Ruxton Health and Rehabilitation Center of Westover Hills in Richmond, VA

Pros

• Forest Hill has come a long way, with the staff's hard work across nursing, therapy, social services, and other departments not going unnoticed.
• The staff at Forest Hill are knowledgeable and attentive.
• Forest Hill is clean, welcoming, and provides a safe environment where residents feel at home.
• Forest Hill's newly renovated rehab wing is modern, bright, and staffed by dedicated nurses with great bedside manner.
• Forest Hill has created an awesome environment for both therapy patients and long-term residents under strong leadership.
• Envoy of Westover Hills is an outstanding facility: very clean, feels like home, and the staff are friendly, caring, and professional.
• Envoy's admissions team is prompt in reviewing clinicals and admitting residents.
• The staff at Envoy treat residents like family, and the facility is well maintained with engaging activities.
• The administrator at Envoy is approachable and goes above and beyond to ensure residents' well-being.
• The therapy department at Envoy is a godsend, delivering exceptional care.

Cons

• They warn that the facility should not be chosen for a loved one and advise not to send anyone there.
• They describe the environment as dirty and smelling of weed, with roaches and unsanitary conditions.
• They report safety failures, including a resident left unattended leading to a fall and injury, and slow call-button responses.
• They criticize the staff for lacking empathy and failing to communicate with families, including not returning calls or providing updates.
• They accuse administration of being worthless and point to ongoing disrepair or a building in need of major improvements.
• They note equipment and accessibility gaps, such as lack of air beds, missing grab bars, and handicapped bathrooms not properly equipped.
• They report quality concerns like poor food, lead in water pipes, and unpleasant odors or taste issues in food or water.
• They describe the environment as a death trap or dangerously unsafe, highlighting neglect and unsafe conditions.

Review

Ruxton Health and Rehabilitation Center of Westover Hills is best suited for families seeking a rehab-forward environment where skilled therapy and a warm, family-like staff culture shape daily life. The community tends to attract residents who need robust physical, occupational, and speech therapy, coupled with attentive nursing support and a welcoming atmosphere. For those navigating short-term rehabilitation after surgery or a stroke, as well as long-term residents who value daily routines that emphasize recovery and well-being, this site can deliver meaningful progress through a hands-on, compassionate team. The presence of a memory-care focus within the milieu further enlarges its appeal for families seeking continuity of care where residents stay engaged and connected.

Those evaluating options should consider alternatives if a flawless safety and cleanliness record is non-negotiable. A substantial portion of feedback highlights serious safety and operational gaps: delayed responses to call bells, moments of unattended care resulting in falls or pain, and gaps in ensuring essential equipment and mobility aids are readily available. Cleanliness concerns - odor, mold, pests, and inconsistent upkeep - appear in several accounts, alongside reports of miscommunication with families and inconsistent medication verification. While some reviews celebrate tangible improvements, the breadth of experiences suggests that potential residents and their families must verify current staffing levels, safety protocols, and day-to-day reliability through in-person evaluation.

Yet the positives carry notable weight and recur across many comments. Families consistently praise therapy teams that produce tangible results, with clinicians who work to restore mobility and confidence. Administrative leaders are repeatedly described as accessible and invested in resident welfare, with examples of hands-on care and direct contact to resolve concerns. Renovations and refreshed rehab spaces contribute to a brighter, more functional environment that supports recovery and daily living. When these elements align, the atmosphere shifts from a clinical setting to a genuine, supportive community where residents feel valued and cared for, not simply housed.

The reality remains nuanced: care quality can hinge on ongoing staffing and leadership consistency. Several long-term and family reports underscore how quickly care can degrade if supervision wanes or staff shortages arise. Concerns about inconsistent call responses, variable nurse or aide availability, and uneven care coordination can undermine trust even when therapy outcomes look strong. Building maintenance and administrative attention are repeatedly cited as variable factors, coloring the daily experience for residents and families. In sum, excellence is achievable, but it depends on sustaining robust oversight, adequate staffing, and reliable operational practices.

For families assessing this site, an in-person tour is essential, with a structured set of questions. Inquire about current staffing ratios by shift, the most recent infection-control measures, and the condition of the physical plant - particularly mold, pests, and climate control. Request a current care plan, sample menus, and a typical daily schedule that includes therapy, meals, and transportation to appointments. Speak with several residents and family members about call-bell responsiveness, cleanliness, and the consistency of dining quality. Probe leadership accessibility: can the administrator be reached after hours, and is there a clear escalation path for concerns? Review the latest state inspections to gauge where the facility stands on quality metrics and safety.

When the elements come together, Ruxton Westover Hills can offer a compelling blend of skilled rehab, attentive nursing, and a genuine sense of community. It is well suited to families who are able to engage actively with the facility, demand consistent communication, and accept the trade-off of occasional operational rough edges in exchange for meaningful rehabilitation gains and resident-centric care. Those who require an unequivocally pristine environment, consistently flawless safety, and uniformly strong performance across all domains may want to compare with other options. A disciplined, firsthand evaluation - dialogue with administrators, therapists, and current residents - will reveal whether this community aligns with the specific needs, expectations, and comfort level desired for a loved one.

This part of Richmond, Virginia, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for seniors looking to relocate to the area. With several pharmacies, hospitals, and physicians located within a few miles, access to healthcare is convenient and readily available. Additionally, there are numerous parks nearby for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The neighborhood also features a selection of cafes and restaurants for dining options. Places of worship are easily accessible for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Public transportation options are located within a short distance, providing ease of travel around the city. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services and recreational opportunities that may appeal to seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.8 miles)
• Paragon Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.7 miles)

Parks

• Forest Hill Park (0.4 miles)
• Barker Field Dog Park (1.3 miles)
• Dogwood Dell (1.4 miles)
• Monroe Park (2.4 miles)
• Lombardy Park Playground (2.4 miles)
• Byrd Park (2.8 miles)
• Brown's Island (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• VCU Medical Center Emergency Department (2.7 miles)
• Vcu Health System Authority (2.7 miles)
• Hospital Hospitality House (3 miles)
• Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (3.1 miles)
• VCU Critical Care Hospital (3.2 miles)
• Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Lamplighter (2 miles)
• Quench (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Blanchard’s Café (3.1 miles)
• Ironclad Coffee Roasters (3.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Little Mexico (2.1 miles)
• Sticky Rice (2.2 miles)
• Papa John's Pizza (2.2 miles)
• Joe's Inn (2.4 miles)
• Jimmy John's (2.6 miles)
• Cava (2.6 miles)
• Capital Ale House (2.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christadelphian Chapel (2.3 miles)
• Tikvat Israel Congregation (2.4 miles)
• Remnant Church (2.5 miles)
• 31st Street Baptist Church (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• Bhatti Jawad Dr Virginia Pain Network And Clinics Richmond (2.4 miles)
• Surgical Specialists of Richmond (2.6 miles)
• OrthoVirginia - Chippenham (2.7 miles)
• Bergen Nelson, MD, MS (3 miles)
• MCV Children's Pavillion (3 miles)
• Clanton, Samuel Ambulatory Care Center (3.1 miles)
• Wickersham Jodi Hume Lee Transplant Clinic Richmond (3.1 miles)

Transportation

• GRTC Pulse - Convention Center (2.8 miles)
• Main Street Station (3 miles)

Theaters

• Bow Tie Movieland at Boulevard Square (3.3 miles)