Emerald South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was a skilled nursing facility located at 1175 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, New York, operating until its closure in 2019. The center specialized in providing both short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care for individuals with complex medical needs. Residents had access to 24-hour skilled nursing services, including medication management, wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Specialized care programs were available for those recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, and the facility accepted admissions for individuals requiring ventilator care and other high-acuity medical services. Assistance with activities of daily living—such as bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, and mobility—was provided by nursing aides and support staff.
The accommodations at Emerald South consisted of both private and semi-private rooms, designed to support residents’ comfort and privacy. Common areas included lounges and dining rooms, although some reports noted that these spaces often fell short of cleanliness and maintenance standards. Meals were prepared on-site, with dietary options available for those with medical or religious restrictions. However, former residents and their families frequently expressed concerns about the adequacy and nutritional value of the food provided.
Emerald South offered a range of recreational activities intended to support residents’ physical and emotional well-being. Activity programs included group exercise classes, arts and crafts, games, musical events, and occasional outings, designed to foster social engagement and mental stimulation. Some positive feedback highlighted the efforts of the activities staff in organizing events and supporting residents’ participation, though overall participation was sometimes hindered by staffing shortages and inconsistent scheduling.
Unique features of the facility included on-site access to medical specialists and social work services, as well as coordination with local hospitals for continuity of care. Transportation for medical appointments and personal outings was available, although these services were sometimes delayed due to limited resources.
Despite these intended amenities and services, Emerald South faced persistent challenges throughout its operation. Reviews and official inspection reports cited chronic understaffing, high turnover among both frontline staff and administrators, and a heavy reliance on temporary agency personnel. These issues negatively impacted the consistency and quality of care, with many families and residents reporting unmet needs, delayed responses to requests for assistance, and lapses in safety protocols. Concerns about the physical environment were repeatedly raised, particularly regarding uncleanliness, the presence of mold and mildew, and inadequate maintenance of resident rooms and common areas.
Communication with management was a recurring point of frustration for families, as was the process of transferring residents to other facilities. While some families acknowledged individual staff members who provided compassionate care, the prevailing sentiment in reviews and regulatory reports pointed to systemic problems affecting resident welfare and the overall standard of care.
Emerald South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center officially closed in 2019 following continued regulatory scrutiny and declining occupancy. No senior care services are currently offered at this location, and the facility remains closed with no public plans for redevelopment or reopening.
Costs at this community start at $2,900 and range up to $9,125. The average price in the community is $6,012, which is less than the average price in the area of $6,216. The cost of nursing homes in this area is essentially the same as the cost throughout the state. If the resident needs other services, additional services may increase the monthly cost.
