Heartland Health Care Ctr

Pros

• The staff's professionalism and supportive care helped the patient begin recovery.
• The patient was treated with care and kindness while preserving her dignity.
• The patient enjoyed the food and found companionship with other residents at mealtimes.
• The facility worked with the family toward the goal of discharge.
• The reviewers praised Shawano Health Services for the treatment and professionalism of the staff.

Cons

• The nursing staff were rude and did not want to do their jobs.
• Staff rarely responded promptly when residents rang the call bell.
• Dressing changes on the right leg were not performed properly.
• They allegedly charted intake incorrectly and administered too much diabetic insulin, nearly causing a diabetic coma.
• Billing was unclear, lacking itemization of charges or dates.
• The business office manager was extremely rude and would disconnect calls without notice.
• The facility was described as dark, dank, and musty.
• CNAs and some staff were described as incompetent and inattentive.
• The care environment raised safety concerns, including long response times to emergencies.

Review

Shawano Health Services has been the site of a broad range of patient and family experiences, with reviews painting a picture of both progress and pain. On the positive side, several people credit the facility with real, tangible benefits during rehab and recovery. One individual expresses sincere gratitude for the professionalism of the staff and for the help they received in getting back on the path to recovery. Another reviewer notes that, despite initial worries after reading other accounts, their family member was treated with care, kindness, and dignity, and that the rehab process helped them regain a sense of purpose and momentum toward going home. A different account highlights the rehab team as a constructive force, emphasizing that the goal is to return home and that staff work with families toward that objective. In these accounts, the people most often singled out as making a difference are the rehabilitative professionals - therapists and the broader team whose daily work is oriented toward rebuilding strength and independence.

Yet these encouraging notes sit alongside a chorus of serious concerns about day-to-day care, safety, and administration. A substantial portion of the feedback centers on experiences that felt rushed, inconsistent, or neglectful. In one set of stories, patients or their families describe long delays after pressing the call button - tardiness that could be especially distressing when someone is in pain, uncomfortable, or facing urgent health issues. There are reports of routine clinical duties not being completed in a timely or satisfactory manner, such as dressing changes that were not performed adequately and wound care that did not meet expectations. In one particularly grave series of claims, a patient allegedly received an improper dose of insulin, leading to unresponsiveness and a near diabetic crisis, with alarmingly insufficient response to beeping call lights or to concerns raised by family members. The fear conveyed in these accounts centers on questions of patient safety and whether medical errors or lapses in monitoring could be fatal.

The environment and bedside care are another focal point. Several reviewers describe a setting that felt dark, musty, or poorly maintained, which contributed to a sense of unease about leaving a loved one there. The experiences described with CNAs and nursing staff are mixed: some interactions are noted as abrupt, dismissive, or inattentive, with examples of missed signs of distress or inadequate assistance, such as delays in addressing chest pains or bypassing what seem like urgent needs. In some stories, a lack of consistency across shifts - especially on weekends or late in the day - fueled anxiety about safety and the overall quality of care. There are also vivid anecdotes about room configurations and equipment that did not meet the patient's needs, including extended-bed availability that seemed inconsistent with what was needed for a patient's comfort and safety, and crowded conditions in shared rooms that complicated daily routines and privacy.

Billing and administrative processes also drew sharp criticism. One account describes receiving a bill without clear explanations of what it covered or when it originated, which added to a broader impression of disorganization and a lack of transparency. There are loud criticisms of the business office staff as well, including reports of rude behavior and calls being disconnected without explanation. The impression conveyed is that administrative and financial interactions can be as stressful as the clinical ones, leaving some families feeling uncertain about what to expect next and whether they can trust the facility to handle paperwork accurately and respectfully.

A recurring theme across several posts is the perceived mismatch between the facility's stated mission and what families observe in practice. Some reviewers describe the place as VA-contracted and heavily dependent on Medicare and veteran benefits, with concerns that this funding structure may influence staffing levels and the responsiveness of care. The fear expressed by multiple writers is that the elderly and veterans - the very groups this facility is designed to serve - do not always receive the level of care and attention they deserve. This has led to strong calls for oversight by state authorities, demand for more transparency, and a push for potential tours or assessments before placing loved ones in any such setting.

Against these strenuous critiques, there are still instances of praise that emphasize professional, compassionate care within the rehab context. A common thread in these positive reviews is the acknowledgment that, when care is well-coordinated and the team communicates effectively, patients can progress toward their recovery goals. The best experiences described tend to feature clear communication, targeted rehabilitation, and staff who treat patients with dignity and encouragement. Several comments emphasize that the most meaningful improvements come when families feel included in the plan of care and when the facility is proactive about planning a safe, realistic pathway home.

In sum, the collective sentiment about Shawano Health Services presents a complex picture. There are undeniable stories of gratitude and recovery, especially tied to rehabilitation and supportive professionals who helped patients regain strength and a sense of progression toward independence. At the same time, a substantial body of reviews raises serious concerns about bedside care, responsiveness, safety protocols, and administrative transparency. The recurring questions focus on whether patients receive timely, respectful care, whether medical errors are prevented or adequately addressed, and whether the billing and administrative processes clearly explain what services were provided and why. Taken together, these accounts suggest a need for ongoing scrutiny, improved communication, and a renewed focus on patient safety and dignity - especially for vulnerable populations relying on care during rehabilitation, recovery, and transition back to home.

This area of Shawano, Wisconsin offers a convenient and accessible location for seniors looking to settle in a peaceful community. With multiple transportation options such as Tim's Taxidermy and Shawano City Cab nearby, getting around town is made easy. The vicinity also provides access to various places of worship including Zion Lutheran Church-ELCA and St John's Episcopal Church for spiritual fulfillment. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians like Forefront Dermatology Shawano and Thedacare Orthopedics Plus located within close proximity. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Shopko Shawano and Walgreens nearby for medication convenience. When it comes to dining out, seniors have a range of options from Longhorn Saloon to Stubborn Brothers Brewery offering delicious meals. Parks like Diamonds By The Tank and Sturgeon Park provide opportunities for leisurely walks and fresh air. Overall, this part of Shawano presents a well-rounded and welcoming environment for senior living.

Transportation

• Tim's Taxidermy (0.1 miles)
• Shawano City Cab (0.7 miles)
• Bus Stop (0.9 miles)
• Truck City Taxi (11.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Zion Lutheran Church-ELCA (0.2 miles)
• Jehovah's Witnesses (0.4 miles)
• Spoken Word Church (1.2 miles)
• St John's Episcopal Church (1.3 miles)
• Assembly of God Church (1.4 miles)
• River Valley Church (1.4 miles)
• Wisconsin District United Pentecostal Church Camp (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Forefront Dermatology Shawano (0.3 miles)
• Forefront Dermatology Shawano, WI (0.3 miles)
• Modder, Joshua Dr-Wisconsin Institute of Urology (0.3 miles)
• Thedacare Orthopedics Plus - Joshua K Modder MD (0.3 miles)
• Theda Care Physicians (0.3 miles)
• Dermatology Associates (1.2 miles)
• Modern Hearing (1.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Shopko Shawano (0.3 miles)
• Dreier Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Longhorn Saloon (0.3 miles)
• Grandma Sophie's Family Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• Cruise In (0.8 miles)
• Luigis' Pizza and Pasta (0.8 miles)
• Stubborn Brothers Brewery (1.2 miles)
• Slackers (1.2 miles)
• Hunan Chinese Restaurant (1.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Thedacare Ambulatory Surgery Center-Shawano (0.3 miles)
• Shawano Medical Center (1.6 miles)

Parks

• Diamonds By The Tank (0.6 miles)
• Sturgeon Park (1.1 miles)
• Heritage Park (1.7 miles)
• Shawano Lake State Fishery (6.9 miles)

Theaters

• Shawano Cinema (2.5 miles)