The Doorways

Doorways is a wonderful place for patients having procedures and surgeries at VCU and need a place to stay. Long or short term, they will work with you. Everyone is super nice, and they have a shuttle that runs to VCU day and night.

Revised on 4/1/25: This is an okay place to stay while undergoing surgeries. There are two ways to deal with it. You can stay in your room and quietly recover or you can be somewhat social and have dinners with nice groups that come in to serve. There are often various churches, social worker and assistance for family and the patients. This review I am hoping will be helpful to some but it is critical. Based on my personal observations—having stayed here multiple times—I find the front desk staff to be at times untrained, unprofessional, and judgmental. A "home away from home"? Occasionally. It is shaky most times, some employees are kind and compassionate, but this is not always the case. I often face personal challenges because my disabilities are not visible—I don’t have obvious injuries so there are times that their judgment and untrained behavior leads them to assume wrong things. At times for me—it’s just a room. About 75% of the time the rooms, floors and baths are not that clean. They have a zipper bed pad that is obviously not clean by my photos I'm showing. There are no pillow covers just pillowcases, the floors can be dirty, and the bathrooms only partially clean. I often don't find this sanitary. I'm happy let's say 25% of the time when things are as they should be. Today was one of those days! 👌 Keep in mind, they control the heating and AC. I understand that, but the temperature never goes below 72°F and for sleeping it can make it uncomfortably warm. The windows don’t open, though I was able to get a fan. At times I hope to to use the bathtub, but often dirty and unsafe. I’ll just let my photos and videos speak for themselves. As someone with extensive experience in business operations and customer service, I strongly urge the management to properly train ALL the front desk staff. During my discreet observations and inquiries, I found only a few employees who consistently treat people with kindness and respect: John at the front desk – Always professional, respectful, and helpful. He does his job with dignity. James, an evening maintenance worker – Genuinely kind, non-judgmental, and helpful. Kat, I believe a front end manager, although I only see her periodically, she is one of the few who does behave consistently professional. She's incredible to work with! Other than a few individuals, the majority of the staff aren't equally trained. Some are unprofessional and lack basic human decency. Their assumptions and judgments about patients—without knowing or respecting their disabilities—can be disrespectful. If you have no other option but to stay here, be prepared for inconsistentcies. I live too far away, and VCU places me here which I am grateful for. Extra grateful on the good stays. 😉 It can be challenging asking for assistance to have an opportunity like I have at The Doorways . Someday it can feel like it is not worth the frustration but I do need help, maybe like you or your loved one. My truth- if you are a patient with cognitive impairments—such as a stroke, Parkinson’s, dementia, Alzheimer’s, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or any other injury to your brain—please be extremely cautious. Just be aware for the sake of your health. Remember your worth as a patient, and don’t let them treat you poorly. Many unwell people pass through The Doorways. The happy ones will share their experiences, but those disgusted by it often may remain silent. Since I always make it a point to share, I’m doing so now in hopes that it helps someone like me. As a highly rated Google reviewer with over 1 million views (as reported by Google in a photo added to this review), I appreciate the recognition my reviews receive. If you found this review helpful, please give it a 👍 and feel free to follow me.

The Doorways Inn is a non- profit organization that offers a home away from home for people being treated at VCU MEDICAL. Tĥey are warm, caring, and kind. I was unaware of Doorways, but now I will be a donor. It is a worthwhile cause.