River's Edge Nursing and Rehabilition Center in Philadelphia, PA

Pros

• Deanna from the front desk, Laura from OT, and Denise from the second floor are nothing short of awesome.
• The ladies have been wonderful every time they are seen.
• Ieisha Thomas is a great CNA who always helps and provides what is asked for; Ayanda is a great CNA who is always helpful; Ashley is an amazing nurse who does an outstanding job.
• Laura and Ash, the OT and PT therapists, have helped residents gain strength and confidence; the therapy is great.
• River's Edge is an outstanding facility with unmatched care, compassion, and professionalism; Eli the administrator is approachable and devoted to valuing residents and staff.
• The staff feel like family and the place is amazing.
• Bradley Harding, Lisette Sandino, and Claudia provide caring, knowledgeable, and helpful care; they deserve a raise.
• Alicia is kind, helpful, and makes patients comfortable.
• Kristen the concierge and Markeyter Walker bring sunshine into rooms daily.
• The PT and OT team are unsurpassed; Laura goes above and beyond to help patients get stronger and even helps them get dressed.
• The cleaning crew is friendly; the facility is very clean; Jasmine has a warm smile; front desk staff greet visitors with smiles.
• The rehab team is exceptional: hardworking, compassionate, and therapy is enjoyable and effective.

Cons

• The staff would not help the patient to the bathroom and told her to wear a diaper.
• The facility is not very clean.
• The facility should be closed down.
• The nurses never come when called for meds, help, or anything.
• The rehab facility is a true disgrace and should be evaluated and shut down.
• The facility is filthy and outdated with incompetent staff and terrible management.
• The place is a total joke.
• The nonverbal patients are really neglected.
• The staff are rude and lazy and do the bare minimum.

Review

River's Edge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Philadelphia is best suited for families seeking a rehab-focused environment where skilled therapy drives the daily routine and a personable frontline team provides steady, visible care. This community shines for short-term recovery after surgery or a serious illness, where residents can leverage consistent PT/OT momentum and a nursing staff that tends to know individual goals and progress. It works well for families who want approachable administrators, reliable front-desk support, and therapists who actively push strength, balance, and walking confidence. In short, it is a practical choice for those who value measurable rehabilitation gains and a warm, engaged care team over a purely custodial setting.

Alternatives deserve consideration for situations where safety and consistency must be unquestioned, not variable. If a loved one requires near-constant supervision, continuous one-to-one attention, or has a history of falls or aggressive medical issues, River's Edge may fall short on staffing stability and timely responsiveness. Families prioritizing pristine odors, flawless cleanliness, and uninterrupted, predictable service every hour of every day could find gaps here. For residents with advanced dementia, hospice-specific protocols, or highly sensitive needs around medication management and pain control, it is prudent to compare options with a clearer track record of incident-free care and rigorous, board-certified oversight.

The strongest positives at River's Edge center on the therapy program and the people delivering care. Therapists - from occupational to physical - are repeatedly praised for focusing on real goals, building strength, and helping residents regain independence. CNAs and nurses are frequently lauded for their kindness, reliability, and willingness to go the extra mile in daily tasks, personal care, and mobility support. The administration and front desk personnel are often described as accessible, compassionate, and attentive to family concerns, with care coordinators and activity staff contributing warmth and structure to daily life. The facility's layout and parking are practical assets that contribute to a smoother, less stressful visit experience for families.

Yet, serious concerns recur in a meaningful minority of reports. Staffing levels are described as unstable at times, leading to delays in routine tasks and questions about consistent coverage for meds and assistive needs. Several families recount long wait times, missed or delayed medications, and a lack of timely response during critical moments. Cleanliness and odors are noted inconsistently across units, with some rooms and common areas receiving compliments while others are criticized for upkeep. Communication gaps - between nursing, therapy, social work, and families - also surface, creating situations where families feel out of the loop during important health decisions or discharge planning. These are not minor quirks; they impact safety and trust.

Where the pros offset the cons, River's Edge can still deliver compelling value for rehab-focused care. The high-quality PT/OT teams and dedicated nurses often translate into tangible progress and meaningful moments of regained function, which can make a real difference in outcome and peace of mind for families pushing for improved mobility and independence. The genuine care from frontline staff - when unblocked by sufficient coverage - creates a reassuring atmosphere that helps residents feel seen and supported. When administrators are accessible and responsive, family members can navigate care plans, scheduling, and discharge goals with confidence. In those contexts, the positives do more than balance the negatives; they provide a practical pathway to recovery and comfort.

Decision-makers should approach River's Edge with a structured plan. Prioritize a thorough in-person tour focused on therapy teams - meet the OT and PT leads, observe a therapy session, and ask for a clear, written plan for daily therapy hours and progress tracking. Request up-to-date staffing patterns, including nurse-to-patient ratios on different shifts, and ask about fall prevention, alarm systems, and consistent medication administration practices. Bring questions about meals, nutritional variety, and dining routines, since food quality affects energy for rehabilitation and overall well-being. If hospice or end-of-life care is anticipated, insist on transparent discussions about comfort measures, pain control, and caregiver communication. Finally, consider a short-term, goal-driven stay with a defined check-in to evaluate progress, ensuring alignment with long-term care expectations and family capacity for ongoing engagement. River's Edge remains a viable option for capable rehab-centered care, but only when staffing stability and proactive communication are squarely addressed.

This part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors considering the area for living. The proximity to multiple hospitals and pharmacies ensures easy access to healthcare services and medications. Additionally, there are several dining options nearby including fast-food restaurants like McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A, as well as local eateries such as Gaetano's Penny Packer and New Golden Dawn Diner. Parks like Champion Park Playground and Womrath Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For entertainment, there is the AMC Neshaminy 24 theater within a reasonable distance. Public transportation is also accessible with SEPTA stations in the vicinity, making it convenient for seniors to travel around the city. Overall, this part of Philadelphia offers a mix of convenience, healthcare options, dining choices, recreational facilities, and transport links that could be suitable for senior living.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3.8 miles)
• Gaetano's Penny Packer (4.2 miles)
• New Golden Dawn Diner (4.9 miles)
• Crown Fried Chicken (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Jefferson Torresdale Hospital (1.5 miles)
• Aria Health (5.6 miles)
• Fox Chase Cancer Center (5.8 miles)
• Holy Redeemer Hospital (6.6 miles)
• St Christopher's Hospital for Children (8 miles)
• Albert Einstein Employee Health Center (8.4 miles)
• Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital (8.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)

Parks

• Champion Park Playground (4.9 miles)
• Womrath Park (6.3 miles)
• Columbus Park (7.8 miles)
• Palmer Park Farmers Market (9.4 miles)
• Palmer Doggie Depot (9.4 miles)

Physicians

• Dr.'s Eyecare Center (5.3 miles)
• Cooper University Physicians (5.5 miles)
• Cooper Hematology/Oncology (5.6 miles)
• Frankford Avenue Health Center (5.9 miles)
• Stoltz and Hahn Family Practice (6.6 miles)
• South Jersey Skin Care (7.7 miles)
• Simms Hank Md Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia (8.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (8.2 miles)
• Starbucks (8.5 miles)
• Starbucks (8.6 miles)
• ReAnimator Coffee (9.1 miles)
• La Colombe Coffee Roasters (9.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Neshaminy 24 (6.4 miles)

Transportation

• SEPTA Jenkintown-Wyncote Station (8.6 miles)
• Septa Wayne Junction Station (9.5 miles)