MyLivingChoice

Mcdowell Healthcare Center

150 Venus Road

2.8(11 ratings)

Mcdowell Healthcare Center, photo 11 / 2

Quick Facts

Total units
120
Medicare rating
5 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
For profit, Corporation
Certified beds
120
Ownership
Part of a family-owned, multi-facility company
Medical staffing
24/7 medical staff on-site
Care focus
Short- and long-term rehabilitation and therapy

What Families Think

Reviews of McDowell Healthcare Center are sharply divided: some families describe warm, personal care and staff who treated their loved one like family, while multiple others report serious safety and responsiveness problems, including falls, theft of belongings, and difficulty reaching staff by phone. With a low overall rating and only a handful of reviews, the picture is inconsistent and concerning.

The Good

  • Warm bedside manner described by one family
  • Staff treated resident with genuine personal care
  • Involves families in care planning process
  • Offers therapy dogs, bingo, movies, outings

The Bad

  • Multiple reports of falls not being taken seriously
  • One report of staff dismissiveness after visible injury
  • Difficulty reaching staff by phone, per one reviewer
  • One report of theft of resident belongings unaddressed

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Mcdowell Healthcare Center is a senior living community in Gary, West Virginia offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 2.8 out of 5 across 11 reviews.

About Mcdowell Healthcare Center

McDowell Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing facility in Gary, West Virginia offering short- and long-term rehabilitation and therapy services. The facility maintains a 24/7 medical staff focused on residents' emotional and physical well-being, creating a supportive environment for guests, residents, and their families.

The center provides various recreational and therapeutic activities, including bingo, therapy dog visits, movies, and community outings. The facility involves families in every step of the care planning process to ensure personalized attention to each resident's needs for comfort, happiness, and success.

Gary is located in a scenic mountain region with nearby attractions including ATV trails with mountain views, the Jack Caffrey Arts and Cultural Center, the Sterling Drive-In, Anawalt Lake, and Miracle Mountain Wilderness Park. McDowell Healthcare Center is part of CommuniCare Family of Companies, a family-owned organization and one of the nation's largest providers of post-acute care services.

Types of Care at Mcdowell Healthcare Center

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)
  • Transportation Services

Activities

  • Birthday / Holiday Parties
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Grocery Shopping and Errands
  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Help Me Choose

Reviews of Mcdowell Healthcare Center

2.8overall · 11 ratings combined

2.8★ on Google (11)

Gayle Auville

Apr 2026

via Google

I came here a 2 years ago this week. To be treated for scoliosis. I was walking without holding on to things.bYear later scoliosis has reached the severe stage.Which is more than a 50 percent curve in spine. I am in chronic pain 24 hrs a day waiting for a appointment to Morgantown to finally see a orthopedic surgeon to get the help I have been waiting for. Sent to Charleston a couple of months ago and see a anesthesiologist who could do nothing for scoliosis.That ran me on 3 trips for the Dr told me who could do nothing for me. 3 trips for no help at all. Now I'm waiting for MRI to go to Morgantown. 2 years later laying in terrible pain. Waiting to get something as little as MRI. That should have been done sooner.. In desperate need of a Dr. LETTING people who are dying and in severe pain and he will not help them. I was walking when I came here.Now I can't leave the room sitting in a wheelchair to visit friends. The one's that will help can only do so much like the CNA's and the LPN's. The one's that can help don't care.They could have MRI scheduled sooner and won't try .I ask them if it were your loved ones wouldnt you won't the best for them ? You wouldn't let them go through pain the way I have . They treat their CNA'S and LPN's really bad they come in 5 mins late they fire them and for this reason they can't keep workers. I've had some really amazing CNA'S and LPN'S the 2yrs I have been here. Now there all gone. For these reasons I have asked for a transfer somewhere else.

Parker Levington

Dec 2025

via Google

If anyone sees this please contact me or leave an email were I can contact you stealing from these poor people in childish and highly unacceptable behavior from a nursing home and I’m not meaning the nurses taking from the patients its the patients taking from other patients and nothing is being done about it if I get any reports back that my family has had there belongings stolen from them I will be contacting a lawyer ! It’ may not be your place to watch the patients belongings but you sure can make sure they don’t go into other patients rooms I have honestly had enough of it my family member has had food clothing and makeup/ beauty products taken from them and when they report it y’all don’t do NOTHING !!! Well I will ! That is theft and I don’t know why your allowing it also me and per said family member were talking on the phone and one of the nurses decided to come in and interrupt our conversation and get involved how rude !!!!!!! I hope someone sees this and leaves an email ! This is not how I want my family to be treated !

K Bradley

May 2025

via Google

If I could leave a negative 100 rating, I would but it isn't an option. My brother was sent there to get physically rehabilitated. They'd get him up to go to bathroom. That's about it. He lost atleast 15 lb in the month he was there. Almost every day I got calls from them saying he fell. I had begged them to take extra precaution due to the fact he was a great fall risk. Each time he fell, they brushed it off. One particular nurse giggled when my brother was bleeding all over his bed. She giggled and said oops i forgot and slapped a bandaid on him. I said, are you going to change his bloody sheet? Maybe 2 weeks later, same nurse left my brother (who has dementia and can't walk) was left unattended in the activity room. She informed me with a giggle that he'd fallen but was "ok". I said why is he unattended and his wheels on his wheelchair are unlocked? I took him out of there the next day. If he'd remained there, I don't think he'd be alive.

Lori Grimes

Feb 2025

via Google

This place took very good of my mama Shelby Bowles all the way until she gained her wings. They have the best bed side manners and great southern hospitality. They treat you like family while you are with your loved ones.This place will always hold a special place in my heart. My mama loved them and they loved my mama.

Bear Bear

Oct 2021

via Google

It's 11:05 AM and the phone rings and rings and rings so, if you're expecting to get a hold of someone at this facility, I wouldn't waste my time. Answering the phone doesn't seem to be a high priority at this place - for which I think I'd rather die than to place a loved one here.

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Government Inspection History

4 inspection visits in the last three years, 30 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Feb 26, 2026Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard4 citations
  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 23, 2026

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 23, 2026

  • Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 23, 2026

  • 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.

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 23, 2026

Aug 7, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard14 citations
  • Construct fire resistant interior walls.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 28, 2024

  • Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 28, 2024

  • To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 28, 2024

  • Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 30, 2024

  • PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 30, 2024

  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 22, 2024

  • Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2024

  • Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2024

  • Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2024

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2024

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2024

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2024

  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 28, 2024

  • Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 28, 2024

Sep 12, 2023Health Complaint3 citations
  • Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 2, 2023

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 2, 2023

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 2, 2023

Aug 24, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard9 citations
  • Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

  • Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

  • Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

  • 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.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2022

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Mcdowell Healthcare Center offer?

Mcdowell Healthcare Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Mcdowell Healthcare Center located?

Mcdowell Healthcare Center is located at 150 Venus Road in Gary, West Virginia.

What do families say about Mcdowell Healthcare Center?

Reviews of McDowell Healthcare Center are sharply divided: some families describe warm, personal care and staff who treated their loved one like family, while multiple others report serious safety and responsiveness problems, including falls, theft of belongings, and difficulty reaching staff by phone. With a low overall rating and only a handful of reviews, the picture is inconsistent and concerning.

How did Mcdowell Healthcare Center do on recent health and safety inspections?

Mcdowell Healthcare Center had 4 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 30 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Mcdowell Healthcare Center?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Mcdowell Healthcare Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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