Golden Living Center Bayside of Poquoson

Pros

• Bayside of Poquoson Health and Rehab is a great facility.
• The staff are friendly and compassionate.
• It's a small home-like facility.
• The staff were friendly, comforting and all around helpful.
• The nursing staff are so caring and kind to their residents.
• They treat every resident with dignity, kindness and compassion.
• Every Bayside team member - nurses, aides, physical therapy, kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance, and administrative staff - are exceptional in each position they hold.
• They are genuinely kind and compassionate people.
• Bayside has amazing staff, with a warm, welcoming feeling when you walk through the doors and residents treated like family.
• The rehab department is awesome and it is so good to see residents progress and return home/to a meaningful quality of life.

Cons

• They billed mom for services she didn't receive.
• Mom sat in diapers without being changed for hours.
• Raw chicken was served.
• There was no hot water.
• Most staff don't care.
• They had four executive directors in four months.
• Roof issues at the building, with concerns it might not stay open.
• They killed my mother.

Review

Bayside of Poquoson Health and Rehab draws a wide range of experiences from the families and friends who have interacted with it. On one end, several reviewers describe a small, home-like facility where the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming. They emphasize that the staff are friendly, compassionate, and consistently treat residents with dignity and respect. For many, the setting itself - clean, well-kept, and with a noticeable emphasis on creating a positive, familial vibe - contributes to a sense that Bayside can be a comforting place for loved ones who need short-term or hospice care. Some family members point to upgrades and a renewed energy under new management as bringing a brighter, more organized atmosphere to the building.

Equally prominent are the stories praising specific team members and departments. Several reviews highlight nurses, aides, and the physical therapy staff as thorough, attentive, and genuinely kind. There are mentions of moments that stood out emotionally - a nurse stepping in to offer comfort, a therapist who helps residents regain independence, or staff who check in on families during difficult times. The rehab department receives particular praise for progress and for helping residents move back toward home or meaningful daily life. In many of these accounts, families feel cared for and reassured by the level of engagement from the staff, with caregivers described as reliable, supportive, and genuinely invested in residents' well-being.

However, the sentiment toward the facility is not uniformly positive. A notable portion of reviews focuses on serious safety, logistics, and care-fulfillment concerns. One family recounts a troubling transport experience in which a transfer chair, several medications (including a highly controlled medication), a blanket, and other personal items were forgotten when a resident was brought home from a respite stay. That same account notes a fall and skin tears during the stay, and explains lengthy trips for the family to manage care coordination. Other comments describe significant issues with food and basic amenities - raw chicken being served, a lack of hot water, and a general sense that food quality did not meet expectations. There are also complaints about billing and administrative lapses, with some reviewers alleging charges for services not received and confusion over who to contact for payment or records.

Some reviews take a critical stance on accountability and consistency in care. A recurring theme is frustration with management turnover and inconsistent leadership, with mentions of multiple executive directors over a short period and concerns about follow-through on issues raised by families. One review alleges mismanagement around a DNR sign-off and questions the consent process, while another claims more serious allegations and expresses difficulty in finding legal recourse years later. These accounts contribute to a perception that, while individual staff members may be kind and capable, systemic problems can undermine the overall quality of care experienced by residents and their families.

There are also strong voices praising Bayside as a place that has undergone positive changes and improvements. Several reviewers note a turnaround associated with new ownership or management, citing improved teamwork, a more resident-centered approach, and a stronger emphasis on collaboration among departments. Some families express gratitude for the way Bayside supports families during difficult transitions, including hospice care, with staff taking extra steps to maintain dignity and comfort for their loved ones. In these narratives, the facility is framed as responsive and evolving, with ongoing efforts to build a culture of warmth, reliability, and respect.

The overall impression is one of a facility that can be a source of both comfort and concern, depending on the specific experiences of residents and their families. Positive reviews consistently emphasize compassionate, attentive care, a home-like environment, and staff who go the extra mile to connect with residents and families. Negative reviews frequently center on safety lapses, inconsistent communication, and administrative or operational shortcomings that can erode trust. For prospective families considering Bayside of Poquoson Health and Rehab, the message drawn from these accounts is to visit in person, observe the environment, meet the staff, and probe for up-to-date information about leadership, care protocols, and how the facility handles emergencies, medications, and discharge planning.

This part of Poquoson, Virginia offers a range of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. The area is home to a variety of restaurants, including Chinese cuisine, American fast food options, and a local brewery for those looking to socialize. Additionally, there are several pharmacies and medical practices within a short distance, providing easy access to healthcare services. For leisure activities, there are cafes for enjoying a coffee break and a nearby movie theater for entertainment. In terms of healthcare facilities, there are hospitals in close proximity for any medical needs that may arise. Overall, this area provides a convenient and well-equipped environment for seniors looking to settle down in Poquoson.

Restaurants

• Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant (0.7 miles)
• The Barking Dog at Bull Island (0.7 miles)
• Capstan Bar Brewing Company (3.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.6 miles)
• Panda Express (3.7 miles)
• Hoss's Deli (3.8 miles)
• Arby's (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• Associates of York (2.8 miles)
• TPMG (3.6 miles)
• Dr McQuain (3.8 miles)
• Peninsula Women's Care (4.2 miles)
• Oyster Oral and Facial Surgery (4.3 miles)
• Hampton Roads Eye Associates (4.3 miles)
• Riverside Suburban Family Practice (4.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (4 miles)
• Riverside Pharmacy Services (4.3 miles)
• Langley AFB Satellite Pharmacy (4.5 miles)
• Langley Hospital Pharmacy (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Langley AFB Hospital (4.6 miles)
• Sentara CarePlex Hospital (5.1 miles)
• Mary Immaculate Hospital Nursing (6 miles)
• Mih Bon Secours Gift S (6.1 miles)
• Riverside Regional Medical Center Employee Health (6.3 miles)
• Riverside Regional Medical Center (6.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24 (4.8 miles)

Transportation

• Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) (5.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Warwick United Church of Christ (5.6 miles)