Norwood Health Ctr

Pros

• The staff are very knowledgeable and professional.
• There were good staff members such as Nikki (OT), Brad, Taylor, and Sharon.
• Dr Hoppe showed true kindness and understanding.
• Norwood saved the reviewer's life.
• The staff, nurses, and social worker are highly qualified and worked wonders with the reviewer's brother.
• The reviewer believes it is the best institution in the state and that it beats the other state institutions they have experienced.

Cons

• They experienced discrimination for being Asian American by multiple staff members, including Dr. Yasmin and Jeff.
• They felt the investigations into harassment and discrimination reports were inadequate.
• They nearly died due to a medication error that caused severe dehydration and risk of cardiac arrest.
• They felt patients' rights were violated, including being denied a blanket and a freezing room.
• They felt uncomfortable due to the behavior of a staff member associated with group meetings.
• They were misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and felt gaslit, attributing this to their ethnicity.
• They claim a family member was refused ER care until conditions worsened, nearly resulting in death.
• They observed privacy violations, such as patient names being visible on a whiteboard to visitors.
• They described unsafe and unsanitary conditions (no bathroom sink, cold water, dirty floors, nails on the floor, exposed outlets).

Review

A recurring thread in the accounts is a place that can feel like two different institutions at once. On one hand, several people describe moments when staff demonstrated real knowledge, professionalism, and humanity. They point to individuals who helped them or saved their lives, and they emphasize that there are capable, caring workers who understand their responsibilities. Names like Nikki, an occupational therapist described as "an angel," along with Brad, Taylor, Sharon, and Dr. Hoppe, are cited positively. One person recalls Norwood saving their life about a decade ago, underscoring that there are moments of genuine kindness and competence. For some, the facility stands out as better than other state institutions they've encountered, with staff who are "very knowledgeable and very professional" despite the tough environment.

But the overall sentiment is deeply tempered by a chorus of troubling experiences that color the entire impression. A number of reviewers report direct discrimination and harassment tied to race, ethnicity, or background. Asian American patients describe being targeted by staff and labeled in ways that feel demeaning and unjust, with mentions of harassment by specific individuals such as Dr. Yasmin and Jeff, among others. These accounts include not only harmful interactions but also dissatisfaction with how investigations were handled after incident reports were filed. In at least one case, the patient says a misdiagnosis of bipolar or schizophrenia was used to justify dismissive or gaslighting behavior, with the patient insisting that their ethnicity should not determine their diagnosis. There are also concerns about racial or cultural discomfort expressed by at least one staff member connected to group meetings. Taken together, these reflections emphasize a broader pattern of perceived empathy gaps and prejudicial treatment that undermines trust in the care environment.

Safeguarding and clinical safety emerge as another major area of critique. Several reviewers recount serious medical missteps or near-catastrophic events. One patient attributes a medication error to a staff member named Hannah that led to thinning blood and severe dehydration, nearly causing death or cardiac arrest, with an impression that the incident was not fully investigated. Other stories describe inadequate responses to medical crises, delays in taking a relative to the emergency room, and overall concerns about how safety and risk are managed. The sense conveyed is that when harm could have been prevented, the system failed to protect patients effectively, leaving families to worry about whether their loved ones would get timely and appropriate care.

The day-to-day care and patient rights experience a split, too. Several reviews describe a pattern of poor communication, limited time with therapists, and a perceived lack of attention to patients' needs. Some patients report only brief therapy sessions and little to no engagement with clinicians, along with accusations that patient rights are routinely violated. There are mentions of being denied basic comforts - such as a blanket - and living in a room that is uncomfortably cold, which amplifies the sense that patient comfort and dignity are not consistently prioritized. Another thread is a frustrated insistence that family members deserve timely and respectful access to loved ones, but that access is impeded by bureaucratic hurdles or perceived indifference from staff. In at least one case, a patient's family member describes being told to "tough it out" and being cautioned not to make a scene, which underscores the tension between advocacy and restraint within the care setting.

The complaints extend into the facility's environmental and operational conditions. Reviewers describe unsanitary and unsafe infrastructure: a lack of sinks in bathrooms, cold water, exposed outlets, low ceilings with self-harm risk features, unpadded cement walls, and chairs that could be used for self-harm. There are also reports of clutter and uncleanliness, such as sugar spills on tables, nails and nail clippings on the floors, and a general sense that cleanliness and maintenance are inconsistent. Privacy concerns are highlighted explicitly, with a patient noting a public whiteboard listing patient names, attending staff, and care assignments in a way that compromised HIPAA privacy. Several reviewers attribute these conditions to broader systemic shortcomings, suggesting that safety and privacy standards are not reliably upheld.

Billing, insurance, and accountability issues buttress many of the most negative narratives. Accounts describe misbilling, including instances of insurance covering costs while the patient is still billed for substantial sums, sometimes after the patient's coverage has been arranged or adjusted. A long-running grievance theme is that the hospital engages in balanced billing that can leave patients financially responsible even when their insurance would cover most costs. There are also stories of lost belongings, misplacement, and delays in returning items after discharge, coupled with accusations that staff lied or misrepresented what happened. One account links a patient's family's financial strain to billing mistakes and even to county-level billing arrangements, suggesting a broader pattern of administrative negligence that compounds emotional distress with financial stress.

Despite the breadth of complaints, a few voices acknowledge that there are individuals within the system who acted with compassion, competence, or lifesaving intent. One reviewer notes that a friend who had previously been treated there spoke highly of staff who were kind and helpful, even if their overall experience remained marred by other problems. Another account recounts a successful involuntary admission where the staff and a social worker were described as qualified and instrumental in helping a family member through a difficult period. These instances highlight that, within the facility, there are professionals who bring essential care, support, and advocacy even as larger structural and interpersonal challenges persist.

Taken together, the collection of experiences paints a complicated, at times conflicting portrait. There are clear expressions of gratitude toward dedicated clinicians and moments of lifesaving care, but these are counterbalanced by repeated, severe concerns about discrimination, misdiagnosis, medication safety, privacy violations, unsafe or unsanitary conditions, and troubling billing practices. For some families and patients, the institution is seen as a necessary, albeit imperfect, option; for others, it represents a series of harms that erode trust and raise questions about whether the environment can ever become consistently safe, respectful, and patient-centered. The stories underscore the importance of stronger accountability, more empathetic engagement, rigorous privacy protections, and transparent, fair billing practices to ensure that those seeking help are protected and supported at every step.

This part of Marshfield, Wisconsin offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With several hospitals, pharmacies, and physicians located within close proximity, residents can easily access healthcare services. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants nearby for dining options. Places of worship provide spiritual support and community engagement opportunities. Parks and recreational areas offer opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. Transportation services are readily available for those who may need assistance getting around the area. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with essential services and entertainment options for senior residents to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Hospitals

• Norwood Health Center (0 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital of Marshfield (0.7 miles)
• Saint Josephs Hospital (0.7 miles)
• Marshfield Clinic (9 miles)

Restaurants

• Rose Bowl Lanes (0.1 miles)
• Culver's (0.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.2 miles)
• Nagoya Japanese Restaurant (0.2 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Burger King (0.4 miles)
• Taco John's (0.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (0.2 miles)
• Faith Fellowship (0.2 miles)
• Zion United Methodist Church (0.5 miles)
• Faith Baptist Church (0.7 miles)
• St John the Baptist Catholic Church (0.9 miles)
• North Ridge Church (1.1 miles)
• Riverside Apostolic Upci (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Biggby Coffee (0.3 miles)
• Daily Grind (1.2 miles)
• Java Junction (2.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Urgent Care Clinic Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Marshfield Clinic (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Robert A Carlson MD (0.6 miles)
• John J Hayes (0.6 miles)
• Marshfield Clinic Optical (0.6 miles)
• Marshfield Clinic-Neurology (0.6 miles)
• Marshfield Medical Center (0.6 miles)
• Perinatal Center (0.7 miles)
• Marshfield Eye Center (0.8 miles)

Parks

• Grant Mini-Park (0.9 miles)
• Marshfield Parks & Recreation (1.2 miles)
• Hamus Nature Preserve (1.2 miles)
• Marshfield Parks & Recreation (2 miles)
• Hefko Park (2.3 miles)
• Wildwood Playground (2.4 miles)
• Paws N Play Dog Park (2.4 miles)

Transportation

• Radio Cab of Marshfield (1.4 miles)
• Marshfield Public Transit (1.5 miles)
• Marshfield Municipal Airport (MFI) (3.1 miles)
• Northern Lights Taxidermy (4.4 miles)
• U-Haul (8.4 miles)

Theaters

• Rogers Cinema 7 (1.4 miles)