This review is of the Woodruff Family Housing at The Shepard Center in Atlanta, GA, for their outpatient patient and patient families. This is mainly for informational purposes. We are staying here while my husband rehabilitates at Pathways. Before coming here, I searched everywhere for pictures of the housing so I would know how to prepare. The building is older but serves its purpose well. You'll need to bring cleaning products including a vacuum, mop, bucket, etc. This particular unit had a few of these items but we had to move rooms and the next one did not; be prepared for them to not be available. The kitchen is stocked pretty well although, ours needed measuring cups, spoons, mixing bowls, mixer, and kitchen towels. The refrigerator is full sized but, on the smaller side. There is an ice-maker. There is a standard coffee maker, no k-cups, only ground. There is a microwave and our kitchen happened to have a crockpot, although the first room did not. The hot water takes forever to heat up so run the water for about 15 minutes before stepping inside to shower. They will gladly provide you with any medical needs you may have such as a shower chair, lifted toilet, etc. The towels and washcloths are a step below a hotel and SMALL. My husband found them too rough for his sensitivities. Myself, I thought they did a great job exfoliating, so just your preference. We ending up buying some and made our stay more comfortable. Bedrooms have two twin beds OR one twin bed and one hospital bed. Please confirm with your case worker what your needs are!! Bring blankets and mattress toppers for your comfort. The beds aren't the most comfortable but will suffice; they remind me of dorm room beds. We brought a king sized tri-fold topper, pushed the two twin beds together and made a king sized bed. Obviously this required us to bring our own bedding but completely worth it to us. Hey, if we are going to be here a while, let's make it comfortable!! Keep in mind they can't take donated mattresses when you're done so either meet a neighbor who would appreciate it or be prepared to leave with it once it has expanded. Trash bins are on the ground floor through the parking lot. At night it's dark. The first time I chose to bring mine back in since it was a good walk in the dark and there was a running, white van parked nearby. Hey, I've seen what happens in the movies!! Lots of renovating/construction going on but they are doing an adequate job of rerouting you with very little inconvenience. Security is very friendly and helpful. There is a secured parking garage. You have to have a key card to access the garage, your floor, and your room. There's plenty of handicap parking right by the door of each floor. There is a mailroom. If you're ordering Amazon, I recommend the Amazon Lockers located about a mile or less down the street. There is a delay from the mailroom (I am on day 4 of packages I know have been delivered) and they are not there but a VERY limited time on weekends. They do bring your mail to your room and if you are out, they open the door and place it and any packages just inside on the kitchen table. Very convenient and takes any worry away of your packages sitting out. Be patient .. I was told many are volunteers. Internet is okay at best. The TVs are smart TVs so your apps are available. There is a TV in the living room and bedroom. There is a laundry room on each floor. Keep in mind you can only access your floor. There are 2 washers and 2 dryers. They actually provide the detergent. It's an off brand powder and obviously you can bring your own, as we did. I have not seen any fabric softener so you'll need to bring your own either way. There is a floor downstairs that has couches, games, movies, etc.. Should you need the Shepherd Center or want to utilize their cafeteria, there is a walkway located in the garage area. You are only outside of the building/inside the garage for a very brief walk. The Shepherd Center also sponsors a Family Dinner every Tuesday night at 5:00. The food is furnished by local restaurants and local people that generously donate. It's FREE! Afterwards, they play several rounds of bingo with generous prizes. Mrs. Shepherd, herself, attends almost every meal. She is the very elegant lady on her motorized cart assuring everyone's needs are tended to. Should you need Piedmont Hospital during your stay, if capable, I recommend walking there. It's less than an 8 minute walk. Piedmont makes you pay for parking every single time you leave the hospital. I think the first 30 minutes are free but, then it's $7-$10 according to your stay. I walked every time of day, from very early morning, midday, and late a night and felt very safe every time. I hope that you find this information helpful for your stay! God bless you and your family during this time. read more

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This place must have been great back in its hay days but now, I recommend you take your loved ones out before they decline from infection caused by ignorant, incompetent medical staff. The majority of the staff takes no pride in their work, they don't read patient's chart, they don't communicate properly and practically put the patient's wellbeing at risk. The 60 min therapy sessions are basically 15 minutes of work and 45 minutes of chit chat and set up. Waste of money and resources. I definitely wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Dr Rosenthal is amazing. The care and compassion she has for her patients is truly amazing.

There rehab is super.My son was there for Rehab after having a stroke due to a blood on the brain. He told them that he would walk out on the day of release and he did! read more

my first time going to shepherd center was in 2017 two years after my accident occurred when I first got there I was uncomfortable because I was use to an establishment with so many kind people once I settled in my first week I grow more comfortable to find out the fact that everyone is just kind hearted people my time there was to heal and rehabilitation I gain a lot of knowledge and help from the staff there because the help change and save my life. Once I left the program I was confident on living my life from learning all the things I didn't know I was Capable of doing in a wheelchair so I always been great full to shepherd. My time came to an end and I had to leave for home but I still would come up time from time to visit the staff that supported me in the time I needed it the most just last week I was up at shepherd for an appointment and got caught in the snow in so I wasn't able to leave I spent two nights there the second night I received help from the kind nurses that where there after the Security team was tryna kick an former Patient out in the cold the nurse told him no we are not doing that and she gave me a blanket and let me stay till the morning just the other day I went up there to use there computers to finish up some school assignments and I was Harassed and threatened by an Security guard I was call a nigga and was told he would Physically throw me out and if I come back I would be arrested now I been going to this place for 8 years and never had this problem until the new staff security started working there i try to talk to someone who's in charge and they took the security word over mines I don't feels that's right or fair especially being a place that known to help people with disabilities. this was a place I could go once a upon a time if I was down or just hanging around an Environment where I know would get me in trouble I could go here now I can't and that's a hard pill to take This place has changed a lot and it need to go back to how it use to be read more

I had an incredibly disappointing experience with Dr. Ford Vox during my mother's stay at Shepherd Center. Not only did Ford Vox exhibit cruel and unprofessional bedside manner, but also demonstrated a blatant disregard for patient privacy by violating HIPAA regulations. Shepherd should be ashamed for having Ford Vox practice at this hospital. During my mother's stay, Ford Vox was dismissive and condescending, showing a complete lack of empathy and respect for my concerns, my family, my emotions, my mother and her future. His communication was rushed, and he seemed disinterested in helping my mother's recovery and providing adequate explanations. What was even more concerning, however, was the apparent disregard for patient confidentiality. WITHOUT my consent, Ford Vox discussed sensitive medical information in a PUBLIC AREA where other patients could overhear. He spoke this information in front of a family friend visiting without asking who she was, what her connection to my mother or if we consented to him speaking about my mother in front of her. He spoke this information in a public hallway where others could here. This breach of privacy is not only unethical but also illegal under HIPAA regulations. What added insult to injury was the unprofessional dress of Dr. Vox and his PA. Seeing them in jeans and not adhering to a professional dress code was not only inappropriate but it was also disrespectful. As a child of a patient, I expect to be treated with dignity, respect, professionalism and especially in this tragic circumstance -kindness. Unfortunately, my experience with Ford Vox, his PA and the case manager fell far short of these expectations. I urge others to consider these factors before seeking treatment from this physician or hospital. Overall, I cannot in good conscience recommend Ford Vox or his PA based on their unprofessional behavior and violation of patient privacy/HIPPA, care or concern. Our case manager only cared about us when were at the hospital. Once the hospital pushed my mother out the door (still in a coma)-no one from the Shepherd Center called to check in on her, her progress or even just to check on us as a family. This hospital only cares about getting patients that are not progressing quick enough for them out of the way. I will say, the nurses and technicians are all wonderful and truly cared. Oftentimes their accommodations went above what we expected. The nurses showed so much care and compassion. read more

I suffered a spinal cord injury over 20yrs ago & spent over 8 weeks as an in-house patient at the Shepherd Center...Im not religious at all never have been never will be but I can testify that the care I received & the care I witness everyone around me get as an IN HOUSE patient was nothing short of ANGELS performing a level of care that if the myths of "HEAVEN" or "PARADISE" were true the "God", or "Goddess", or gods & goddesses overseeing said "Heaven or Paradise" would be highly advised to spend time at the Shepherd Center learning the proper way to care for those with the most critical needs & this includes the delicate task of caring for their families as well!! This extremely high level of care & empathy includes the entire spectrum of staff, especially the techs!! The jobs they do are by far the most difficult, uncomfortable, dirtiest jobs anyone could ever be tasked to do in a medical environment & yet they all perform them with such care all the while comforting the patient especially in situations that are extremely stressful, embarrassing & many times so overwhelming patients become rude & nasty... It's not the patient's fault they're going through such a traumatic experience, some people simply react this way when they're first learning to adapt & the staff understands this! I cannot express how moved i was to watch this going on around me for months not to mention to me personally!! ... My injury was such that I've needed the specialized care the Shepherd center provides & after my experience as an in house patient, I wasn't about to gamble on any other location for my care. So, for over the past 20yrs I have been going to the SC for rehab, Urology, Pain Therapy & 4 more spinal surgeries... Not to mention scores of other drug trials, therapy trials, research programs, etc. And over that 20yrs I've seen the SC actually get better & better, which I would not have thought possible! During this time I have watched many of the Dr's that cared for me as an in-house patient be promoted to leadership roles & some nurses become Dr's Techs become nurses & everyone is still so LOVING & CARING It's hard to explain how much that means & how much respect I have for everyone that works there! One last thing, I have NEVER EVER seen or experienced any form of "RACISM" from the staff especially techs as some comments claim!! Quite the opposite, Ive seen personally on 3 occasions the staff be subjected to behavior that went far beyond simply a stressed out family member or in one case MEMBERS & yet they handled it with such professionalism & did everything in their power to deescalate the situation without ever showing anger or taking out their frustrations on the patient. How they were able to do this I have no idea because I felt extreme anger for them & I'm white! While at the same time an overwhelming sadness that humans still choose to act in such a manner, especially toward those caring & loving humans who are doing one of the most difficult altruistic jobs any human could do for another human! ...I have an upcoming appointment at the Shepherd Center & was looking up some information when i saw to my shock & surprise the LOW YELP rating...I began reading & my conscience simply could not allow me to not rate & give my opinion & 20yr experience of being cared for at not only a TOP 10 rated Rehabilitation Hospital in the entire nation for nearly 20yrs in a row but a REAL TRUE HEAVEN with REAL TRUE ANGELS!! Thank-you so very much to the entire staff at the Shepherd Center for what you've done for me & my family over the past two decades since my injury & the ongoing job y'all do on a daily basis ! Without all of y'all I cringe to think of what would have been my fate...Well, I know, I wouldn't be here to type this review. -AJ read more

The Center is everything you heard about and more! Everyone on the staff knows what they're doing, Courteous, informative and the facility is great! They make an unpleasant experience as good as possible! read more

I was in here for a TBI. I am still living with my TBI but the Shepherd Center turned my life around for the better after my accident. They thought me how to live on my own again. How to do basic everyday needs. Anytime I meet someone with spinal, MS, or traumatic brain injury (TBI) I quickly bring up the shepherd center. This became my home and everyone on site was so friendly and helpful no matter what there job title was. They housed my mom for free since we are not from Atlanta. We couldn't ask for anything better from them! 100% recommend the Shepherd Center! They genuinely care about you as a person and making you into the person you were prior to the accident! read more

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I love this place. I've been a patient here is 2008. I love Dr. Loring. She has been my dr since day one. I have zero complaints about her. I still miss Mary(she was one of the best nurses there) All of the nurses that I've came in contact with have been friendly and compassionate. I've only had one issue since I've been a patient here. So I can't really complain. read more

Wow. The reputation of this place is so far apart from reality. I don't even know where to begin except to say that everyone is afraid to say how bad this place has become. Our family recently wrapped up a terrible experience at this facility, and in talking with others, so many people awkwardly laughed and said "oh yes, the thing no one wants to talk about.... Shepherd Center has become terrible". I don't know if it's nepotism or growing too quickly, but something has happened and this place is awful. I know it is staffed with a lot of case managers from Grady which probably also has a lot to do with what's wrong. The two facilities share the same culture now, which is unfortunate. Regardless, the bottom line is that patients are receiving substandard care, and the facility is not striving to get the best coverage of care for the patients. Families are treated rudely by staff. I even witnessed the nursing desk bring one woman to tears for attempting to visit a patient. There is a culture of arrogance and laziness that very much exists here. This pervades the medical department and every other aspect of the center we interacted with as well. We witnessed more than one nurse verbally abuse more than one of the patient techs on more than one occasion. Patients are not being treated with dignity or respect. The patient safety standards seem to be nonexistent. There's also a current of aggression (that feels like racism) that emanates from much of the staff. We were able to find other complaints about this very thing on glass door when we were seeking to validate that we were not just having a one off bad experience. What a shame that this place has fallen to where it has fallen. As in Atlanta native, and as someone who has donated money to the Shepherd Center over the years, I will never darken their doorstep again. What a shame it is. read more

The strong three are almost no longer and with any business when the heart dies the whole business suffers. No one will ever love the shepherd center as much as the people who found it. Without Anyone to take there place like apple I can only imagine what is to come. The shepherd centers heart died with the reason it was born. It would be in my opinion that it's time that the shepherd center finds people who have done amazing things in the center and made them board members. A center for the people run by the people!!! Only a grateful heart will keep this place truly alive. What do I know though. Ps please get out of the 80/90s. Your rehabilitation facilities are VERY outdated and cramped. read more

I would recommend Shepherd Pathways for therapies. Staff was always pleasant, friendly, and helpful. For neuropsychological testing, I recommend elsewhere. My experience with Shepherd Center and Pathways turned very negative toward the end of my three years of therapies. My first neuropsychological test was done at Shepherd Center in the MS department. Second test for follow up one or two years later was done at Pathways by Dr. Brown and Dr. James. After every neuropsychological evaluation, a visit afterward to explain results are given. During the visit after the second test, when the doctor mentioned one diagnosis, I disagreed. He then proceeded to explain the diagnosis in such a way that it seemed plausible and different than online literature declares the diagnosis to be. The problem with a psycological diagnosis is not all have tests to validate what a doctor decides. A neuropsychological test did not validate what he claimed as a diagnosis. Having seen a psycologist for ten years because of life events, I had never been diagnosed with the diagnosis. Nor was this diagnosis in my first neuropsychological evaluation results. To make matters worse, my physiatrist at Shepherd Center took the diagnosis from my second neuropsychological test and kept putting it in my medical records after the second neuropsychological evaluation. Admittedly, she was not very familiar with my case, nor did she seem to really remember me visit to visit. Never saw the diagnosis given by her in records prior to the second neuropsych results. She never once told me about putting it in my records either. After acquiring my medical records and seeing her notes, I told her I disagreed with the diagnosis. She could have cared less about my concerns, though she had nothing to substantiate such a label. Brought my diagnosis complaints to Shepherd's CEO after requesting a written letter of why I disagreed with the diagnosis to be put in my medical records. Was given a slim chance of hope when she mentioned taking it to the medical director, who sent a letter very quickly about agreeing with the diagnosis after "looking" through my records, most of which they do not have nor evidently cared to have. Why they did such a poor job, I do not know. It concerns me most they lacked empathy for others given none were concerned about my future with a misdiagnosis. Wrongfully labeling someone is wrong. Honestly, no doctor will likely ever choose a patient's concerns over another doctor's misdiagnosis, especially within the same practice, but I guess that was a lesson learned. My advice if using Shepherd as a treatment facility is to continuously acquire your medical records. If something is incorrect, inquire at a different place for a second opinion as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I have an untrue label attached to me thanks to them, and am having to take whatever steps are available to have it removed/invalidated. I feel it is a violation of human rights to be labeled incorrectly. While attending therapies and appointments, I very much desired to walk away with hope, not with something that is incorrect and impacts me negatively. That is not rehabilitation. I would also like to add my physiatrist did not address what I would consider a relatively mild concern. My right leg kept turning inward at the knee, which caused pain while walking. She did not seem to think anything of it. Went to a new local physical therapist a week or two later, and received different results. He gave me lower back exercises which helped significantly. Ultimately, I desired better. read more

An absolutely MISERABLE experience!! You gave me treatment without my knowledge, permission or consent. You committed NUMEROUS HIPAA and doctor-patient confidentiality violations! You let people who did NOT have a medical power of attorney make medical decisions on my behalf (What were you thinking????) This place is an absolute disgrace to the medical community! Shame on you!!!! Your therapists lack competence, empathy and sympathy for your patients! The insensitive treatment and utter belittlement administered to me while I was there was nothing short of disgusting!! The only person who seemed to really genuinely care about me was one of my nurses, Jean. Why didn't you go into more detail with me about my injuries and give me treatment options???? Why did you force me to go to Pathways afterwards for rehab instead of giving me other choices?? read more

This is an amazing place. Clean, bright, encouraging. I feel so confident that they are bringing my dear friend out of the dark after a serious stroke. A wonderful place to visit, free parking, friendly and helpful staff. Heroes who save people's lives. read more

Shepherd Center staff KILLED my husband!! Shepherd Center is supposed to be an outstanding rehab center. I pushed for my husband to be admitted there for rehab after his stroke. My husband got worst after spending time at the rehab center. My husband was Improving at a long-term acute card facility prior to Shepherd. He was on a grounded food level and able to say a few words. The speech therapist moved him off grounded food back to purée food. They were concerned that my husband would aspirate on his food. I was going to the cafeteria to get food like cheese eggs and grits to eat in the morning. He ate the food fine. There are a few wonderful nurses and staff, however, especially the night and weekend staff. A lot of the staff are weak performers and have terrible attitudes and service. They don't like their jobs and dealing with patients. A night nurse asked me what medicine my husband took at night. I asked her don't you supposed to look in his chart? The techs kept putting a cream on my husband that he was allergic. I moved into the center so I could monitor what the staff was doing. My husband had to have scar tissue removed and another trach. I was concerned about the weekend staff so the surgeon suggested my husband stay in Shepherd's ICU. The surgery went well on a Friday and all day Saturday. The Saturday evening shift came on at 7 pm. Well, the surgeon had in my husband's chart he had to stay at a 30 degree angle in the bed. The evening nurse laid my husband back flat. I told her she couldn't do that and she argued with me stating how would she change him. By the time the nurse and tech saw my husband struggling to breathe, the nurse inclined my husband. Once my husband was upright, blood spurted out of his mouth and neck. He bled to death in front of me and all anyone could say was I'm sorry. Shepherd paid for a private autopsy which The administrator said was standard procedure for a patient that dies mysteriously after a surgery. The autopsy report didn't state the cause death because the report was completed by a county medical examiner that Shepherd paid privately. By the time the bogus report was completed, my husband was buried so I could not get an autopsy done myself. I will never know the truth. I even have video showing the nurse saying she didn't have time to read my husband's chart before shift change. Why did she touch him!! The the surgeon, Dr. Dockery, changed the chart to say the 30 degree angle was for my husband's comfort. I am traumatized from witnessing my husband die in front of me and Shepherd didn't do a thing about the staff. Be an advocate for your loved one at this facility. My husband was a black 50 years old man. Shepherd's therapists are biased towards giving all patients the same type of care. I could have lived with my husband aspirating on his food, instead of dying due to the malice behavior of the staff!!! read more

The Shepherd Center is an excellent facility, however, my experience at the MS Institute did not reflect that reputation. Dr. Guy Buckle was my MS Specialist and I wish I had chosen Dr Ben Thrower instead. While I believe Dr. Buckle is an extremely intelligent Physician, he is unfortunately, a corrupt individual. He treated me for MS for a year while I suffered from a host of neurological symptoms and continued to deteriorate. I ultimately discovered I had B12 deficiency and after 2 months in treatment, I regained the ability to walk on my own. I am a 38 year old mother and work in healthcare as well. Dr. Buckle knew my B12 level was abnormal and chose not to address it and proceeded to treat me with medication that cost appx $60K per year. I know now that his lack of objectivity to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis stems from the $250-300K he is paid each year from the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture those MS drugs. No, he is not paid this unreasonable amount of money for research. His payments are for "consults" and "promotional speaking". The Shepherd Center has a responsibility to ensure these type of corrupt Physicians are not employed by their institution. He is careless in his bedside practice and that will eventually result in litigation. read more

Shepherd Center is an outstanding rehab center. I believe that my son would not have made the recovery that he did from spinal cord and brain injury, had it not been for the outstanding therapists and support people. The good news ends there. The medical facility at Shepherd is absolutely disgraceful. Most of the people one encounters are weak performers in their given task. I'm afraid the attitude flows from the doctors themselves. I have seen many healthcare professionals at Shepherd. The one who work elsewhere and see patients at Shepherd are infinitely more professional and competent. At times, it seems like Shepherd Center is a jobs program for people who want to be in medicine but are not qualified to work elsewhere. Go to Shepherd for rehab services. Stay far away from Shepherd for medical services. read more

What a wonderful place to rehabilitate. The story behind the Shepherd Center is beautiful in and of itself. The therapist are top notch people who truly care and dedicate their lives to the rehabilitation of others. Hopefully you will never need their services but if you do or at a family member guys this is the place you would want to be. read more

I wish this place was not necessary....I am thankful to everything that it is! Lisa, Wanda and the rest of the MS crew is top notch! Dr. Thrower is here because the world needs real superheros. Signed, The husband of an MS patient and someone that knows how great that place really is! read more

I've been a patient of Ben Thrower, MD for about 10 years. He and his staff, including Tracey Walker, Colby Doepel, Lisa, Wanda, Quinette, etc., are all TOP SHELF! I have never had a bad experience,and I've been going every 4 weeks for treatment for over 4 years! I have recommended the MS Center at Shepherd to a friend and they've been a patient here for several years, too. Highly recommend !!! read more

Tried to get a new patient to see a physician at the Shepherd Spine and Pain Institute for treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) and serious problems in the lumbar area, including herniated disc, which has caused the patient to be virtually bedridden for just under two years. Sent in all the paperwork, sent over a copy of the area's MRI, had the primary care physician send all recent blood work and imaging records. The documentation was extensive. Was told that they would get back to us. Almost a month later, no response; called to find out what was going on. Admissions coordinator said that the paperwork was "rejected by the physician". No name of physician given. No reason for rejection given. When asked, admissions coordinator said they "notified [our] doctor's office two weeks ago and shredded all the paperwork". Their policy is apparently *not* to call the patient back about it when this happens, only to leave a message for the primary care doctor. Primary care doctor's office has no record of a call from Shepherd Center concerning the rejection, much less the actual reason for it. So now we're left scratching our heads and wondering why a new patient, seriously in need of getting spinal pain under control rather than taking more and more pills, was summarily tossed to the curb with no direct notification. Durr-what? Until this incident happened, our doctor thought the MDs at Shepherd Center could almost walk on water. That perception has *seriously* changed. I'm a reasonable person. I'm willing to amend this review if Shepherd Center wants to re-evaluate the patient's paperwork (we still have it all digitally scanned, of course) and, if they can't take the case for a reasonable clinical reason, are willing to provide that reason. I can understand if they believe they can't help because they are lacking [insert some necessary therapeutic service here]. Heck, I could even understand if they didn't want to take on another patient via our insurance provider. Just tell us the truth, eh? But being left completely in the dark is totally unprofessional and unacceptable. And, in my personal opinion, unethical and grossly negligent. Especially for a facility that it otherwise considered a godsend to patients who have gone there. *By definition*, I can't provide more than a 1-star rating, as they simply would not allow the patient to make use of any of their services! [Update, December 2017, follows.] Over the next year, the patient -- my husband, not mentioned here previously to avoid adding emotional taint to the review -- became less and less ambulatory and more confined to bed. Mobility was only possible by increasing the dosage of a long-acting opioid painkiller. A year after this review, in April 2017, he was admitted to hospital for sepsis due to an abdominal infection, as well as a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg from being bed-bound almost all the time. He died in September 2017. I can't attribute his death directly to the incompetence and snobbery of Shepherd Center. However, I can't help but wonder if he would have been in much better shape, if he had the chance to recover and be able to move around independently again. I will never be able to find out. read more

Hands down best facility without a doubt. The staff is unlike any other, truly empathetic and understanding. They go above and beyond for a second chance at life! read more

Absolutely the best MS clinic in the Southeast. Dr. Thrower and the entire team is amazing!

I've heard other areas of the shepherd center are great which is why I didn't give 1 Star however very dissatisfied with the MS Institute at Shepherd Center. The waiting, the lack of communication, and lack of doctors was a huge red flag to me. What pushed me away was when one of the doctors told me about a newer medication with no side effects... when I come home and do my research I see multiple side effects. Also have called & left messages to review my MRI disk and have been told repeatedly how if they find it they'll give me a call. read more

I have been going to the MS Center at Shepherd for 7 years now, its one of the reasons I chose to move here from NJ. Dr.Ben Thrower has been instrumental in my continued stability with the MS , he is cutting edge,compassionate,brilliant and he listens!! The entire team Emily Cade,Tracy Walker,Kim Michaels and Dr.Robert Godsall to name a few, are tops in thier fields and always manage to make you feel more in control and better about yourself. I feel blessed to be able to have such an outstanding center that I can be a part of. read more

This may be the best hospital for spinal column injury in the country. They really know how to not only take care of patients but also rehab them. If you want to walk again after an injury this is the spot for you - they will push you. Love the staff that's been caring for my mom and can't say enough good stuff about this place. read more

Shepherd Center - wenches above every bed to lift patients. - Hospitals Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Don't waste your time with Shephard. They only care about money and there success rate. They want take patients that will make them look bad in the end. And unless your rich or a hospital take all responsibility ( Grady want take responsibility). Then they want except you. Don't even waste your time with Shephard. Emory has a better facility and better patient success. read more

Great facility, this kind of place is what makes USA great. read more

Shepherd Center - Paralympic Fencing Rocks! - Hospitals Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Shepherd Center's weekend nurse and tech KILLED my husband, a 50 years old black man on 7/13/2019!!! Shepherd Center is supposed to be an outstanding rehab center and one of the best in the country that is why I really pushed for my husband to be admitted there for rehab after his stroke. My husband was Improving at a long-term acute card facility prior to being admitted to Shepherd. He was on a grounded food level diet, completing rehab activities, and able to say a few words. My husband got worst after spending a few weeks at Shepherd. The speech therapist moved him off grounded food back to purée food. They were concerned that my husband would aspirate on his food. I was going to the cafeteria to get food like cheese eggs and grits in the morning so my husband had something of substance to eat. He ate the food fine. I spoke to the physician in charge of my husband's case and she agreed to move up his food level, however, we found out that she couldn't override the white female UGA preppy therapist. They decided to order Muscle Milk and smoothies for my husband. Unfortunately, my husband's progress diminished and he was too weak to talk and the therapists chose not to schedule OT and PT until I asked for a meeting. There are a few wonderful nurses and staff, however, the night and weekend staff have terrible attitudes, are poor performers, and do not read charts for medicine and other restrictions. They don't like their jobs and dealing with patients. A night nurse asked me what medicine my husband was taking. I asked her didn't she suppose to look in his chart? Different techs kept putting a cream on my husband's private area when they changed him that he was allergic to even though a sign was posted over his bed and on the closet door. The cream caused so much pain that he would scream. I moved into my husband's room so I could be there to monitor what the staff was doing. My husband had to have scar tissue removed and another trach put in. I was concerned about the weekend staff so the surgeon suggested my husband stay in Shepherd's ICU over the weekend. The surgery went well on the Friday afternoon and the doctors came around Saturday morning to say everything looked great. My husband was good during the day on Saturday and had two visitors from co-workers. The Saturday evening shift came on at 7 pm. Well, the surgeon had in my husband's chart he had to stay at a 30 degree angle in the bed. At 7:15 pm, the evening nurse laid my husband back flat. I told her she couldn't do that and she argued with me stating she couldn't change him if she didn't lay him back flat. My husband was struggling to breathe, then the nurse moved the bed upright, blood spurted out of my husband's mouth and trach in his neck. He slowly bled to death in front of me and all anyone could say was I'm sorry. Shepherd paid for a private autopsy which the administrator said was standard procedure for a patient that dies mysteriously after a surgery. The autopsy report didn't state the cause of death. The report was completed by a Gwinnett County medical examiner that Shepherd paid privately. By the time the bogus report was completed and could get access to it, my husband was buried so I could not get an independent autopsy done myself. I will never know the truth of how my husband died medically. I have videos from that night showing the nurse saying "she didn't have time to read my husband's chart before shift change". Why did she touch him!! I didn't want to show it, but people should see it, however, it is disturbing. The surgeon, Dr. Dockery, did a great job with the surgery, but is obligated to help cover up Shepherd's mistake and changed the chart to say the 30 degree angle was for my husband's "comfort". I was there for every minute of the incident and traumatized from witnessing my husband die in front of me. Shepherd wouldn't own up to what caused my husband to bleed to death. Be an advocate for your loved one at this facility. I tried my best and still couldn't stop him dying the way he did. My husband was a black 50 years old man and they didn't give him a chance to get better. The PT therapists are wonderful, however, some of the other ones are biased towards giving all patients the same type of care, time, and dedication. They have there own opinions about who is worth their time and therapy sessions. I could have lived with my husband aspirating on his food, instead of dying due to the negligence of the staff!!! read more

I spoke with Katie Watson, Intake Coordinator for new patients. She was snappy with me at the start of the conversation and when I was less friendly, she asked what was wrong and I told her that she has been snippy and I just wanted to give her the info she needed so the conversation could end. She told me the conversation would end right now and hung up on me. I called back and left a message inquiring as to whether she had gotten all of the intake info needed, but have not heard back at this time. The lack of professionalism is astounding!!! I am sorry that I need to go to this center. Atlanta, GA location 404-603-4203 read more

A top ten rehab that does more for their patients than any other place in the country! Free housing, activities and events outside the norm of typical rehab. Highly skilled staff specializing in brain and spine injuries! This place is the best!! read more

In regards to the SHARE program for veterans, I wouldn't even give this place a one star. All they care about are the donations and donors. They have their donors come in during the day while veterans are there to parade the disabled veterans around like show horses to get more money out of their donors. This place might be able to help those with slight cognitive issues related to MILD TBI, but nothing more. And they have no clue what PTSD is or how to handle it. And they most certainly don't know how to deal with veterans that have true physical disabilities. And the apartments they expect our veterans to stay in is in horrible conditions, cockroach and spider infested. They state on the website that there are no out of pocket expense for the veteran, however, that is a lie. We had to pay (out of pocket) to get from Indiana to Georgia (and back). They also wanted my husband to pay for his hearing aid re-collaboration at $190 per ear. They refused to give my husband (who has a spinal cord injury) a referral across the street to see the spine specialists at the Shepherd Hospital. Regardless of the reason (I won't post this yet because I am going to the news with this situation, the congressman and the attorney general)...they kicked my 100% disabled husband out of their apartment with no notice. Just came to the door, told him to pack his things he was being discharged from the program. NO veteran, regardless of the reason, deserves to be kicked to the curb like yesterdays trash, without notice. Especially In a state where he has no caregiver, no family or no friends. There were NO flights that went out that night at all...so I had to pay for a hotel for him to stay in, hoping he didn't try to commit suicide again and pay for his flight the next day, because they refused to. They wouldn't even give him a ride to the hotel that I paid for, another veteran had to give him a ride. I am not sure what they do with the donations, but they certainly aren't spending them on the veterans. While I was there with my husband I watched people come in and out of the program. One veteran graduated from the program, however, they refused to pay for him to get home. So again, another veteran with no family/friends in a state he doesn't live in had no way to get home. I watched another veteran leave the program for the same problems my husband was having, no help from this SHARE program. Do NOT send your loved ones here, the SHARE program is a joke and the latest scam among caregivers/spouses who just want their loved ones to get better...and the SHARE program is taking advtange of that. I can't post pictures on here, there isn't an option button... but if anyone wants proof... I have pictures of the cockroaches, spiders, wholes in the walls and disgusting living situation they require our veterans to live in during their 2 week to 3 month stay. read more

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Had a horrible experience at this facility with a therapist, Josh, who seemed more concerned with his personal life than me. I posted a review and was asked to remove it by the center. When I didn't, they somehow managed to have it removed. I have went down the street to another therapist and could not be happier. I feel it was now an even better decision as it seem like the Sheperd Center would rather cover up a problem than fix it. read more

This is by far the ebst hospital for anyone whom has sustained a spinal chord injury. They have the best staff and best doctors ever. I feel that everyone treats you like family here. My nephew is now a incomplete C-6 quadriplegic. I could not be any happier about the location and place God has sent him. read more

Great facility with excellent resources; can't speak to parking or the rates, but the staff lot was just fine.

I am a C-5 see six black female I've been going to Shepherd for over 10 years I would not recommend it for my dog. This is a very racist prejudice and bias hospital. This hospital only works for white males. I even tried to go to their clinic to cycle. They harassed me and my daughter in the whole entire time they want me to wait in a corner to the side my daughter put me on the cycle by herself so I would need help from the staff the staff talk down to me with you so let me cycle on the second day wanted to look to who was with me for explanation when it supposed to be all about independence other one is in a wheelchair they do not like black people. The therapeutic part they only take care of the white males if you're black and you will be mail the white females is so it's imitated with you if you don't have somebody with you that's a male there's a walking advocating for you you would not get service you would get looked over pushed in the corner pushed to the side they only have a all white staff and they all stick together in a wrong doings. I have experience presidents in the state of Mississippi but never to this level in the state of Georgia is another whole level of prejudice and now that I am disabled in a wheelchair is worse to all the disable people that are black that is female is in a wheelchair get out of the state of Georgia do not go to the Shepherd Center it is not for us! My rating is a zero if I could rate even lower I would. Even I tried going to the peer support groups Mina Hong white female they all stick together they did not want me there do you not want me to voice my opinion read more

My son in law was a patient here many years ago after he suffered a spinal cord injury at T10. I was very impressed with the facility, staff and physicians. I believe his doctor was a female doctor (Elmers?) but she was fantastic! He is doing much better now thanks to everyone at Shepherd! read more

I wish I could say that my family member had a pleasant experience with this center. But that would be a complete and total lie. In the two months my family was at this facility, he declined drastically only to be kicked out because he wasn't healthy due to failure after failure by some of the staff. Bed sore after only 5 weeks when there was nothing before, 3 weeks of no range of motion strtching, causing him to lose any and all progress he had gained. Never in my life have we heard him scream in pain as we did tonight due to new nerve pain that he developed while here. And to top it all off, he was blamed for being quadriplegic and not being able to roll him self. Oh and a wonderful doctor that seemed as though he could not care less about his patient. The only brought spots are some of the physical therapist and occupational therapist. Unfortunately the bad far out weights the good. We made a poor choice in rehab centers. read more

best in the country my dad is receiving the best care available! we are so excited that he is finally here i do not understand the complaints The complaint about a herniated disc etc is almost laughable to me .With all of the seriously disabled people here... be thankful if you can get into Shepherd!!!! read more