Elderwood at Cheektowaga
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 36 Google reviews
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Quality Concerns Identified
Medicare inspection and quality data reveal areas that families should carefully evaluate before choosing this facility.
- Above-median deficiencies (9 vs median 6.0)
- High staff turnover (52%)
- High RN turnover (52%)
Above average in NY · Below recommended RN staffing · No penalties on record
What this means for your family
This facility has a high volume of reports concerning neglect, hygiene, and staffing shortages. If you must consider this location, we strongly advise daily, unannounced visits to monitor your loved one's care, as multiple families noted that consistent presence was the only way to ensure basic needs were met.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
36 reviews on Google“Elderwood at Cheektowaga faces severe and persistent criticism regarding its standard of care, with numerous families reporting issues such as poor hygiene, neglect, and unresponsiveness from staff. While a small subset of reviewers mentions positive experiences with specific rehab staff, the overwhelming majority of feedback highlights a facility struggling with cleanliness, staffing shortages, and inadequate communication.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Effective physical rehabilitation therapy department
- Some individual staff members described as caring
- Private room options available
Concerns
- Persistent foul odors (urine/feces/mold) throughout the facility (mentioned by 6 reviewers)
- Understaffing leading to long wait times for call buttons (mentioned by 7 reviewers)
- Poor quality, cold, or unappealing food (mentioned by 6 reviewers)
- Neglect of basic hygiene and medical needs (bed sores, medication delays) (mentioned by 5 reviewers)
- Staff observed using cell phones instead of attending to residents (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 38 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1I noticed that the facility has a large capacity of 172 residents; what specific protocols do you have in place to ensure that call button response times remain prompt during peak hours?
- 2Could you walk me through your daily housekeeping and sanitation schedule to ensure that the environment remains fresh and hygienic for all residents?
- 3I see that you are very active in responding to feedback online; how do you incorporate that family input into your daily operational improvements?
- 4Regarding the dining experience, what options are available for residents who may have specific dietary preferences or find the standard meal service unappealing?
- 5Given the importance of consistent care, how do you manage staff supervision to ensure that team members are fully engaged and attentive to resident needs throughout their shifts?
- 6Since your rehabilitation department is a known strength, how is that specialized care integrated into the daily routine for residents who are not in the rehab wing?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“At 9 am on a Monday morning, the entire facility reeked of urine and feces. Staff stood around in there own world as if no one existed.”
“My dad has been there for 2 years... I complained about a 'rotting flesh' smell and turned out it was a stage 4 bed sore! It has yet to completely heal so he can get the surgery!”
“My fiancé was in there for physical rehabilitation and they were wonderful!! He progressed so quickly and is now home and better than ever.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Both RN and total nursing hours are below national benchmarks. This can mean less clinical attention per resident, so ask about their staffing plan.
Quality Measures
Quality Measures
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
9
measures
6
measures
2
measures
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents whose walking got worse
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents who lost too much weight
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
This facility has recurring problems with families filing complaints about abuse prevention and resident rights violations, which triggered 8 of the 28 total deficiencies. The most persistent issues involve medication management, fire safety systems, and protection from abuse and neglect. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the pattern of repeated violations in critical care areas like abuse prevention suggests ongoing operational challenges that families should investigate thoroughly during visits.
Feb 5, 2026Complaint3
Infection Control Deficiencies
Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Nov 5, 2025Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
May 2, 2025Complaint1
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Jun 18, 2024Routine8
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Construction Deficiencies
Meet other general requirements.
Egress Deficiencies
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Jun 18, 2024Complaint3
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Administration Deficiencies
Provide timely, approved x-ray services, or have an agreement with an approved provider to obtain them.
Feb 8, 2024Complaint2
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Elderwood at Cheektowaga
for profit
Chain Affiliation
Elderwood
17 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 2.6/5 · Rank 8 of 17
Ownership & Management
Owners
Cole, Warren
Owner
Rubin, Jeffrey
Owner
Key personnel
Contact
Get in Touch
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
36 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit elderwood.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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Safer Alternatives Nearby
Based on current clinical data, we identified 6 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.
Elderwood at Lancaster
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Elderwood Assisted Living at West Seneca
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Highpointe on Michigan Health Care Facility
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