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Reviews for St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes are sharply divided: many families praise the nursing and therapy staff, especially the director of nursing, for compassionate, attentive care in a peaceful lake setting, while a substantial number of other reviewers describe serious neglect, understaffing, and slow response to call lights. The facility appears to have gone through ownership and staffing changes that some reviewers say worsened conditions in 2025-2026.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes is a senior living community in Akron, Ohio offering Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Professional Chef, Outdoor Patio and Fitness Center. Families rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 73 reviews.
St. Luke - Portage Lakes provides a peaceful, setting on South Turkeyfoot Lake ready to support you in meeting your care needs. Our staff will provide the comfort and peace of mind you and your family are looking for, all within a secure environment.
Our Portage Lakes Campus has 56 Skilled Nursing rooms, which can be utilized for Short Term Rehabilitation, as well as 15 Assisted Living apartments. We offer a beautiful lake setting, just a few minutes from Portage Lakes State Park, along with the convenience of being just 20 minutes from Downtown Akron and 20 minutes from Belden Village.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living offers help with some activities of daily living, along with the convenience of having meals in a family-style setting, daily activities and nursing staff on call 24/7.
If cooking and chores are a bit too much effort or falls are a concern, Assisted Living may just be the solution for you. St. Luke Lutheran Community can provide the peace of mind you are looking for with tailored services which meet each individual's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Our Assisted Living services include:
• breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily in the dining room (meals are prepared to meet your individual diet needs and preferences)
• minimal assistance with activities of daily living
• administration of medication
• socialization through planned activities and outings
• laundry and housekeeping services
Short Term Rehabilitation at St. Luke
After an accident or injury St. Luke can provide round the clock nursing care, along with therapy services, to get you back on your feet. Our nursing and therapy care teams will tailor treatment to your needs and work to get you back to your normal routine as quickly as possible. We are staffed with licensed nursing staff (available 24/7), physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical and occupational therapy assistants and speech language pathologists.
Our inpatient setting also allows you to easily access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Working on regaining strength, coordination, balance, and stamina, plus ensuring safely helps to prepare you for getting back home.
Skilled Nursing Care
Our philosophy is to restore each resident as quickly as possible to his or her optimum level of functioning and independence, meeting the individual needs of each resident in a medically safe, kind and compassionate manner. Our nursing team is on duty 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, and under the direction of our medical director and includes: Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and state-tested nursing. An interdisciplinary team works with the nursing staff to coordinate specialized care as prescribed by your physician.
Nursing Care services include:
• 24-hour skilled nursing
• Post-hospital and post-surgical care
• Restorative nursing programs which focus on reaching an optimum level of functioning and independence
• Coordination of physicians services
• Individualized care plans and regular health assessments
• Therapeutic and specialized dietary services, 3 nutritious meals a day, plus snacks
• Administration of medication
• Planned activities and outings
• Laundry and housekeeping services
Memory Care
Laurel Valley at St. Luke - North Canton is a secure, memory support unit specifically designed to focus on the psycho-social needs and sensory stimulation for residents with Alzheimer's. The unit offers a comfortable, familiar environment promoting independence where the resident can explore the unit safely. Staff are specially trained to work in Laurel Valley, and receive ongoing training in the care of the Alzheimer's resident. Our Resident Life staff provides individual and group activities specific for the Alzheimer's resident's needs.
Laurel Valley is Medicaid and Medicare certified. Criteria for admission is assessed on the resident's current medical needs, behaviors, cognition and activity levels, and a diagnosis of dementia. Our staff will assess each individual to admission.
Respite Care at St. Luke
St. Luke Lutheran Community also provides Respite Care, short-term stays, for those seniors whose families travel out of town or need a break from caregiving. They also allow those considering senior living a chance to try out our services before making a long term commitment. You will enjoy housekeeping services, community activities, dining and all other amenities that our long term residents enjoy.
Consider short term respite care when you need:
• Extra assistance following a hospital stay
• Family caregivers have work or travel plans or need a break from caregiving
• Seniors need supervised attention on a short term basis
• A place to stay when an emergency has made your home unsafe
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Help Me Choose4.1overall · 73 ratings combined
4.1★ on Google (73)
Alexis Mook
Jun 2026
Excellent care and rehabilitation services. The staff was caring, especially Andrea the DON. Professional, and attentive, and the facility was clean and welcoming. Thank you for making the time easier for our family. Beautiful view too!!
Kathy McDonald
May 2026
I am a resident here at St. Luke's, Portage Lakes. It is my 4th facility in 2 years. The Administrator, Brittany, is smart, caring, and gets things done. Director of nursing, Andrea, is supportive, kind, knowledgeable, and as sweet as can be. She truly cares about every resident, and it shows. Her staff nurses are second to none. They are what all nurses should be. Nothing is more important to them than their patients. Physical therapy is also wonderful. I have improved so much since I have been here because of them, and I have wanted to live again. The activities are great and creative; makes me want to get out of bed. 😃 I had the pleasure of meeting the business manager, Aaron, this morning. He was kind, attentive, and seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. I hope I am blessed with a long stay here at St Luke's. 5/19... A shout out to a few more people here at St luke's, Portage lakes. I've already told you how great the administrator, Brittney,is. I have had the opportunity to work with a PT and OT therapists. Megan, Lauren, Laurie and Dave are amazing. I have never felt better since working out with them. They are kind, caring and tough. I am able to walk farther than I ever have, and my balance is almost back to normal. When you are finished with them you feel like you have been through Marine corps boot camp..... It hurts so good! And saving the best for last is the DON, Andrea. She is the facility mom. She is loving and caring. In the last 2 weeks, I have seen her in the facility at least 3 times past hours helping out on the floor because of call offs, sicknesses, or short staffing; always with a smile on her face. Andrea is what every DON should strive to be
The Traveling Bee
Apr 2026
4/2026:<br>Owners (?) Responded 9 months ago that they were working on it. Nothing has changed<br>1/2026:<br>rooms are a mess. Food tray was picked up and bedside table was wet. I cleaned it up and it was urine. Urinals bedside food tray were full of urine and spilled.<br>End of 2025:<br>New owners and less care than what it was. Nursing homes are not the greatest, and the only plus here is a handful of the staff that do care and the view. Be prepared to clean and check on your loved ones frequently for health decline. Short staffed all the time, and most of the staff do try but get burned out. The nurse manager tries...
JoAnn Michael
Mar 2026
I can’t say enough good things about this nursing home. It’s by far the best facility my aunt has been in, and that peace of mind means everything to us. Most of staff here truly cares, and it shows in the way they treat the residents every single day.<br><br>Andrea goes above and beyond in every sense—she genuinely cares about her patients and is always on top of things. Anytime there’s been a concern, she addresses it almost immediately, which is so reassuring as a family member.<br><br>Leslie is also wonderful. She’s very personable, kind, and clearly loves what she does. She makes a real effort to connect with the residents and keep them engaged and happy.<br><br>It’s such a relief knowing my loved one is in a place where they are cared for with compassion and respect. Highly recommend
Katelyn Jarvis
Mar 2026
The location is absolutely beautiful — being right on the lake creates such a peaceful and welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff.<br><br>What truly stands out is the amazing team. There is incredible staff longevity here, which speaks volumes about the positive culture and strong leadership. You can genuinely feel the compassion and dedication the staff have for the residents every single day.
7 inspection visits in the last three years, 55 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 3, 2025
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 3, 2025
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 3, 2025
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 Jan 10, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 10, 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 Jan 10, 2025
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 10, 2025
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 Jan 10, 2025
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Meet other general requirements that are deficient.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 10, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 25, 2024
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 25, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 25, 2024
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 25, 2024
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 30, 2024
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 16, 2023
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 Nov 16, 2023
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 16, 2023
Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 16, 2023
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 16, 2023
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 Nov 16, 2023
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 F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
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 Jul 13, 2022
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 Jul 13, 2022
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
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 Jul 13, 2022
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
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 Jul 13, 2022
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 13, 2022
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 Jul 13, 2022
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 13, 2022
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 13, 2022
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 13, 2022
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 Jul 13, 2022
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
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 Sep 16, 2019
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Establish an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
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 Sep 16, 2019
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
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 Sep 16, 2019
Use approved construction type or materials.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 16, 2019
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 Sep 16, 2019
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 16, 2019
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 16, 2019
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.
St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes offers Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite / Short-Term Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Yes. St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes lists respite and short-term care among its options. A respite stay gives a family caregiver a planned break while your loved one receives full care, and it also works as a low-commitment trial before a permanent move.
St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes is located at 615 Latham Ln in Akron, Ohio.
Reviews for St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes are sharply divided: many families praise the nursing and therapy staff, especially the director of nursing, for compassionate, attentive care in a peaceful lake setting, while a substantial number of other reviewers describe serious neglect, understaffing, and slow response to call lights. The facility appears to have gone through ownership and staffing changes that some reviewers say worsened conditions in 2025-2026.
St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes had 7 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 55 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.
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at St Luke Lutheran Community – Portage Lakes? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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