Gretna Health Care Ctr in Gretna, VA

Seniors.FYI Elite Community Awards

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Pros

• The facility has a friendly staff and is consistently clean.
• The staff are attentive to patients’ needs and to visitors as well.
• There is a healthy vibe, and residents are well cared for and comfortable.
• The facility is nice, clean, and the staff are friendly.
• The staff are professional and very helpful.
• There are plenty of activities for residents that promote fun and interaction.
• The therapy team helps patients get back on their feet.
• The rooms are very clean and the staff are professional and helpful.
• The nursing staff and CNAs are top of the line, and the cleaning staff is excellent.
• The staff truly care about residents and treat them like family.
• The facility is great, and the staff are amazing and work well together.
• The care is excellent, with nurses and therapists going above and beyond.

Cons

• One reviewer alleges that their grandmother died in pain due to delays and unprofessional comments by staff.
• Another reviewer claims that some nurses and CNAs tend to keep to themselves and require residents or families to initiate contact, signaling a lack of attentiveness.
• A reviewer describes long wait times for medications and orders, suggesting care was not timely.
• A commenter says the food quality was poor and that family members sometimes had to bring meals.
• A reviewer notes that staff spent a lot of time on cell phones during shifts, potentially compromising care.
• A reviewer asserts that the elderly are treated poorly and that elder-care is a joke, criticizing the industry.
• A reviewer mentions occasional unfriendly bedside manner among some staff, despite overall positive experiences.

Review

Gretna Health & Rehab is best suited for older adults who need skilled rehabilitation after a medical event, such as a hip fracture or knee replacement, and for families seeking long-term care in a warm, community-minded setting. The campus in Gretna, VA earns high marks for staff accessibility, cleanliness, and an atmosphere that feels more like a supportive family than a stark hospital. Residents benefit from an integrated approach where therapy teams work closely with nursing and activities staff to keep recovery goals front and center. This is not a cold, impersonal facility; it is a place where staff consistently demonstrate attentiveness to both residents and visiting family members. For families prioritizing real progress in rehabilitation, Gretna’s therapy program often translates into faster mobility, better function and a smoother transition back home. Those seeking a like-new environment with easy navigation and a visible, caring culture will find Gretna compelling.

However, potential residents should consider alternatives if luxury amenities or narrow specialty care are non-negotiable. For seniors requiring highly specialized memory care with intensive monitoring or those who expect a resort-like setting, different options may better fit. Also, while most reviews praise the staff, there are occasional caveats: a few accounts note intermittent delays in service, and one review cites housekeeping lapses and concerns about bedside cleanliness. These are not characteristic of the overall experience, but they remind families to verify daily routines, respond promptly to call bells, and inspect room upkeep during tours. The reality is that a small number of shifts can feel understaffed or stretched, especially on busy days, which can affect perceived responsiveness despite otherwise strong caregiving. In short, Gretna shines for rehab and daily living, but it is not the best match for every care profile.

On the upside, the core strengths are sharp and well-attested: a culture of compassionate, patient-centered care, a robust therapy program, and a consistent level of attentiveness. Residents repeatedly cite friendly, professional nurses and CNAs who remember preferences and coordinate care across disciplines. Physical and occupational therapy teams are described as capable and motivating, delivering practical gains that residents can see in daily activities. The result is a rehabilitation trajectory that often shortens recovery time and reduces the risk of regression after discharge. Cleanliness and odor control are notable plusses, reinforcing a sense of dignity and comfort that supports healing. Families also appreciate the proactive communication, with staff keeping them informed about progress and any changes in treatment. When a plan hinges on progress and engagement, Gretna’s strengths become decisive advantages.

Activities and social engagement play a meaningful role here, not as afterthoughts but as part of the recovery equation. The facility offers a range of activities that give residents opportunities to connect, socialize, and stay mentally engaged, which research shows supports physical recovery as well. The environment is consistently described as neat, bright, and welcoming, with staff who collaborate, nursing, therapy, housekeeping, and dietary teams all pulling in the same direction. Family members repeatedly highlight how well residents are cared for and how clean and well-maintained the rooms and common areas feel. This overall atmosphere reduces anxiety for families and can improve adherence to therapy schedules, meals, and rest periods. In practice, these operational strengths translate into steadier evenings, fewer mood dips, and a more predictable day-to-day routine.

Leadership and individual staff members frequently receive praise for their impact. Administrators are cited as engaged and compassionate, and several therapists and nurses are singled out for going above and beyond, an indicator that the care model at Gretna rests on people who treat residents as family. Specific caregivers, names recur in reviews for their warmth, professionalism, and reliability, underscore the human element that often makes or breaks a stay. The result is a community where families feel informed, respected, and listened to, even during difficult or emotional moments. It should be noted that a few reviews call for more consistent bedside attentiveness, but the prevailing theme remains: the people, more than any single program, drive outcomes here. The bottom line: strong staff culture underpins the facility’s measurable rehab gains and daily comfort.

For families evaluating Gretna Health & Rehab, the practical path is clear. Prioritize a clear rehab plan with milestones, and verify that therapy intensity aligns with recovery goals. Schedule a tour and ask to observe therapy sessions, then speak with several nurses and CNAs on different shifts to gauge responsiveness and consistency. Review sample care plans and discharge instructions to ensure smooth transitions home or to follow-up care. Probe housekeeping routines and room maintenance during visits, and request written expectations for call-bell response times. If rehab momentum, transparent communication, and a warm, engaged team matter most, Gretna Health & Rehab should be at the top of the shortlist. It remains a standout option for families seeking genuine care, predictable routines, and measurable progress toward independence.

This part of Gretna, Virginia offers a range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. With several pharmacies located within a short distance, accessing medication and healthcare services is made easy. Additionally, there are various places of worship nearby for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. The area also boasts a selection of restaurants offering different cuisines, ensuring a variety of dining options. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians and a hospital in close proximity. Additionally, the presence of cafes provides opportunities for socializing and enjoying leisure time. Nearby parks offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Transportation options such as U-Haul dealerships make it convenient for seniors to travel when needed. Overall, this part of Gretna provides a well-rounded community with essential services and recreational opportunities suitable for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Gretna Drug Co. (0.5 miles)
• Commonwealth Pharmacy Chatham (8.8 miles)
• Chatham Family Pharmacy (11.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (11.3 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (12.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (12.5 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (12.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Kingdom Hall-Jehovah's Witness (0.6 miles)
• Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church (2.7 miles)
• Antioch Baptist Church (3.3 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (4 miles)
• Piney Fork Baptist (4 miles)
• Pittsville Pentecostal Church (4.2 miles)
• Green Pond Baptist (5.2 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• El Cazador (0.8 miles)
• C & E's Restaurant (1.4 miles)
• Krispy Krunchy Chicken (4.4 miles)
• Kim's Kitchen (8.3 miles)
• El Cazador (8.8 miles)
• Pino's Pizza Italian Restaurant (8.8 miles)

Physicians

• Centra Health Medical Center-Gretna (1.7 miles)
• Chatham Family Medical Center (6.7 miles)
• Staunton River Family Physicians (11 miles)
• East Lake Medical Center (16 miles)
• Volens Family Practice (21 miles)
• Village Family Physicians (21.1 miles)

Cafes

• Callands Coffee (8.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Pittsylvania County Health (10.9 miles)

Parks

• Smith Mountain Lake State Park (15.5 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (16 miles)
• Samsons Taxidermy (16.3 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (21.5 miles)