Park View Nursing Home

Pros

• Staff seemed capable and well meaning.

Cons

• The facility is a run-down dump.
• It feels like a house of horrors.
• Four years there yielded the worst treatment for the patient.
• Doctors who visited told the family that he did not need any more therapy, even as he could hardly talk or walk.
• He fell, and his wound wasn't properly addressed.
• The dentist at the facility did not visit the patients.
• The father's teeth were rotting.
• The building was falling apart.
• The staff were described as extremely incompetent and careless.

Review

A once-passed-by place that seemed ordinary from the outside has recently become a topic of much chatter, as word spreads that the building has been bought and is slated to be transformed over the next year into a cluster of new apartments or condos. The idea of finally being able to step inside after years of simply walking past - of seeing what the interior might hold - hangs in the air for the writer and others who recall the structure only as a facade. The upcoming redevelopment promises a different future for the block, but the past remains a sharp, lived memory for those who experienced it up close.

One narrator describes a father who spent four years in the facility, a period marked by terrible treatment that left a lasting sting. The accounts are blunt: doctors who visited claimed there was no more therapy needed just as the father's ability to speak or walk was deteriorating. A fall occurred, and a wound went unaddressed. The care team's decisions - or lack thereof - are recounted with painful clarity, painting a picture of neglect that feels almost incomprehensible in hindsight. The most searing detail, perhaps, centers on dental care: a "dentist" on the premises did not visit the patients, and the father's teeth were left to rot. The writer expresses a profound relief that their father is now out of that environment, while also conveying a lingering sense of disbelief at the conditions endured.

There is a juxtaposition at the heart of the narrative. On one hand, the staff who worked there are depicted as capable and well-meaning individuals. They are not portrayed as cruel or malicious; rather, they are seen as possibly under-equipped to handle the systemic problems that plagued the facility. This tension - between competent, caring staff and an environment that seemed chronically neglected - creates a complicated portrait. The reviewers repeatedly acknowledge that the people who were supposed to care for the residents might have wanted to do right by them, even as the physical and procedural conditions undermined any positive impact.

The exterior and interior reality of the place reinforces a grim impression. The building is described in terms that evoke decay: a "dump" of a structure that looks like it's literally falling apart. The atmosphere, more than anything, leaves a lingering memory of what the writers call a "house of horrors." The sense of disrepair isn't just cosmetic; it feels like a fundamental failure to maintain a safe, humane environment for those who were entrusted to it. Those who walked by for years have a hard time reconciling the idea that such a place could exist in America, given the stain of neglect and the repeated reports of mismanagement.

Several grievances coalesce around the core claim of incompetence and carelessness. The critics do not claim malicious intent so much as systemic failure: procedures that should have prevented harm were not properly followed, attention to basic needs was inadequate, and the overall care environment failed to live up to even modest standards. The combination of deteriorating physical conditions with accounts of neglectful practice culminates in a stark verdict: a place that fell far short of what it should, in the eyes of those whose memories remain vivid.

As the redevelopment move forward, the recollections of those harsh years remain a frequent point of reference in conversations about the future. The notion of converting the building into new housing is received with a mix of hope and caution. On one hand, there is anticipation that a renovation could bring a fresh start, safer facilities, and a more up-to-date amenity set for future residents. On the other hand, the reflections on the past serve as a somber reminder of the stakes involved in any transformation of a facility that once housed vulnerable people.

For the writer, the prospect of finally getting an inside look now carries a charged weight. The reality of what was endured by a loved one remains tangible, coloring the sense of place with memory and emotion. The transition from a troubling past to a proposed, modernized future is framed not as a simple redevelopment story but as a personal history threaded through a building that looms large in local memory. The move to repurpose the site is seen through the lens of those experiences, underscoring how swiftly appearances can hide a difficult, lived truth.

This part of Providence, Rhode Island is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a variety of amenities within close proximity. There are numerous restaurants offering different types of cuisine, as well as cafes for enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee. For medical needs, there are several physicians' offices and pharmacies nearby, providing convenience for healthcare services. The area also boasts several parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation, perfect for seniors looking to enjoy the fresh air. Additionally, there are hospitals and theaters within a short distance for medical care and entertainment options. Public transportation is easily accessible from Providence Station, making it convenient to explore the surrounding areas. Overall, this neighborhood offers a mix of urban conveniences and natural beauty, making it a desirable location for senior living in Providence.

Restaurants

• Nick's on Broadway (0.2 miles)
• Ogie's Trailer Park (0.3 miles)
• Seven Stars Bakery (0.4 miles)
• Julian's (0.4 miles)
• Courtland Club (0.4 miles)
• Troop PVD (0.5 miles)
• Moniker Brewery (0.5 miles)

Cafes

• The Nitro Bar (0.5 miles)
• White Electric Coffee (0.7 miles)
• New Harvest Coffee (0.7 miles)
• Bolt Coffee (1.2 miles)
• Seven Stars Bakery (1.3 miles)
• Daves Coffee (1.5 miles)
• Bolt Coffee (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Open Door Health (0.6 miles)
• The LASIK Vision Institute (0.8 miles)
• Olneyville Health Center (1.1 miles)
• University Foot Care (1.2 miles)
• Findley John K MD - Roger Williams Medical Center (1.4 miles)
• University Surgical Associates - Roth, Leslie A, MD (1.4 miles)
• Malik Amer Dr New University Medical Group Providence (1.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)

Parks

• India Point Park (1.1 miles)
• Roger Williams National Monument (1.6 miles)
• Gano Park (2.3 miles)
• Bold Point Park (2.4 miles)
• Roger Williams Park (2.5 miles)
• Blackstone Boulevard (2.7 miles)
• Waterman St Dog Park (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Providence VA Medical Center (1.1 miles)
• Women and Infants Laboratory (1.2 miles)
• Hasbro Children's Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Miriam Hospital - Infection, Disease, & Immunology Center (3 miles)

Theaters

• Providence Place Showcase IMAX Theaters (1.2 miles)

Transportation

• Providence Station - MBTA & Amtrak (PVD) (1.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady of Grace Church (3.1 miles)