978 Highway 11 South, Sweetwater, TN 37874
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What emerges from these scattered testimonials is a deeply mixed picture of care at Sweetwater Nursing Center, with stories that run from alarming neglect and unsanitary conditions to moments of genuine compassion, professional skill, and attentive support. Taken together, the accounts portray a facility that can be a lifeline for some residents and a source of trauma or frustration for others, depending largely on who you encounter, when you visit, and which part of the operation is in motion at the moment.
Several reviews center on alarming lapses in basic care and sanitation. One family describes their mother, who had an illostomy bag, being repeatedly shorted on essential supplies - glue, bag components, and other items were "always out," and the bag would frequently rupture. The caregiver recalls a distressing routine in which staff would not come to empty the bag, and the patient was told to cover the area with a towel and wait for hours. While the patient waited, she was offered lunch - eaten while seated with a towel over her stomach, which the reviewer finds utterly unsanitary and unacceptable. There are even reports of confrontations with staff, including a nurse who allegedly got into the resident's face and yelled. The family emphasizes that their mother was only 56, not elderly, which they feel underscores the seriousness of the behavior and its impact.
Another thread of the negative feedback focuses on delays in emergency response and a lack of timely communication. One account describes a fall the night before and a delayed ER transfer - an extraordinary delay that left a family distressed and seeking explanations. The reviewer mentions a face that turned black, not purple, and asks loudly for an explanation and even offers to provide photographs. This kind of detail marks a fear that serious injuries or deterioration might go unheeded or unaddressed for too long, a fear that understandably colors every other memory of the facility.
There are also complaints about day-to-day operations and staffing. Currents of frustration run through comments about understaffing and reliance on contractors for night shifts, which some residents and families see as a risk to consistent, timely medication administration and basic care. Yet even within these concerns, there is nuance: the day shift nurses are frequently described as outstanding and familiar with the residents' needs, and several reviewers single out individual staff members who made a positive difference with compassion and reliability. On the therapy side, the rehab team (physical and occupational therapists) earns strong praise from multiple reviewers, who credit them with being skilled, motivating, and crucial to a meaningful recovery process. The social workers receive similar commendation in some posts, suggesting that when therapy and social work teams are engaged, residents can have a much more positive experience.
Medication management emerges as another point of contention. At least one reviewer reports being told that a prescribed medication wasn't "liked by the State" and being given an alternative, a choice that led to frustration and a perception of inconsistent dispensing practices. This individual describes a broader dissatisfaction with how medications were coordinated - suggesting that the facility could benefit from tighter integration between prescribing physicians, pharmacies, and nursing staff, and from clearer, more transparent communications with families.
Despite the turbulence described, there are strongly positive notes from other families. Several reviews praise the admissions staff, with Alexis in admissions singled out as "awesome" and "so sweet," providing reassurance and answering questions clearly. There are mentions of residents feeling well cared for and treated like family, with caregivers and staff who were described as kind, respectful, and patient. One family recounts a mother who was treated like a princess - clean, well-fed, and loved in a way that left the family grateful for the care she received in her final days. There are accounts of staff who made a real difference in a resident's daily life, turning what could have been a discouraging stay into something much more positive for that person and their family.
The facility's leadership and operational changes also show up in these reviews. Some reviewers note a transition, mentioning "The Waters" takeover and attributing shifts in culture and care quality to changes in administration. For some, this transition is associated with a decline in attention and accountability, while others recall improvements or sustained professionalism in the day-to-day interactions with residents. The reality is that perceptions vary widely, and the same building can feel like two different places depending on who is in charge, what wing you're in, and how busy the staff are.
In summary, the reviews present a complex portrait of Sweetwater Nursing Center. Positive experiences often hinge on attentive, capable therapy teams, strong day-shift nursing, and staff who treat residents with dignity and warmth. Negative experiences highlight serious concerns about sanitation, supply shortages, delays in care, and inconsistent medication practices, amplified by reports of understaffing and challenging communication with families. For families considering admission, these narratives underscore the importance of touring the facility, observing staff interactions across shifts, meeting the therapy and social work teams, and asking pointed questions about supply management, window for response to calls, infection control, and how medications are coordinated with the pharmacy and physicians. Ultimately, the voice of the community is a reminder to look beyond a single visit and to seek a fuller picture - one that weighs both the compassionate care that some residents receive and the critical gaps that others have faced.
Sweetwater Nursing Center is an assisted living community located in Sweetwater, TN. Our facility offers a wide range of amenities to ensure that our residents feel comfortable and at home.
For our residents' convenience and well-being, we provide a beauty salon where they can pamper themselves and stay looking their best. We offer cable or satellite TV for entertainment, as well as community-operated transportation to allow our residents to easily access nearby locations.
Our computer center allows residents to stay connected with loved ones and keep up with current events. In our dining room, we provide restaurant-style dining with delicious meals prepared by our skilled staff. We also have a fitness room and a wellness center to promote physical wellness among our residents.
Our fully furnished living spaces offer all the necessary comforts of home, including private bathrooms and kitchenettes for those who prefer some independence in meal preparation. Housekeeping services are provided to ensure a clean and tidy living environment.
To engage our residents' minds and encourage social interaction, we have a gaming room, small library, and resident-run activities. Our concierge services help plan day trips for outings and excursions, ensuring that our residents have plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration.
We understand the importance of easy access to healthcare services, which is why we offer transportation arrangements for non-medical reasons as well as transportation to doctors' appointments. There are also several pharmacies, physicians' offices, hospitals, cafes, places of worship, and restaurants conveniently located nearby.
At Sweetwater Nursing Center, we prioritize the well-being of our residents by providing 24-hour call systems and supervision. Our dedicated staff is trained in assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. Medication management and special dietary restrictions are also accommodated.
Overall, Sweetwater Nursing Center offers a vibrant community filled with amenities that cater to both physical comfort and mental stimulation. Our goal is to ensure that each resident feels supported while enjoying a fulfilling and engaging lifestyle.
Sweetwater Nursing Center is located at 978 Highway 11 South, Sweetwater, TN 37874 in Roane County, Tennessee
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