Shepherd of the Valley - Howland

Please do not place a loved one in this nursing facility… certainly not in the nursing unit. I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. The staff are noticeably inattentive, overwhelmed, and at times outright dismissive. On two different visits I witnessed residents break into tears, and no one bothered to ask what was wrong or offer support. Breakfast is served around 9 or 9:30 in the morning, and residents are then left sitting in the dining area until lunch at 12:30, with little to no interaction or engagement. The activities that are offered are minimal, under-stimulating, and often feel like an afterthought; every so often something worthwhile will appear, but it is not consistent. Meanwhile, I have heard staff openly gossiping about one another and discussing their food orders instead of tending to residents who are clearly in need. One resident was repeatedly saying, “please, my leg hurts… can I please go to my room,” and was completely ignored. She had been out there for at least an hour at that point. There have even been times when staff could not confirm whether my aunt had eaten or not, which is deeply concerning. Residents have quietly said, “they are not too nice here,” and sadly, I agree. This has not been an isolated incident… these issues have persisted for months. I see that others have had the same experiences, and rather than asking us to send a follow-up email, YOU NEED TO DO THE WORK AND LOOK AT WHAT IS GOING ON. I do not want the same copy and pasted automated response. There are far better options out there, and families deserve to know the truth before trusting this place with someone they love.

From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the warmth and genuine care at this facility. The staff go above and beyond to make residents feel not just cared for, but truly at home. Every interaction is filled with patience, respect, and compassion, and it’s clear they treat each resident like family. The building is always clean, well-maintained, and inviting, with activities that keep everyone engaged and smiling. Meals are not only nutritious but also tailored to residents’ preferences, making dining something to look forward to each day. Families are welcomed with open arms, and communication is consistent and reassuring—we never feel out of the loop about our loved one’s care. What really sets this place apart is the personal touch. Whether it’s celebrating birthdays, providing comfort on difficult days, or simply sitting down for a friendly chat, the staff create a community filled with dignity, joy, and peace of mind. If you’re searching for a nursing home or assisted living facility that combines professionalism with heart, this is the place you can trust.

Shepherd of the Valley in Howland is truly a blessing to our community. The staff go above and beyond to provide not only excellent care, but also kindness, compassion, and respect to every resident. You can see how much they genuinely love what they do — they treat residents like family and make sure they feel safe, valued, and cared for. The facility itself is clean, welcoming, and full of life. From medical care to daily activities, everything is thoughtfully done with the residents’ well-being in mind. It’s such a comfort to know our loved ones are in such capable and caring hands. I cannot recommend Shepherd of the Valley in Howland enough. If you are looking for a place that combines professionalism with heartfelt compassion, this is it. They are simply amazing! 💙

This place is terrible and understaffed. My mother is currently here and when she called for help it took staff almost an hour to get to her. There were several nurses who came in and out to do other things and when asked to help her they said they had to get someone else. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. You pay so much money for terrible care. With other terrible reviews clearly nothing has changed and I’m going to be looking into another facility.

Disappointed