Salem Health & Rehabilitation
Save1945 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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There are plenty of stories circulating about this facility, and they span a wide range of experiences. On the one hand, there are moments that residents and families clearly value: events that bring life and activity to the building, visible attentiveness from staff, and personnel who go out of their way to make visits meaningful. Several reviewers praised the staff for their care and engagement, noting that "the staff was kind and helpful," and that the environment could feel welcoming and organized when things were going smoothly. One guest even singled out a particular staff member by name, mentioning that a nurse's professionalism and customer service were greatly appreciated during a discharge-related situation. A visitor also described a positive impression from a recent outing, highlighting that the building staff were actively involved in resident enjoyment, and that a specific family like to visit during special events such as a chili cook-off. In some accounts, patients appeared to be well looked after during the day-to-day interactions, with comments about staff greeting visitors and residents, and about the care team being "very attentive."
But those positive notes sit beside a very different set of experiences that many families describe in strongly negative terms. Several reviewers paint a picture of ongoing cleanliness and infection-control challenges. Accounts describe rooms that were not prepared to standard, with troubling details such as dirty linens containing hair, crumbs, and what appeared to be skin flakes, along with dust and debris near chairs and beds. One nurse was cited as having addressed a serious infection-control concern promptly, but other reports describe rooms labeled as "enhanced precautions" that still felt unclean, with meds on the floor and trash left under beds. Multiple reviews mention cockroaches and other bugs in the building, cold rooms at times, and a general sense that upkeep and sanitation were not being prioritized consistently. The overall tone in these comments is a concern that the physical environment could be unsafe or uncomfortable for recovery.
Medication handling is another point of major contention. Several reviewers allege that medications were crushed and mixed into applesauce without offering the option to take them whole, and without clear explanations about what was being given. The phrasing used by one reviewer makes the claim explicit: this "is a violation of patient rights." The issue of medication administration intersects with communication problems, as families report difficulty reaching nurses and social workers, and with discharge planning, where the flow of information and timeliness of paperwork were repeatedly called into question. In at least one instance, a family described leaving multiple messages for a social worker and discharge coordinator, only to experience delays and a lack of follow-up on discharge arrangements, ultimately needing to escalate matters to a unit manager.
Communication, in particular, appears to be a persistent theme. Visitors and family members describe repeated attempts to contact staff, social services, or discharge coordinators without timely responses. There are complaints that critical information - like discharge dates and processes - was not consistently communicated to families, causing frustration and a sense of being left in the dark during a stressful period. One reviewer highlighted the involvement of a unit manager as a turning point for addressing concerns, but the broader pattern described is one of gaps in communication that can complicate what should be a more straightforward transition out of care.
Interpersonal dynamics among staff and between staff and families also come under scrutiny. Some reviewers recount positive interactions - friendly CNAs, responsive caregivers, and staff who went the extra mile during visits or after hours. Others recount experiences of dismissiveness, hostility, or indifference, with remarks about staff not being readily available to assist, or encountering a troubling attitude when questions were raised. A memorable anecdote described a staff member's behavior as symptomatic of a "Little Man Syndrome," illustrating the kinds of interpersonal friction that can color a family member's perception of the whole facility. There are also accounts of urgent moments where families felt neglected - such as a grandmother who pressed a help button and received a delayed, cold response - leading to lasting concerns about safety and responsiveness.
Beyond individual incidents, there are broader comments about the facility's overall environment and culture. Some reviewers describe a building that smells good and appears well-kept on certain days, especially noted by those who visit during positive moments and events. However, a large portion of accounts emphasize ongoing maintenance and safety concerns: dirty hallways and patient rooms, a persistent urine odor in areas of the building, and equipment or surfaces that seem overdue for cleaning or repair. The contrast between the celebratory, activity-rich visits described by some and the episodic reports of neglect and discomfort described by others creates a complicated picture of a community that can feel uplifting and supportive at times, yet precarious and under-resourced at others.
Several voices also question the facility's overall quality and transparency when looked at from a wider lens. There are concerns about the consistency of care across shifts and units, and about whether the staffing level and training are sufficient to meet resident needs. One reviewer even cross-referenced public indicators and inspections, suggesting that the patterns observed in daily care might align with broader systemic challenges in the facility - callouts that imply the need for stronger accountability, better staffing strategies, and more robust infection-control protocols. A few positive remarks about discharge planning and collaboration with other professionals - especially from someone in a regional nursing and executive leadership role - offer a glimmer of what well-coordinated, patient-centered care could look like when done right and with clear, proactive communication.
In the end, the experiences described here form a complex mosaic. There are clearly moments of excellent, compassionate care and genuine efforts to engage and support residents and their families. There are also deeply troubling episodes related to cleanliness, infection control, medication handling, and communication that understandably raise alarms about safety and quality. Taken together, they suggest a facility with strong potential and public-facing strengths, but one whose day-to-day operations, staffing stability, and internal processes require meaningful attention and reform to ensure consistent safety, dignity, and reliability for every resident. For families considering this community, the message is nuanced: research and weigh experiences across multiple sources, ask direct questions about cleanliness, medication practices, and discharge processes, and look for evidence of sustained improvements and transparent communication from leadership.
Salem Health & Rehabilitation in Salem, VA is a well-equipped assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to meet the needs of its residents. With a focus on providing a comfortable and enriching environment, this community offers numerous amenities such as a beauty salon, cable or satellite TV, and a fully furnished living space.
For the convenience of its residents, Salem Health & Rehabilitation also provides community-operated transportation and transportation arrangements for non-medical purposes. This ensures that residents have easy access to nearby destinations such as doctors' appointments, cafes, parks, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals.
The community also prioritizes wellness by offering a fitness room and wellness center where residents can engage in various fitness programs designed to cater to their individual needs. Additionally, there are scheduled daily activities and planned day trips to encourage socialization and engagement among residents. Resident-run activities further allow individuals to actively participate in creating an inclusive community atmosphere.
At Salem Health & Rehabilitation, care services are available around the clock with a 24-hour call system and supervision. Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers is provided by trained staff members. Medication management and meal preparation according to special dietary restrictions are also offered to ensure the overall well-being of each resident.
With its comprehensive amenities and care services tailored towards promoting independence and quality of life for its residents, Salem Health & Rehabilitation provides a nurturing environment for those seeking assisted living in Salem, VA.
Salem Health & Rehabilitation is located at 1945 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153 in Salem city, Virginia
Salem Health & Rehabilitation on seniors.fyi includes 5 photos including images showing healthcare, outdoors, artwork, outdoor, and more.
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