Consulate in Chattanooga, TN

Pros

• The staff made her feel welcomed and well cared for.
• The physical therapy and occupational therapy teams were genuine, helpful, and supportive.
• The nurses and CNAs were kind, friendly, and attentive.
• The facility is beautiful, clean, and well maintained, with a welcome atmosphere.
• Families appreciate regular updates and clear communication from department heads.
• The activities and dietary teams provide engaging programs and nourishing meals.
• Bren Nolen is caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated to residents and families.
• The facility has shown a positive turnaround under Viviant, improving quality of life for residents.
• Families would highly recommend Viviant to others seeking care.
• Residents are thriving and enjoying therapy and activities.

Cons

• The facility lacks a functional call button; residents must use a bell that goes unheard, and there is not enough staff.
• The conditions are deplorable and the facility is severely understaffed, with as few as three staff for fifty residents.
• The staff were described as some of the most aggressive, dishonest, unprofessional, and uncaring they have ever encountered.
• There were serious lapses in care, including a heart attack where staff did nothing and oxygen levels were not checked in time.
• There were repeated hygiene and cleanliness issues, such as missing clean sheets and poor linen handling.
• The facility did not communicate with families during Covid and tornado events, and visits were restricted.

Review

This community is best suited for seniors who need strong rehabilitation services and steady nursing support delivered in a warm, family?like environment. Families prioritizing active therapy, individualized care planning, and transparent communication will find Consulate a compelling option, especially for recovery-focused stays and transitions to home. The current trajectory under new ownership has produced noticeable improvements in operations, staff cohesion, and resident outcomes, making it a practical choice for those who want both good daily living comforts and a robust rehab program.

Those who should consider alternatives are those seeking an almost flawless, flawlessly staffed operation with zero risk of turnover or lapses in care. Multiple reviews reference staffing pressures, turnover, and variable front?line responsiveness, along with occasional blunt or dismissive interactions from some staff. A few accounts describe serious gaps in timely recognition of medical issues or supervision. Families ahead of a move should actively verify current staffing levels, consistency of care, and the day-to-day culture before committing.

On the positive side, the rehabilitation program stands out as a core strength. Residents and families consistently praise therapy teams for their knowledge, engagement, and tangible progress in mobility and function. Nursing care is frequently highlighted for attentiveness and competence, with clean, orderly environments contributing to a reassuring atmosphere. The facility's cleanliness, pleasant surroundings, and dependable meal service and activities further reinforce a sense of well?being, while open channels of communication - regular updates with department heads and collaborative discharge planning - build confidence in the care journey.

Leadership changes have reinforced a noticeable improvement in how care is delivered and coordinated. The turnaround narrative - emphasizing structure, teamwork, and a patient-focused culture - has translated into better discharge planning, more proactive problem solving, and a renewed emphasis on resident comfort. The social services function receives particular praise for compassionate, practical guidance through transitions, helping families feel secure about where their loved one is headed and what supports will be in place.

Yet the cautions persist. Several reviews flag ongoing staffing gaps, with reports of delays in routine tasks and occasional lapses in housekeeping or linen service. Some families describe care experiences where communication felt inconsistent or where staff behavior reflected judgment or a lack of warmth. There are alarming anecdotes about medical events that were not promptly recognized or escalated, underscoring the reality that staffing stability and dependable, respectful care delivery remain essential to sustained confidence here.

In deciding, focus on current realities rather than past perceptions. Prospective residents should spend substantial time with the therapy and nursing teams, request up?to?date staffing rosters, and review the latest quality metrics and incident logs. If aggressive rehabilitation, proactive care, and a visibly improved operating environment align with the loved one's needs, Consulate offers a strong fit - provided today's staffing levels and front?line culture meet expectations. For families prioritizing a consistently flawless, long?term care environment with an unblemished staffing track record, it may be prudent to explore alternatives with more demonstrable stability.

This area of Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a variety of healthcare services with a range of physicians specializing in advanced surgical concepts, bariatrics, and family medicine conveniently located within a few miles. There are also several pharmacies nearby for easy access to medication and health supplies. For dining options, there are popular chain restaurants like Panda Express and Zaxby's as well as upscale choices like Ruth's Chris Steak House. Parks such as Imagination Station and East Brainerd Heritage Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread for socializing with friends or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Places of worship like Christ United Methodist Church and Ridgedale Baptist Church are available for spiritual nourishment. Overall, this area offers a mix of healthcare facilities, dining options, recreational spaces, and community resources that may appeal to seniors looking for a vibrant and convenient place to live in Chattanooga.

Physicians

• Advanced Surgical Concepts (2.1 miles)
• Parkridge Valley Adult & Senior Campus (2.3 miles)
• Chattanooga Bariatrics (2.4 miles)
• Vincent A Viscomi MD (2.4 miles)
• Erlanger Ooltewah Family (2.7 miles)
• Erlanger at Volkswagen Drive (2.8 miles)
• Urgent Care Family Medicine (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Drake's Chattanooga (2.4 miles)
• Panda Express (2.5 miles)
• Zaxby's (2.5 miles)
• Ruth's Chris Steak House (2.5 miles)
• Arby's (2.5 miles)
• Forbidden City Restaurant (2.5 miles)
• Miller's Ale House (2.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Designer Drugs (2.9 miles)
• ""Walmart Stores"" (3.1 miles)
• Moore & King Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walmart Photo Center (4 miles)

Parks

• Imagination Station (2.7 miles)
• East Brainerd Heritage Park (3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.9 miles)
• Lola Beans Coffee (3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ United Methodist Church (2.7 miles)
• Ridgedale Baptist Church (3.8 miles)
• New Covenant Fellowship Church (6.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Atrium Imaging Center (2.8 miles)
• Cleveland Imaging (3.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Hamilton Place (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• CHA employee lot (5 miles)