The Lodge at Mills River Health and Rehabilitation

Denise Gonce

Jul 2026

via Google ↗

I cannot say enough good things about The Lodge at Mills River. My mom is receiving rehab rehabilitation after her back injury here, and the care she receives is phenomenal. The team goes above and beyond—they truly take the time to know her as a person. They notice right away when she’s having a down day and always know how to comfort her and make things right. They don't just care for her, they care about her. It is an extraordinary community, and I couldn't ask for a better place for my mom. Thank you for the support and care

J B

Jun 2026

via Google ↗

I am writing this review to warn others about the deeply troubling care my mother received at The Lodge at Mills River. What she endured during her stay was not merely substandard — it was a failure of basic human dignity that no patient should ever experience. My mother was admitted with a fractured pelvis, a serious and painful injury requiring careful, attentive care. Instead, pain management was grossly inadequate — her suffering was never brought under control, and she was left in visible, prolonged distress. The facility does not provide patients with catheters despite limited mobility, leaving her lying for hours at a time in her own urine and excrement. This alone is a profound failure of basic nursing care. This is done to encourage patients to get out of bed, one staff member told me. When staff finally did attend to her, the handling of her body was alarmingly awkward. During cleaning, they moved her from side to side applying direct pressure to her fractured pelvis — causing her tremendous, unnecessary pain. Whether this was due to a lack of training or simple carelessness, it is completely unacceptable for a patient with a known pelvic fracture. The environment itself was deeply distressing. A patient in an adjacent room could be heard repeatedly crying out “help me” — for an extended period — with no response whatsoever from staff. That sound will stay with me. It was not an isolated moment; it reflected the culture of neglect that seemed to permeate this facility. The attitude of much of the staff compounded everything. Several wore permanent scowls and did not mask their resentment when asked to respond to my mother’s needs. Compassion and patience — the very foundation of caregiving — is in short supply when your job is driven by the numbers. I would urge anyone considering The Lodge at Mills River for a loved one to look elsewhere. Families trust these facilities with the people they love most, often at their most vulnerable. That trust was utterly broken here.

Doris Albrecht

Mar 2026

via Google ↗

At 86 years old, I had never been hospitalized or needed rehabilitation before. The experience was new and challenging, and the encouragement I received was incredibly important. The support from the entire team made ALL the difference. The Director Shannon, the nurses, and the CNAs helped me regain my strength and learn to walk again. They kept my daughter updated daily on my progress. Communication was key for our family, providing reassurance and strengthening the support around me. I am truly grateful to the Rehab team for their care, encouragement, and dedication in helping me return home stronger. Thank you, DA

Austin Jenkins

Dec 2025

via Google ↗

I just can’t say enough wonderful things about The Lodge at Mills River Health & Rehabilitation! Everyone there is just amazing! My dad has been there for about a month following a major stroke. The first person we communicated with at The Lodge was Shannon P., the Director of Marketing and Admissions. She is INCREDIBLE! Shannon is so kind, energetic, helpful, and knowledgeable. She made what would often be an overwhelming process so smooth and as stress-free as possible. My dad was picked up at the hospital by Venessa F., who is just the kindest and most supportive person imaginable and she and everyone else at the Lodge has made us feel like family ever since. All of the nurses and CNAs provide such excellent, attentive, compassionate care. The therapy (physical, occupational, speech, etc.) provided here is also excellent! My dad has been making wonderful progress, day by day and slowly but surely. The therapists are so motivating (remembering that progress happens by working every day and results are not always seen overnight) and knowledgeable and work hard to obtain as much rehabilitation as possible. They have a great gym facility and I can say (after touring many facilities across Western NC) that at The Lodge you get much more one-on-one time and extensive therapy here than all the other places I looked at. They are also extremely clean and the laundry service is amazing (they have a fancy system to label each resident’s clothes). Last but not least, the food service is great! Everything is delicious and seems to be well-balanced. Everyone has the opportunity to order off an alternative menu each morning should they not want what is on the menu. I would highly recommend The Lodge at Mills River Health & Rehabilitation and I truly think we are so blessed to have such an amazing, professional, top-tier rehab facility here in Western North Carolina. You can rest assured that you or your loved one will receive excellent care here. Me and my family will be eternally grateful to them.

Michael Dowling

Jul 2025

via Google ↗

I have been a patient twice at The Lodge, a knee replacement and rehab after a the lung surgery. Both stays were first class in every aspect. The rehab, PT, and OT restored my physical and mental well-being while accomplishing the restoration of my health in a gracious and beautiful environment. The professional staff is first-class, caring, and thorough. The physical rehab staff worked with me twice a day and with a program tailored to my specific needs prompting a solid and quick recovery of my physical abilities. I recommend The Lodge as the first among rehab facilities in Western North Carolina. They are the best in rehab, patient care, and as a place to regain a full and healthy life.