James River Convalescent Ctr in Newport News, VA

Pros

• The staff at Atlantic View Post Acute are praised for doing a wonderful job taking care of residents.
• The rehab department is beyond amazing, with physical therapy and occupational therapy helping patients regain independence.
• Idena Flipping is outstanding, always looking out for residents’ needs and supporting families.
• Amber Shoebrook went above and beyond in caring for the grandmother.
• The management team at Atlantic View shows a passion for caring and strives for excellence.
• The facility is clean, well-maintained, and staffed by friendly, trustworthy employees.
• The therapy team is thorough, kind, and patient, helping residents get back on their feet.
• James River Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center is described as a top-notch facility with excellent quality of care.
• The staff consistently demonstrate compassion and dedication to residents, creating a warm, supportive environment.

Cons

• The facility was described by a reviewer as inhumane to residents, deserving zero stars.
• A family member alleged a resident was left for over an hour in fecal matter after staff took a break.
• The place was characterized as dark, depressing, and unwelcoming.
• There were multiple accounts of staff speaking to residents in rude tones and lacking empathy.
• The building was criticized for roaches, a bad odor, and overall unclean conditions.
• The evening temporary staff were described as unprofessional.
• Some reviews claimed residents were not adequately cared for, including issues with feeding and mobility.
• Tours advertised for prospective residents were said to misrepresent the actual conditions.
• The facility was described as outdated and in need of remodeling.

Review

This community is best suited for families seeking aggressive, outcome-focused rehabilitation with the goal of returning a loved one home. The rehab department stands out as the core strength, consistently producing mobility gains and functional improvements that many residents and families credit with restoring independence. In Newport News, the facility functions as a post-acute, skilled-nursing hub where dedicated therapists and nurses frequently earn praise for their perseverance and practical, hands-on care. When rehabilitation is the priority, and a realistic timeline toward discharge is the expectation, James River Convalescent Center (recently rebranded as Atlantic View Post Acute) is a compelling option worth serious consideration.

Conversely, those who require a consistently pristine day-to-day environment, predictable staffing, and uniformly high daily living standards should consider alternatives. A substantial portion of reviews flag concerns about cleanliness, odor, and environment, issues that can overwhelm families when a loved one spends extended time in residence. Night staff and some agency personnel are described as unprofessional or disengaged in certain shifts, and instances of delayed assistance, neglected hygiene, or inadequate feeding have appeared in reports. For families that cannot tolerate inconsistencies in basic daily care, or who place a premium on a consistently uplifting atmosphere, it is prudent to explore other options or to insist on more transparent, current performance checks before committing.

The strongest value proposition rests with the facility’s rehabilitation and its broader team-based care model, and those advantages often offset many of the stated drawbacks. The physical and occupational therapy teams are repeatedly praised for thorough, practical work that translates into real independence, patients who arrive unable to move frequently report meaningful improvements within weeks. Several residents and families highlight Idena Flipping as an exceptional admissions advocate who coordinates care with a calm confidence, and Amber Shoebrook and other therapy staff receive frequent accolades for going “above and beyond.” The sense that competent rehab can regain function and speed discharge is a powerful counterweight to concerns about inconsistencies elsewhere in the building.

That said, the balance between pros and cons remains fragile and highly contingent on individual experiences. Positive rehabilitation outcomes hinge on stable, responsive nursing support and clean, well-maintained surroundings, both of which are variably documented in the reviews. When care teams align, therapy, nursing, dietary, and social work, families report smoother transitions, timely communication, and a family-like atmosphere that eases anxiety around discharge and ongoing recovery. Conversely, when core caregiving functions falter or environmental issues flare up, even outstanding PT/OT cannot fully compensate, and trust can erode quickly. The rebrand to Atlantic View Post Acute has sparked some confusion in signage and public perception, underscoring the need for current, frank updates on the facility’s operational status.

Stories from families illustrate a wide spectrum of experiences. On the highly positive end, residents praise the rehab department as the “best part” of the stay, with caregivers who treat patients respectfully, motivate progress, and keep families informed. The admissions staff, particularly Idena Flipping, are repeatedly framed as a stabilizing force during transitions, providing reassurance and practical guidance when crucial decisions emerge. Management that communicates with compassion and a visible commitment to quality care also appears in several testimonials, reinforcing the impression that personnel genuinely care about residents’ well-being and progress. Yet the more troubling narratives persist, detailing neglectful moments, inconsistent meal service, and unsettling environmental conditions such as odors or pests. These contradictions imply that while the facility can deliver exceptional outcomes, it does not guarantee uniform experiences across all units and shifts.

The practical takeaway for decision-makers is clear: prioritize rehab and a strong care team, but verify daily quality control before transferring or long-term placement. Prospective families should request current tour feedback from both rehab and nursing staff, observe a therapy session in progress, and explore a real-time plan for discharge readiness. Engage directly with the admissions coordinator to understand how recent leadership changes have reshaped staffing patterns, incident reporting, and preventive maintenance. If the plan aligns with aggressive rehab goals and a realistic post-discharge pathway, and if current staffing and cleanliness standards show tangible, ongoing improvement, James River Convalescent Center can be an excellent choice. If, however, daily vitality, consistent housekeeping, and dependable staffing across all shifts are non-negotiable, alternatives with stronger track records in these domains may be more prudent.

Located in Newport News, Virginia, this area offers convenient access to various amenities that cater to the needs of seniors. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS nearby, residents have easy access to their medication needs. Additionally, there are reputable healthcare facilities including Riverside Regional Medical Center and various physicians' offices for medical care. Dining options range from fast-food chains like McDonald's to local seafood restaurants like Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant. For leisure activities, seniors can visit the AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24 theater or enjoy a peaceful walk in Victory Park. Transportation options are also available with Old Point Junction nearby for easy travel. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services and recreational opportunities for seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to call home.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Riverside Pharmacy Services (3.5 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (4 miles)

Physicians

• Riverside Ob Gyn (0.9 miles)
• Brentwood Family Practice (0.9 miles)
• Moukalled Darine Dr Riverside Partners In Womens Health Warwick Newport News (2.5 miles)
• Cardiovascular Center of Hampton Roads (2.6 miles)
• Riverside Cardiology Specialists (2.6 miles)
• Patient First - Hampton (2.8 miles)
• Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (3 miles)

Restaurants

• Piccadilly (1.3 miles)
• Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Tommy's Restaurant (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.3 miles)
• Warwick Restaurant (2.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple (2 miles)
• Warwick United Church of Christ (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Riverside Regional Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• Riverside Regional Medical Center Employee Health (2.6 miles)
• Sentara CarePlex Hospital (3.9 miles)
• Langley AFB Hospital (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24 (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)

Transportation

• Old Point Junction (3.5 miles)

Parks

• Victory Park (4.2 miles)