vern mitchell
Jun 2026
Had concerns. Admin & staff addressed then one by one in detail. Each member answered questions directly and provided requested information.<br>Quite satisfied with the overall experience.
Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis
915 North River Road4.4(111 ratings)· Saginaw average: 4.1
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Medicare rating
- 3 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Corporation
- Certified beds
- 94
- Inspections
- View history (71 citations)
- Short-term care
- Respite care available for temporary stays
- Therapy services
- On-site speech, occupational, and physical therapy
- Specialized services
- Respiratory therapy services offered on-site
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviewers of Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis overwhelmingly praise the rehabilitation therapy team and many individual staff members and the administrator by name, describing a warm, family-like atmosphere and good recovery outcomes. However, a handful of families report serious lapses in basic care, including unanswered call lights, medication errors, a pressure sore, and difficulty getting billing questions resolved, often attributed to being short-staffed.
The Good
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy praised repeatedly
- Administrator and many named staff singled out for compassion
- Residents report good recovery and regained independence
- Facility described as clean with a homey atmosphere
- Food quality and portion sizes praised by residents
- Activities program keeps residents engaged
The Bad
- Multiple reports of unanswered call lights and slow response
- One report of bed sores and unclean diapers during a stay
- One report of medication errors and missed doses
- One report of billing/communication issues needing corporate involvement
- Staff repeatedly cite being short-handed
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis is a senior living community in Saginaw, Michigan offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Professional Chef, Restaurant style Dining Room and Gathering / Activity Spaces. Families rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 111 reviews.
About Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis
Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Saginaw, Michigan, offering post-hospital care, long-term care, and 24-hour nursing services. The community has provided specialized care for over 70 years and maintains clinical and therapy teams dedicated to tailored treatment based on individual needs and abilities.
The rehabilitation program focuses on helping residents regain strength, mobility, and independence through personalized therapies including speech, occupational, and physical therapy. The facility also provides respite care for temporary stays, managed care services for those with complex medical needs, respiratory therapy services, and end-of-life care designed to ensure dignity and peace during a resident's final days.
St. Francis employs a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, nursing caregivers, life enrichment specialists, social work professionals, and support staff who work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive services. The community emphasizes nutrition, with a creative seasonal menu featuring fresh ingredients and home-cooked meals prepared by skilled chefs, including special celebration meals reflecting diverse ethnic backgrounds and resident preferences.
Dining options are flexible, allowing residents to eat in the decorated dining room or in their own rooms. The community organizes activities and social events, including special gatherings like Friday men's breakfasts, and provides meals that accommodate various tastes and dietary needs.
Types of Care at Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Emergency Call System
- Private Bathroom
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Professional Chef
- Restaurant style Dining Room
- Room Service
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Chapel / Religious Services
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
Activities
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis
4.4overall · 111 ratings combined
4.4★ on Google (111)
McLovin “Honey Bear” Mugerian
Mar 2026
I have been in the facility since December where I call a home. Staff treat me with signight and respect. I will always recommend the facility to anyone it's indeed a home
Deborah Burton
Mar 2026
Apparently they have been taken over by new management or paying reviewers for these reviews. Our father was there last June and died in less then two weeks under their care, we were there almost 24 hours a day due to not trusting the care he would get. We are still trying to get them to call us back about Billing. Only when you get Corportate involved do they engage. Poor communication, apathetic staff, except for a few. Call lights go left unanswered. 30 minutes later we walk down to the nurses station and there are four staff members picking out which candy they want to eat. Father Fell out of bed twice and the plan that was supposed to be implemented never was until we hounded them. Correct and updated meds never provided again until we hounded and babysat. I would not let anyone you care for stay in this place.
Carl Braeutigan
Feb 2026
Thank you to all the staff for all my care. The nurses and CNA’s are all awesome. I am grateful for all you did for me. CNA, Loretta, and Michelle went above and beyond as well as the therapy team.
Nadine
Feb 2026
very attentive to your needs. treat u with respect. and gave me a great advocate to always address my concerns or needs. id recommend this place for any one trying to recover physically to anyone young or elderly. ty optalis of st. francis😁😊
Government Inspection History
12 inspection visits in the last three years, 71 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
May 7, 2026Health Complaint2 citations
Allow residents to easily view the nursing home's survey results and communicate with advocate agencies.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 27, 2026
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 27, 2026
Feb 12, 2026Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard22 citations
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Establish roles under a Waiver declared by secretary.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Create arrangements with other facilities to receive patients.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2026
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.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 17, 2026
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Jan 21, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 30, 2026
Nov 25, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Notify each resident of certain balances and convey resident funds upon discharge, eviction, or death.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 10, 2025
Jul 17, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 14, 2025
Mar 19, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 7, 2025
Feb 27, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 14, 2025
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 14, 2025
Jan 23, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard20 citations
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 28, 2025
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 15, 2025
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 Feb 28, 2025
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
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.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 15, 2025
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 Feb 15, 2025
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 15, 2025
Dec 30, 2024Health Complaint5 citations
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 31, 2025
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 Jan 31, 2025
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 31, 2025
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 Jan 31, 2025
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 31, 2025
Sep 18, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 17, 2024
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 17, 2024
Aug 22, 2024Fire Safety Complaint2 citations
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 12, 2024
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 12, 2024
Jan 31, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard12 citations
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 21, 2024
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 21, 2024
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 21, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 21, 2024
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 21, 2024
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 21, 2024
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 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 Feb 21, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 21, 2024
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 21, 2024
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2024
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 21, 2024
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 Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis offer?
Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis located?
Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis is located at 915 North River Road in Saginaw, Michigan.
What do families say about Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis?
Reviewers of Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis overwhelmingly praise the rehabilitation therapy team and many individual staff members and the administrator by name, describing a warm, family-like atmosphere and good recovery outcomes. However, a handful of families report serious lapses in basic care, including unanswered call lights, medication errors, a pressure sore, and difficulty getting billing questions resolved, often attributed to being short-staffed.
How did Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis do on recent health and safety inspections?
Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis had 12 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 71 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 Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Optalis Health & Rehabilitation at St. Francis? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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