Independence Rehab and Nursing
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 154 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.
- Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
- Above-median deficiencies (20 vs median 8.0)
- High staff turnover (61%)
Bottom 25% in PA · Critically understaffed (RN) · Worst in AMERICAN HEALTH FOUNDATION chain · $428,246 in fines
What this means for your family
This facility has shown significant improvement under new management, with many families praising the current staff's warmth and the cleaner environment. However, you should specifically inquire about their meal service and weekend administrative availability, as these remain recurring points of frustration for some families.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
154 reviews on Google“Independence Rehab and Nursing (also referred to as Cheltenham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center) has seen a significant shift in sentiment following a change in management in late 2024. Recent reviewers frequently praise the facility's cleanliness, improved atmosphere, and attentive staff, while older reviews and some recent critical voices highlight persistent issues with food quality, weekend staffing, and occasional lapses in basic maintenance.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Warm, welcoming, and attentive nursing staff
- Clean, odor-free facility environment
- Effective social work and transition support
- Positive impact of recent management changes
Concerns
- Poor food quality (burnt, hard, or inadequate alternatives) (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
- Lack of management or administrative presence on weekends (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
- General cleanliness issues (soiled items, odors, or maintenance) (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 143 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1I noticed the facility has undergone some recent management changes; how have these shifts impacted the daily care and overall culture for residents?
- 2We appreciate that you are active in responding to feedback online; how do you utilize that family input to improve the dining experience, specifically regarding food quality and meal variety?
- 3Given the facility's size, what steps are taken to ensure consistent cleanliness and maintenance in resident rooms throughout the week?
- 4Since we know weekends can sometimes feel quieter, what kind of administrative or management support is available on-site to assist families during those times?
- 5With 255 residents, how does your nursing team ensure that personalized care plans are closely monitored and that medical needs are addressed promptly, especially during overnight hours?
- 6What does a typical day look like for a resident in terms of social engagement and activities, and how do you encourage participation for those who might be more hesitant?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“From the moment my mother was admitted to Independence Rehab and Nursing, we felt cared for like family. The staff went above and beyond not just with her medical needs, but with genuine kindness and encouragement every step of the way.”
“New ownership has been very involved in the care for the facility and making sure the residents are active and cared for, very impressive”
“So my father has been here for a month. He has been treated pretty good but there is a constant problem with the food. It’s almost always burnt or too hard for even a non-senior 2 eat.”
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 · 16 measures
11
measures
4
measures
1
measures
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents whose walking got worse
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents vaccinated for the flu
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
Families have repeatedly filed complaints that led to 34 deficiencies including serious issues with resident protection, accident prevention, and medication safety. Recurring problems span accident hazards, abuse and neglect prevention, appropriate treatment and care, medication management, and infection control. While most issues show correction dates, some recent deficiencies remain without correction plans, and the pattern of complaint-driven violations suggests ongoing care concerns that families should investigate thoroughly during visits.
Mar 11, 2026Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Feb 26, 2026Complaint2
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Feb 18, 2026Complaint2
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Jan 21, 2026Complaint4
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
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.
Dec 4, 2025Complaint1
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Dec 3, 2025Routine26
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Services Deficiencies
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Notify the appropriate authorities when residents with MD or ID services has a significant change in condition.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Administration Deficiencies
Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Administration Deficiencies
Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Egress Deficiencies
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Egress Deficiencies
Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Administration Deficiencies
Employ staff that are licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with state laws.
Environmental Deficiencies
Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Dec 19, 2024
$143,549
Fine
Mar 28, 2024
$60,372
Fine
Jan 18, 2024
$131,437
Fine
Oct 23, 2023
$7,796
Fine
Oct 23, 2023
$7,797
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Independence Rehab and Nursing
nonprofit
Chain Affiliation
American Health Foundation
6 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 2.5/5 · Rank 5 of 6 (Worst)
Ownership & Management
Owners
Undisclosed
Ownership Data Not Available · Organization
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
154 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit independencern.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.
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