East Tennessee Health Care Center in Madisonville, TN

Pros

• The staff provide excellent care with wonderful hearts.
• The staff are amazing and work their absolute best to care for each person.
• Amy in Admissions is easy to reach and goes the extra mile to help.
• Holly in Social Services is very communicative and helpful.
• Sabrina, the DON, is top notch with professional and people skills.
• Brad and Sonya in therapy are awesome.
• The kitchen staff and aides are superb.
• The administrator and HR staff are excellent.
• The smaller facility enables personalized care.
• They organize great events like Halloween that residents enjoy.
• Marie brings coffee to residents daily, contributing to their happiness.
• CNAs are highly valued for their care.

Cons

• A reviewer gave the facility a 1-star rating, claiming a memory-care patient entered their mom's room at night and attacked her while she was recovering from surgery.
• The reviewer said the food was terrible and inedible despite paying about $500 per day, and that UnitedHealth said they would remove the facility from their network.
• They added that the ceilings were leaking.
• Another reviewer described the place as nasty and not clean, with floors never cleaned and no one cleaning.
• One reviewer would give zero, questioning how anyone could leave good reviews and claiming the staff did not care about a family member's food allergy.
• They reported difficulty obtaining dairy products due to a dairy allergy and delays with nighttime medications.

Review

East Tennessee Health Care Center in Madisonville is best suited for families seeking a warm, person-focused environment where staff know residents well, and where rehab and long-term care happen in a smaller, home-like setting. The community shines for seniors who respond to high-touch care, meaningful social activities, and a neighborhood feel in which aides, therapists, and administration feel accessible. For those prioritizing hands-on daily attention, short-stay or ongoing rehabilitation, and a culture that treats residents like family, this center offers a compelling fit.

However, families should explicitly consider alternatives if pristine upkeep, consistent food quality, or specialized memory-care safety are non-negotiables. Several reviews flag issues around cleanliness at times, and at least one accounts for significant food and dietary challenges. For residents with strict dietary restrictions or high expectations for perfect meal customization, it pays to compare menus and allergy protocols across nearby options. Also, if memory-care security and risk mitigation are paramount, other communities with more formalized memory-care environments may be warranted.

On the upside, the strongest pro set centers on staff and culture. The reviews repeatedly praise compassionate, engaged caregivers who treat residents with genuine warmth. The smaller facility size translates into more individualized attention, quicker response times, and a sense of family among residents and staff. Therapy teams receive high marks for effectiveness and enthusiasm, and admissions, social services, and administrative leadership are described as accessible and helpful. Residents note engaging activities, outings, and even celebrations that foster a lively, connected atmosphere.

That said, the main cons are real enough to weigh carefully. Some reviewers report cleanliness lapses and room upkeep concerns, and one account describes a serious safety incident involving a memory-care patient. Food quality and dietary accommodation also surface as inconsistent themes, with at least one comment highlighting edible-appeal shortcomings. Medication timing at night and responsiveness around special dietary needs emerge as concrete pain points in some experiences. Yet these negatives are not uniformly echoed; several reviewers contrast them with praise for swift problem resolution and direct communication from leadership, suggesting ongoing improvements under new or active administration.

For decision-making, concrete steps can tilt the balance in the right direction. Prospective families should schedule a candid tour with multiple staff members, including the administrator, director of nursing, and therapy leads, to gauge daily operations and responsiveness. Request a current, detailed menu and a documented approach to dietary restrictions, along with a latest incident or safety report if memory care is involved. Verify medication scheduling processes and the presence of adequate nursing coverage on evenings and weekends. Inquire about cleanliness routines, housekeeping responsiveness, and the frequency of preventive maintenance. If the resident values social engagement, ask to observe activity sessions and talk with residents about their lived experience.

Ultimately, the East Tennessee Health Care Center presents a strong option for families prioritizing a compassionate care culture, robust rehab potential, and a tight-knit community vibe. It is a particularly good fit for seniors who flourish with personalized attention and purposeful daily activities, and for families who value transparent access to admissions, social services, and therapy staff. Those who must have flawless cleanliness, highly predictable meal experiences, or uncompromised memory-care security should widen the search and compare alternatives more aggressively. With due diligence - visits, direct conversations, and current leadership visibility - this community can deliver the dependable, resident-centered care that makes families confident about a loved one's day-to-day life.

This part of Madisonville, Tennessee offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living. There are several cafes, restaurants, and pharmacies located within close proximity, making it convenient for seniors to access daily necessities. Additionally, there are several places of worship in the area, providing spiritual support and community connections for residents. The presence of multiple medical clinics and hospitals nearby ensures that seniors have access to healthcare services when needed. Parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while transportation options like U-Haul and Alamo provide convenience for travel needs. Overall, this area provides a supportive and well-rounded environment for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in Madisonville.

Cafes

• Linda's Cafe (0.1 miles)
• Donna's Old Town Cafe (1.2 miles)
• Lem's Korner (1.6 miles)
• Sweet And Salty Eatery (8.3 miles)

Physicians

• Chota Community Health Services (0.2 miles)
• Hometown Medical Clinic (1.3 miles)
• Chota Community Health Services (2 miles)
• Henry Veronica Cherokee Health Systems Clinic (7 miles)
• Sweetwater Family Medicine (8.5 miles)
• Maryville Pediatric Group at Vonore (9.2 miles)
• Medical Associates of Athens (13.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Covenant Faith Christian Center (0.3 miles)
• Jehovah's Witnesses (1 miles)
• Rocky Springs Baptist Church (2.3 miles)
• Stir (2.6 miles)
• Notchey Creek Baptist Church (2.6 miles)
• Chestua Baptist Church (3.2 miles)
• New Hope Cumberland (6.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Fats Stacks (0.3 miles)
• Pizza Hut (0.5 miles)
• Bert's Hometown Grill & Pizzeria (0.7 miles)
• Captain D's (0.7 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (1.2 miles)
• R & J's BBQ (1.3 miles)
• Sol Azteca Mexican Grill (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (8.1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (8.1 miles)
• Fred's Pharmacy (8.4 miles)
• Archers Pharmacy (8.4 miles)
• Wil Sav Drugs (8.5 miles)

Parks

• Houston Park (1.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Sweetwater Hospital (8.4 miles)
• Sweetwater Hospital Association (8.5 miles)
• Sweetwater Hospital Association (10.5 miles)
• Woods Memorial Hospital District (13.9 miles)
• Woods Memorial Surgery Center (13.9 miles)
• Daystar Counseling Center (13.9 miles)
• Athens Regional Medical Center (13.9 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (12.9 miles)
• Alamo (12.9 miles)