caregivers are repeatedly described as compassionate, with therapy teams that are dedicated and professional, and the environment is kept clean and welcoming. Residents report tangible progress from rehabilitation and the sense of being treated like family. The administrative team is often portrayed as responsive and engaged, easing transitions and informing families. Activities and therapy sessions are described as engaging and tailored to individual goals. When these elements align, morale rises, independence increases, and families feel confident in the care trajectory.

However, notable drawbacks exist. Several reviews cite supply shortages, delays in basic care, and inconsistent call-light responses, signaling gaps in daily operations. A minority of experiences recount serious lapses that led to hospital transfers or concerns about room conditions, noise, maintenance, and food quality. Not every shift feels equally well-staffed, and some families encountered friction with administration around availability or policy. These issues matter because they temper the otherwise strong impression of warmth and capability, reminding decision-makers that reliable systems are as important as kind personnel.

Yet the rehab-focused strengths often offset these concerns. When therapy and nursing work smoothly, outcomes include restored mobility, reduced pain, and quicker return home. The family vibe and accessible leadership create a supportive atmosphere that makes difficult rehab more tolerable. When problems surface, proactive administration and hands-on management tend to respond with transparency and rapid fixes, such as room changes or care-plan adjustments. In short, the combination of high-quality therapy and personal attention drives real results; the risk factors are operational inconsistencies that can flare up with staffing or supply cycles.

Alternatives are worth considering for families seeking flawless consistency. If 24/7 meticulous care, reliable medication administration, and a pristine environment are non-negotiable, other options may offer more predictable service. For those worried about variable meal quality or limited food choices, exploring facilities with stronger kitchen operations could be prudent. And for families prioritizing long-term, highly medicalized care, campuses with larger resources may be a better fit. Regardless, a thorough visit is essential: assess call-bell responsiveness, talk with multiple residents, review care plans, and ask about staffing levels and supply management to determine if Pennypack meets those expectations.

Bottom line: Pennypack Center delivers solid short-term rehabilitation and a warm, family-oriented environment, with therapy teams and staff who frequently earn high praise. The main upside - meaningful therapy, attentive care, and a clean, welcoming setting - has translated into real improvements for many residents. The drawbacks - supply gaps, occasional delays, and maintenance or dining concerns - do not negate the overall value, but they require clear expectations and diligence. Families who emphasize outcomes and a nurturing atmosphere will likely feel confident choosing Pennypack, while those needing a uniformly consistent, hospital-like operation may want to compare alternatives more closely. A targeted tour with candid questions about call-bell times, staffing, meals, and maintenance will help finalize a decision aligned with the loved one's priorities.

This part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers a convenient and accessible location for seniors looking to settle in a vibrant community. With several pharmacies nearby, medical facilities such as the Fox Chase Cancer Center and Holy Redeemer Hospital within close proximity, and various dining options ranging from fast food chains to cafes and restaurants, seniors can easily access essential services and enjoy a variety of culinary experiences. The area also boasts multiple parks for outdoor recreation, including Champion Park Playground and Palmer Doggie Depot, providing opportunities for leisurely walks or picnics. Additionally, transportation options like SEPTA stations ensure ease of travel within the city. Overall, this neighborhood offers a blend of convenience, healthcare resources, dining establishments, recreational spaces, and transportation access that may appeal to seniors seeking a comfortable and well-rounded living environment in Philadelphia.

Pharmacies

• Url Pharma (0.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (1 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Champion Park Playground (0.6 miles)
• Womrath Park (4.5 miles)
• Palmer Doggie Depot (7.4 miles)
• Palmer Park Farmers Market (7.4 miles)
• Piazza Dog Park (8.1 miles)
• Race Street Pier (8.9 miles)
• Franklin Square (9 miles)

Hospitals

• Fox Chase Cancer Center (1.1 miles)
• Holy Redeemer Hospital (2.7 miles)
• Aria Health (3.6 miles)
• Abington Hospital, Widener Building (4.2 miles)
• Abington Memorial Hospital (4.2 miles)
• Albert Einstein Employee Health Center (4.4 miles)
• Jefferson Torresdale Hospital (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• ReAnimator Coffee (7.2 miles)
• La Colombe Coffee Roasters (7.7 miles)
• Starbucks (8.1 miles)
• The Landing Kitchen (8.5 miles)
• Pilgrim Roasters (8.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (8.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (3.3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.5 miles)
• Point After (4.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.5 miles)
• Texas Chicken & Burgers (4.7 miles)
• McDonald's (4.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (5.7 miles)

Transportation

• SEPTA Jenkintown-Wyncote Station (3.8 miles)
• Stenton Station (5.8 miles)
• Septa Wayne Junction Station (5.8 miles)
• Septa Warminster Train Stn (8.6 miles)

Physicians

• Frankford Avenue Health Center (4 miles)
• Simms Hank Md Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia (4.6 miles)
• Stoltz and Hahn Family Practice (6.5 miles)
• AMS Cardiology (7.3 miles)
• Hatboro Medical Associates (7.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Neshaminy 24 (7.8 miles)