SunBridge Care & Rehabilitation - Hillside in Kingsport, TN

Pros

• They make residents feel like family.
• The staff are friendly and take good care of residents.
• The facility is clean, up-to-date, and smells pleasant.
• The nurses and CNAs are wonderful, caring, and attentive.
• They provide encouraging, upbeat rehabilitation and care.
• Families feel informed and welcomed; staff communicate well about loved ones.
• The concierge is friendly and the staff are helpful.
• The environment is modern, spacious, and professional.
• The staff take pride in maintaining a clean facility and high-quality care.
• Residents and families consistently describe the care as compassionate and respectful.

Cons

• Terrible attitudes, and terrible care were reported.
• The facility was described as awful.
• One reviewer said they wouldn’t put a sick dog in this place.
• A patient was left in a puddle of urine and not bathed for days.
• The facility was labeled the worst managed in the state, with nasty food and short-staffed care.
• A reviewer alleged elder abuse, including starvation and withholding fluids.
• A nurse practitioner and a social worker were described as rude and unprofessional.
• Families described patients being malnourished and septic, potentially from care at the facility.
• Some reviewers called it a “house of death” and warned others not to place loved ones there.
• There were reports of overdosing and theft of phones by EMS.

Review

This community is best suited for families seeking a warm, home-like atmosphere for rehabilitation or skilled nursing where staff warmth, personal attention, and a clean, well-kept environment are consistently noted as strengths. It works well for seniors needing post-acute rehab after surgery or a fall, or transitioning to long-term care where visible empathy from CNAs, nurses, and front-desk staff helps ease the process for both resident and family. The emphasis on being treated like family, and the frequent reports of accessible, friendly caregivers, make it a strong fit for households that prize relational care and a facility that feels approachable and welcoming.

Those considering alternatives should note a few red flags that emerge in the reviews. If private rooms as advertised are a must, or if impeccable consistency in staffing and oversight is non-negotiable, another community may be a safer bet. Families that demand uniform, unvarying quality across shifts should also scrutinize current staffing profiles and management responsiveness. Several reviews raise concerns about significant lapses in care, communication, and treatment by some staff, issues that are intolerable for relatives of high-need residents or those with complex medical needs. In short, this is not a one-size-fits-all choice; it hinges on tolerance for variability and the importance placed on a consistently seamless experience.

On the upside, the most reliable pro has been cleanliness and a hospitable, engaged staff. The facility consistently earns praise for being well kept, smelling fresh, and showing up with kind, helpful personnel who reassure families and residents alike. Nursing and rehab teams receive frequent commendations for professionalism, attentiveness, and the ability to move residents through therapy with encouragement and practical warmth. Families report clear communication loops, timely medication administration, and a caregiving culture that makes visitors feel welcome. For families prioritizing a positive, people-driven environment with strong housekeeping and a clean, modern feel, these advantages often outweigh other concerns.

The main cons cluster around staffing consistency, organizational execution, and occasional perceived lapses in care. Reviews describe understaffing that strains even capable teams, with real consequences like delayed showers, delayed meals, or gaps in basic comfort and safety routines. A few accounts allege mismanagement, disorganization at admission, and instances where residents’ needs were not promptly addressed. More troubling anecdotes involve perceived neglect or harm, and arguments regarding the thoroughness and tone of certain clinicians or social workers. These episodes, though not universal, are enough to push families toward caution, especially when long-term stability or heightened monitoring is required.

Ultimately, the pros and cons must be weighed against the intended length and intensity of care. For families seeking a rehabilitative path with a hopeful, home-like regard from staff, and where cleanliness and warmth can meaningfully support recovery and morale, this community delivers convincingly. However, the persistent caveat is that experiences vary widely; a family confronting chronic understaffing or management gaps may find the potential downsides disqualifying for long-term placement. Prospective residents should engage in thorough, multi-staff tours, request recent incident logs, and press for transparent staffing ratios and escalation procedures before committing.

Practical decision guidance follows from these realities. Schedule direct conversations with the administrator and the head of nursing to understand current staffing levels by shift and the facility’s approach to common problem areas such as daily showers, meals, and timely assistance with the nurse call system. Ask to review a recent quality-score or survey from state regulators, and request to meet frontline staff in the unit where the loved one will reside. Confirm the availability of a private room if that is important, and verify the rehab therapy schedule and therapists’ credentials. If the priority is a consistently pristine environment, friendly, responsive caregivers, and a strong sense of welcome, this community can be a good fit, but only with careful vetting and a clear plan to monitor care daily.

This part of Kingsport, Tennessee offers a convenient and accessible location with a variety of amenities nearby. With several restaurants such as KFC, Olive Garden, and The Chop House within a close distance, residents can enjoy a diverse selection of dining options. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies including Walgreens and Kroger Pharmacy in the vicinity for easy access to healthcare needs. For those seeking medical care, there are several physicians' offices and hospitals nearby, such as Indian Path Hospital and Holston Medical Group. The area also offers recreational opportunities with parks like Borden Park for outdoor activities. Overall, this neighborhood provides a combination of convenience, healthcare services, dining options, and green spaces that could make it an appealing choice for senior living.

Restaurants

• KFC (0.8 miles)
• McAlister's Deli (1 miles)
• Olive Garden (1.1 miles)
• The Chop House (1.1 miles)
• Golden Corral (1.2 miles)
• O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar (1.2 miles)
• Fazoli's (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Premier Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.1 miles)

Physicians

• Accents Facial Plastic Surgery (1.1 miles)
• Indian Path Pediatrics (1.3 miles)
• Kingsport Urology Group PC (1.3 miles)
• Psychiatric Associates of Kingsport (1.4 miles)
• Appalachian Orthopaedic Associates PC (1.4 miles)
• Holston Medical Group (1.5 miles)
• MSMG Pediatrics (1.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Indian Path Hospital (1.4 miles)
• Indian Path Pavilion (1.5 miles)
• Kingsport Day Surgery (1.6 miles)
• Fresenius Medical Care (1.9 miles)
• Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center (3.1 miles)
• Wellmont Health System (3.1 miles)

Parks

• Borden Park (1.9 miles)
• Domtar Park (4.4 miles)