I am writing this review in April of 2026. If I were looking for a facility for inpatient or outpatient rehab for myself or a relative, based on some of the reviews here, I would definitely not choose Friendship South. However, I am glad I did not read these reviews when I had to make such a decision for myself about two years ago. For one thing, all of the few reviews here were written more than five years ago. While I have no reason to doubt that the writers are giving their best honest accounts of their experiences with Friendship South, a lot can change over such a time span. (Note: Friendship has several facilities in the Roanoke Valley, which can lead to some confusion; see my note at the end of this review concerning a possible case of such confusion. As the map shows, this forum concerns specifically Friendship South health and rehab on Starkey Road.) I have been an inpatient at Friendship South twice (most recently during January and February of this year) and an outpatient for three stints -- each lasting several months -- over the past two years. I am currently undergoing outpatient therapy for recovery from a back operation. Over the past twenty years, several of my friends and relatives -- including my mother -- have had to spend time in rehab facilities in the Roanoke Valley, so I've seen the good, the not so good and the indifferent (I had to move my mother once). My one exposure to Friendship South was about four years ago when I visited a friend in his 90s who was an inpatient recovering from some procedure. He was in such good humor and spoke so positively about the facility and how he was being cared for that when --- a couple of years later --- I had to decide where I wanted to be sent to recover from a torn ligament in my hip, I didn't hesitate to choose Friendship South. Now, everyone's experience is unique, and mine is as an almost-eighty-year-old man in pretty good health. I have not needed long-term care for a chronic condition or for physical and/or mental decline. I also know that every medical facility is short-staffed, mainly because there is just a shortage of medical professionals at every level. I can say that, almost without exception, every contact or interaction I've had with Friendship South staff -- medical, financial, management, whatever -- has been positive. I've always been treated with courtesy and respect. Has everything I've asked for or every situation I think needs to be addressed been accomplished as quickly as I'd like? Of course not. But I know there are patients whose needs are greater and more urgent than mine. Some need almost around-the-clock attention. My experience with outpatient therapy has been overwhelmingly positive. Turnover is low. I'm still being helped by the same team of therapists who helped me two years ago. They like where they work. They are experienced and competent with a contagious positive attitude. I have come to consider them friends. And most important, what they do and have me do works! Concerning another review: not a criticism, but a clarification. Michelle P. says, "They cannot even light the fireplaces during Christmas for the permanent residents to enjoy." My understanding from conversations with staff at Friendship South is that it has no actual permanent residents; it is a skilled nursing facility where people go for temporary rehab and therapy. Friendship has several facilities in the Roanoke Valley; some are residential nursing homes. Perhaps your experience was with one of the other facilities. Yelp has the heading of this page as just "Friendship," which could contribute to some confusion. To assure myself that I was reviewing Friendship South specifically, I consulted the map on the page. read more

Looks can be deceiving, its a shameful place. Nurses are rude and roll eyes if you ask a question. The residents had thier lights on for 2 hours straight needing help. I felt sorry for anyone being in this terrible place. They cannot even light the fireplaces during Christmas for the permanent residents to enjoy. Money in the pockets of the CEO's is all I can think of. Stay clear of this place, because they let my dads foot get infected again because they did not follow doctors orders...we moved him to another rehab center. Looks can be deceiving. read more

Hi, My mother was a patient at this facility after fracturing her hip last year. She was there for 6 weeks. I give this facility a good review. The therapists were all very good and that it why she was there,to receive therapy.A rehab is not a hospital or a nursing home . There is a difference in acuity of care that people have to understand. The health care field has been short staffed since the recession in the 1980's. I worked for Carilion for 35 years and watched this occur. Family and friends have to step in and be an advocate for the patient. There is not one on one care and I think some believe that this is the case.We had a great experience during Mom's stay. I think some is in expectations as to how people judge rehabilitation facilities. I sometime went to get Mom water or check when a medication would be given next if we hadn't seen a nurse in awhile. Nursing is a difficult job and it's not a perfect world where everyone gets what they want or need immediately.You have to be patient and work with the staff. Thank you for doing a great job caring for Mom! read more

Over the past six months my mother has been a resident at this facility. While at first I had apprehensions about the decision to move her to the facility due to the reviews I read on this website, I am happy I went with my gut. The facility is beautiful and the staff that provide care to the residents do so in a way that promotes independence and involves mother all the way. The leadership team is fantastic and has helped me navigate this territory with ease. I would, and do, highly recommend this facility! read more

It is with a Sad heart that I write this review. Please Do NOT send anyone you care about to this facility. The short story is: My father has been a patient in this facility for over a year (Stroke). The facility Administrator (Chad) and Nurse practitioner (Julie) openly admitted that all they are concerned about is "getting patients in and out". It's evident that the focus of Friendship South is ALL about the Money. This facility is NOT concerned about the well-being of THIS patient or HIS rehabilitation. They are grossly under staffed and the rehab division is a joke compared to other facilities in our area. It is hard to Stomach having to constantly ask the Nurses and Administration why my Father hasn't eaten ALL DAY long?? To question why he hasn't had a shower in 9 Days??? It hurts to show up and see new bruises on your loved one on a weekly basis... My biggest regret was trusting the information provided by the administration to choose Friendship South as my Father's caregivers. I trusted that the staff's ability would equal the Beautiful exterior of this brand new facility. I thought that because my father would have his OWN room it must be the best choice. Regrettably, you truly "Can't judge a book by its cover" A lesson I should have followed more closely. Do yourself and your loved one a favor and do your research... this facility should be shut down until they are properly staffed and trained... read more

I am a friend of resident. I agree with Amy W.. The facility is all about the money. My friend has to be on his toes to keep his medications right, and staff for the most part is very good. There is a few bad apples you have to over look. They have people in positions that they are not qualified for and making decisions based on personal feelings instead of intellectual points. Thanks to his counselor and advice, he has a totally new outlook at his future. Since he has arrived the facility has gone backwards. The facility has a revolving door for employees and let certain staff talk or do what ever they want. Ther are of course the pets of people of authorities. They can talk whatever, ones that can sleep, and others that do whatever. There is a lot of equipment there, in therapy department but some seldom used. I as sign off, the administrator and the head of nursing was let go. Smart move. The head of nursing was a good RN. They could have put her back on the floor. The facility could use some good nursing. I hope they have someone in mind to clean house when they come in. read more