I toured the Summer Place in Chelmsford. I went there in person because they were having trouble with their virtual tours. It's an independent living and it has a lot of activities. They had music and a library. The problem is it was a little more than I wanted to spend. I'd have to come out of pocket with some of it. The tour was very pleasant though.
I asked about a tub and the only thing they had were showers. I don't know if all the facilities have showers and only a couple of tubs but I like laying in the tub once in a while.
It was well-kept, and while I was there, I saw maintenance a couple of different times. When we were there, one of the patients was playing the piano. That's what he used to do when he was still working.
The staff who toured me around was very good and very knowledgeable. They have a library and they were working on putting together an exercise room with machines. They had a movie room that you could watch movies in, and every once in a while, they'd have someone playing the piano down in the lobby.
Summer Place
Offers Independent Living
31 Reviews
20 Summer St, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of Summer Place
Independent Living Reviews for Summer Place
April 24, 2022
I visited this facility
April 21, 2022
I visited this facility
My mom has moved into Summer Place, and I can't say enough about it. It is good, and it's great. The place is beautiful. We walked in, and there was a baby grand piano in the in the dining room. My mother plays classical piano, and there's lots of people that have a lot of music in their lives, and our families on both sides. She was especially happy to see the library because she reads a lot. She definitely reads more than she watches TV, so that'll be nice.
The staff were absolutely wonderful. They were so helping and so caring. Anything you want to ask, if they can't do it, they find somebody that can. The food is absolutely wonderful. I went to the seminar before going on a tour, and everybody has a choice of many different things. They have a small kitchen in the back. If anybody wakes up and they want something, it's just right there for them. They're all set.
My mom's room is beautiful. She's got a little balcony, so you could have a person out there with her if she wanted to. She has plenty of room for her bed, several closets, and a full bathroom. The tub is adjustable. If you want the water to go all the way up, that's fine. You just put a little thing in there, and it helps them walk over it when they get in in the first place. So, it's very nice. The dining room was very lovely. Many, many tables for everyone. People can even bring their pets if they want to. I thought that was wonderful.
Once or twice a week, they have a shuttle bus where they can go downtown if they need things they don't have, or they just want to go shopping. They also have a gardening center in the back of the building, and there are many people that love that in the summertime. It's just so nice to get outside, and everybody feels better when they go outside too.
The grounds were beautiful, absolutely immaculate. The building looks brand new to me. They said it's not new, but it's so well-kept. Everything is painted. There's lots of chairs for everybody outside. They have handicapped doors so no one has to struggle in and out. It's just wonderful. There are many choices for food; I had one and it's great. The staff were beautiful people.
March 18, 2022
I visited this facility
The Summer Place independent living was nice. It was clean, nice, and pretty organized too. The person who assisted me during the tour was very informative. They have a garden area and it was nice. It was cold so we didn't go around much but we saw their dining area and everything was really clean and the food was nice. We saw a couple of people serving, so it looked nice and appropriate to the residents' age.
August 14, 2021
I am/was a resident of this facility
I've only been here in Summer Place for three days now. The people that run it are very, very nice. I've met some nice people here. The atmosphere is nice, the people are nice, and it's generally a good place to be. I have a studio, but they also have one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom. They have balconies, walkways, a gazebo, and lots of beautiful trees. They have bingo, trivia, reading, painting, and bingo. They have a library and an exercise room. They do manicures, but I don't know anything about a beauty salon. They have a lot of people here. The staff members are nice. They give you welcome baskets and introduce you around. It's comfortable and homey. Some of the meals are good, but the menu looked more or less like a high school menu.
August 09, 2021
I visited this facility
I toured Summer Place for my dad, and the rooms were accommodating. The staff is very cooperative, as far as telling us what to expect, and what his daily living would be like. They didn't present that much. It was maybe about a half- hour visit. It wasn't until they showed us the rooms, the activity rooms, and what he would be doing daily as far as meeting other people in there. They had a pool table, and they had puzzles. Three meals were included in daily living. The staff was very polite and understanding.
June 23, 2021
I visited this facility
The person giving us the tour of Summer Place was very friendly and very helpful. However, when we entered, it seemed like it was not quite as organized as some places we toured later. There was a little bit of confusion in that nobody was there at the desk to check us in, greet us, or anything. It took a little while. We were, in essence, almost "greeted" by one of the residents who was herself a little bit disoriented, I think. The staff seemed generally on top of things, though she had only come there to work about two weeks earlier. She was answering some questions based on what she believed to be the case, but she hadn't been there long enough to completely know everything about it. We sat down with her in the dining room initially, which was mostly empty. There were a few people sitting nearby talking, but there was no dining activity going on. The facilities were very nice. We went past and paused by public spaces and saw four or five different rooms over different floors, and they have a good variety of rooms.
Provider Response
Hi Brad, thank you for taking the time to rate and review our community. We appreciate you taking the time to share this feedback, we will take this feedback and look for ways to improve. We would love to have you come back and visit our community for one of our exciting events. If you have any further questions about our community, please feel free to reach out to the local team directly, they would be happy to work with you!
June 21, 2021
I visited this facility
The lady at Summer Place was very informative and told us what to expect and everything and she was very nice. We toured the room, we toured the lobby area, and we toured the activity room. We couldn't do any of the lunches because COVID was in effect. It was very clean and it was nice to see what they have to offer there. I was happy with it; if I was gonna put my dad in there, I would be very satisfied with the place.
January 07, 2021
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
If I could put a negative star I would. This place has a such a huge outbreak of COVID the general manager shows no care what so ever to employees and patients very careless. I was visiting my mother and over heard a conversation between employees how someone caught COVID & he’s trying to hide it rather then telling his employees to go get tested he’s putting them and the patients at high risk. Most employees don’t care they walk around with no mask on and he’s one of them. Employees get sick and he’ll still have them come in and risk it not caring about his employees or the residents in this place. I’m looking into other facilities that will keep my mother safe and never looking back to this place.
Provider Response
Hi there, thank you for your review. Our team is working hard to ensure that all staff and residents are wearing masks at all time and abiding by protocols put into place to ensure the safety of our community. If staff members are screened and are ill, they are sent home immediately. We have received very positive feedback on our COVID protocols, and want to ensure that any issues are addressed. Please feel free to contact the local team if you would like to discuss your concerns further, as we take these kinds of concerns very seriously. Thank you
November 09, 2020
I visited this facility
We are currently moving Mother into Summer Place. It seems to be very nice, people are very friendly, and we were able to actually see the apartment before we moved in. Her meals will be made for her, and there's housekeeping that takes care of cleaning. The initial visit was very positive. We chose it because its location is central to my work and where we live, the amenities that it had were exactly what she needs at the current time, and the price. The staff has been very helpful, cordial, polite, and punctual. Everything has been perfect, but other than moving in, we haven't had much exposure to them. The apartment was not quite done as we were moving in. He was just finishing up some of the between tenants maintenance as we were moving in. Some of the carpets in the main hallways have some staining, and it's an older facility, so that's to be expected.
June 19, 2019
I visited this facility
Summer Place was very clean, the staff was very nice, and the rooms were beautiful. I liked that they had the extra kitchen facility, so Mom can do baking outside of her room if she wanted to. They were having exercise class in the atrium area, and that was well attended. I thought that was a nice option that you could just go down, be amongst people and do some exercise in whatever level you were in. There were ladies in chairs and people standing, and they were doing some lightweight training and stretching. I thought that was fabulous. I talked to a couple of residents.
December 10, 2018
I visited this facility
My visit to Summer Place was nice and very informative. The staff seemed fine, we took a tour of the facilities, we went over the activities the residents would do, and we saw several different types of rooms. Its good, and I might go into that place myself. The rooms were more like hotel rooms and studios. They have a dining room, and they play games and exercise. Once a month they go on a road trip to a specific site of interest, and weekly they take them to the store. This was independent, so theres no medical staff, and they leave at 9:00 p.m.
May 25, 2018
I visited this facility
Summer Place was a nice place with nice people. The apartments looked very good and very comfortable. They had a library. Everything that I saw was very comfortable, but I couldn't afford it. The staff was very nice, showed us everything, answered all our questions, and gave a lot of information. It was very clean and very kept up.
December 19, 2017
I visited this facility
I liked the area of Summer Place and the community spaces. The staff was very knowledgeable. The apartment was nice, not really fantastic, but fine.
June 06, 2017
I visited this facility
Summer Place was what we needed for Mom because of the meals, companionship, trips, social activities, and the option for some health care should she need it. The room was adequate, comfy, and clean, and it's going to fit her well. There were a lot of activities for the residents.
April 11, 2017
I visited this facility
We liked Summer Place. It was big, clean, and sunny with lots of windows, light décor, and high-quality furnishings. It was highly maintained.
March 29, 2017
I visited this facility
Summer Place was very nice, but unless you have a lot of money, you cannot live there. The room that they showed us that my mother could afford -- I’ve seen dog houses bigger. I don’t want to be mean, but it would be like putting her in a closet. I just thought that the room was too small. Unless you could afford $4,000 a month out of your pocket to live in a room with a bedroom and a sitting room, I wasn’t impressed. The staff was great. They were very accommodating, and they showed us what basically she can afford. They did everything they could, but there was nothing we could do, so we were not going to waste their time or our time any longer. They have rooms where the people live independently; however, if they need assistance, they have assistance for them in the rooms. They have people who would assist them at a fee. So that just adds to the price of living there. If you can barely afford the room, I don’t know how you can afford the fees. As far as cleanliness and stuff like that, it was nice.
March 07, 2017
I visited this facility
Summer Place has great facilities and staff. Everyone was so very helpful, very friendly, and accommodating. They had a lot of knowledge and experience to offer and would answer any questions that you had. Our visit was wonderful and very detailed. Everything was clean. The location was nice off the main street but close to a lot of stores for shopping. It’s a little bit more in the country, so if someone has their own car, they can drive less than a mile and get to 24 different types of shops and pharmacy. It had plenty of parking and was pet-friendly. They had a great menu, a nice dining facility, a lot of activities. They didn’t have a big gym facility, though. They had three pieces of equipment if you wanted to work out on a treadmill or a bike, but there’s a gym around the corner. Summer Place had more ground level, walk-out apartments with a back door to a verandah. I would have loved my dad to have been there.
January 18, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
If you enjoy good food, do NOT move here. I am a relative of a current resident. The food is atrocious. It reminds me of what is served for lunch at Middle School, but much worst. Plus, the dining room smells like a dirty nursing home. The managers never stay around long and I am sure it is because of all the complaints that never get resolved. For what these people pay, "Holiday", should be ashamed of themselves. Better yet, they should be taken to court. Before you sign on the dotted line, have a few meals. Make sure it is what the residents eat and not what they set aside for inquiring visitors. Also, the activities for the residents are at an all time low. I could go on and on, but I'll stop here.
Provider Response
Hello Paradise lost, we are so sorry to hear this is your experience and impression with us here at Summer Place! We consider it an honor to get to serve our residents, and strive our best each day to provide the best level of service for our residents and their families that we would want for our own. We are 100% invested in seeing our residents happy and loving retirement, and would really like to speak with you to learn more about your experience and your ideas on how we may improve. Please, give us a call at your convenience to discuss these concerns and any others you may have. Thank you so much, Paradise Lost, really hope to hear from you soon!
June 18, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a resident
The people at Summer Place seem to be friendly. They have movie nights, book clubs, go out to different restaurants, and go shopping. They serve three meals a day and usually have snacks, flavored water infused with fruit, and coffee all day long. They have a cleaner once a week and a bus that takes them shopping, out to eat, or to watch movies. They offer arts and crafts, bingo, and Wine Wednesdays. They also do transportation services for doctors' appointments.
May 10, 2016
I visited this facility
Summer Place was independent living. Everything was perfect, and the person who toured us was nice. The facility was great and what we are looking for. Unfortunately, my mother-in-law lived in New York and wouldn’t want to move closer to us. They rooms were fine, clean, and small, but that was OK.
December 16, 2015
I visited this facility
We looked at Summer Place. It was just a few miles from our house. We were looking at a one-bedroom, and there was really not much space available. We saw the dining room, and it appeared pleasant enough. Everybody seemed pleasant. It seemed to be clean and well kept up. Our experience was positive, except we could not imagine ourselves moving into such small space.
October 30, 2015
I visited this facility
For our income, you only get a one single room at Summer Place and that is not satisfactory. It's a very pleasant area and you have your meals and it's a very safe area. They have two bedrooms, one bedroom and studio and we could only afford the studio, which is not sufficient for two people. They have wonderful activities for the people that are there. I had a wonderful chat with the woman who's on-staff. It's a lovely place.
February 02, 2015
I am a friend or relative of resident
My mother has recently moved into Summer Place. She did not want to go there but after a couple of falls, she decided it would be better for her. As we toured Summer Place many things were told about the care she would be receiving and all the many activies that they had in place. I did stay for a few days with her and it seemed at the time it was a nice place to live. Since December, there has been a fire in the building and many people with walkers had to be carried or helped down to the dining room. The Managers were all fired and New people are taking over. My Mom says the food is awful now and noone seeems to care. No elevator and activies are hardly provided. The prices of having her hair done has gone way up. We were told that the bus would take her to medical appointments but she has not been able, for they told her it doesn't go to Pepperell. We were told that the bus will take them shopping two days a week. She has yet to go. I want my Mom to be happy but it seems that Summer Place is not moving forward in their promises that were told to us. Many are moving out to another facility and my Mom thinks Summer place is going to close. I hope that the new staff will take charge and make it a elderly home worth staying.
Provider Response
Hi, I'm Katie, I work at Holiday Retirement Home Office. First, thank you for your sincere review. I'm so very sorry that your mother has had a negative experience at Summer Place. We pride ourselves on our chef-prepared meals, our activities program, and our transportation services, so if any of those are not living up to your expectation, we definitely want to know details. Please feel free to call our Resident Relations here at Home Office line at 1-800-370-8331. Thank you for your sincere review and my apologies once more, Katie
December 26, 2014
I am a friend or relative of resident
My loved one has been there long enough to find out that managers won't stay and neither will staff workers. The food is inconsistent; some days, other than a sandwich option, it's unable to be eaten. The place is clean and bright. Very, very expensive for what is returned. $3500 a month for slow food service, unappealing food and a two room apartment. Residents are unhappy and grumble all day. Looking to move.
Provider Response
Thank you so very much for your feedback, especially as it concerns our food service. We pride ourselves on our meals, so if they are not up to par, we definitely want to know details. We'd love to hear more so we can improve our menu from this point forward. Please feel free to call our Resident Relations department at 1-800-370-8331 to discuss any suggestions for improvement. Thanks again for your sincerity, Katie - Communications - Holiday Home Office
December 19, 2014
I am a friend or relative of resident
My father lived at Summer Place from June to August, 2014. During that time there was a lot of management turnover. Also, the managers didn't communicate with each other when their shift was over. One manager promised my father he would arrange for special transportation to the Chelmsford Senior Center. The Summer Place van does not go there. At first I was encouraged that this manager was helping my dad, but when a week went by and I didn't hear back, I stopped by and was told by the manager onsite that he knew nothing about this. Well, my father kept waiting; no one told him the status and it never did happen. Dad asked about 4 times to have the handy man hang a heavy mirror on his wall. This never happened. When dad left he was told it would take about 2 weeks to get his deposit back. Today is FOUR MONTHS, 3 or 4 phone calls and 2 in-person inquiries later. I left a phone message for the main manager some months ago to call me. He never did. I called again and told him the problem. Again, he did not get back to me. I stopped by about 4 weeks ago, spoke to this same manager, who wrote down my problem and promised to look into it. Finally, today I went there again in-person. Believe me this was pretty aggravating especially since I was busily trying to get Christmas things done. A friendly female house manager asked what my problem was and I started venting about the situation. A male house supervisor came by and told me I needed to calm down; he talked to me like I was a child. I asked, who should I vent to if not you folks. Finally, this woman phoned and emailed the corporate office, who responded back to her that a check had been mailed to my father on 10/2, but sent it to the Summer Place address, even though he had moved out in August. Because he wasn't there the check got sent back. And no one at either end took any notice of this. I gave the manager the correct address and will wait to see what happens.
It seems to me that the majority of managers are slackers who don't follow through and don't care.
Provider Response
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to rate and review our community. We regret to hear that you encountered this experience and are confident this does not represent our community as a whole. We appreciate you sharing this feedback, we will take this feedback and look for ways to improve. Thank you
December 09, 2014
I visited this facility
I would highly recommend Summer Place to anyone, but the price had gone up completely out of my father-in-law's reach. The best features were they are warm and friendly. The staff was outstanding, accommodating, and just caring people. The living environment was very comfortable. I would rate the food as excellent, and the accommodations were great. They do a lot of activities for the people living there.
October 28, 2014
I visited this facility
I went to Summer Place. Most of the people were on walkers, and I’m not. I’m independent, and I don’t like being around people that are all on walkers. I didn’t see anybody in activities because they were all sitting around. The friendliness of the people and the staff was nice. The rooms didn’t really serve what I wanted. I want a walk-in shower, and they had the tub. It was just not the place for me.
August 14, 2014
I am a friend or relative of resident
A relative of mine has been a resident of Summer Place for about a year. In that time there have been numerous managers that stay as little as a few months and then leave. As new managers come and go the quality of services and food declines and they become less responsive to addressing resident concerns. The residents have been treated like children when they complain about decreases in services. The management is unresponsive to resident’s complaints and tells them to come see them individually so they can quell the complaints - divide and conquer. They have meetings to air their concerns and the present managers apparently have decided to run things their own way regardless of the fact the residents are paying increased rents. The amount and choices of food is less than it was a year ago. A recent meal I shared with my relative had a pork chop 3/8ths of an inch thick, 2" by 3" and dry as a bone. There was a scoop of mashed potatoes the size of a melon ball scoop - NO exaggeration! I seriously doubt the meals satisfy the daily nutrition requirements as the portions are extremely small. Their website boasts “3 meals a day” but it would take 2 days to get 3 FULL meals. The quality of food has seriously declined in the last year. I can't believe that the corporate offices allow this treatment and mismanagement to continue or maybe corporate IS the problem forcing the managers to squeeze more profit out of the facility and that is why they can’t keep managers in the place. I also notice how responsive they are to counter some negative reviews I found online but they refuse to acknowledge the residents and try to make them happy as their website boasts.
Provider Response
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to rate and review our community. We regret to hear that you encountered this experience and are confident this does not represent our community as a whole. We appreciate you sharing this feedback, we will take this feedback and look for ways to improve. Since your experience, our dining service has gone through a large overhaul, and we feel very confident in the positive feedback from our residents. We hope to get a second chance to show you how great our leadership is. Thank you
July 02, 2014
I am/was a resident of this facility
We are happpy here now at Summer Place. The staff is very helpful. The rooms are very nice. My wife and I have two rooms. We have a bed room and a living room. We exercise every morning. In the afternoon, we have someone to come in to sing and entertain us. The food is always something to be improved on. The food is tasty but we are a big crowd here, and they can't please everybody.
November 30, 2013
I visited this facility
Summer Place Retirement Residence just seemed like a glorified nursing home. I didn't care for the food too much, but the staff was very nice. The gentleman that I spoke with, who was the manager of the facility, was extremely helpful. It was clean and well cared for. The only thing was that they didn't have much to offer in terms of activities. I don't know why, but I just didn't care for that place. I don't want to say anything bad about it. There was just something that probably didn't appeal to me.
July 23, 2012
I visited this facility
Summer Place is located on Summer Street in Chelmsford, MA. It is very close to Chelmsford Center, across the street from various shops, and conveniently located next to Stop and Shop. My great aunt lived at Summer Place for over 10 years. The staff was wonderful. Each time I visited, which was often, she would speak lovingly about those who helped her. In fact some of the live in managers actually were present at my great aunt's funeral about a year ago. The Summer Place really is more than a place where seniors receive additional care; it is a community. My aunt quickly established friends and a core group of people who she associated with, went on trips with, and relied on for her entire time living there. The facilities were beautiful. My aunt was the first person to live in her suite, which was great. She had everything she needed in terms of service, 3 square meals, and so many different programs to choose from. I really think Summer Place helped her extend her life, be more active, and created a sense of comfort. Thanks,
Questions about Summer Place
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at Summer Place. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Our residents range from 55 to early 100s and everything in between! Their favorite activities are as different as their personalities! By using our Holiday 365 app each resident is able to view the daily calendar and sign up for events that interest them. If they are unable to find something that peaks their interest on the calendar they can simply message a friend to join them for a game of cards or to enjoy a walk around the community.
What transportation services does Summer Place offer to independent living residents?
Our residents can take advantage of the complimentary transportation to help them get around town. The scheduled shuttle can take residents to stores, doctor appointments, dining, or group outings.
What makes the chef or dining program at Summer Place exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
Our community has an Executive Chef and Sous Chef who care about providing residents not only delicious but also nutritious meals, 3 times a day. Our menus are changed seasonally to ensure the freshest products and flavors and we offer over 150 different entrees with each season. Residents can select a la carte items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Entrees at each service include specials like our Holiday Fresh option or Resident’s Choice. All meals are served in our restaurant-style dining rooms with friends and neighbors, allowing everyone to enjoy good food and good conversation.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
Residents are able to socialize in our game room or activity room, sit back with a good book at our library, get physical at our fitness room or just catch up with some friends in the atrium.
What safety features or security measures does Summer Place offer to independent living residents?
Our residents can feel safe 24/7 knowing that they can access help with just a push of a button. Each resident receives their own Lively Mobile Plus emergency device that goes anywhere they do. The device, which is included in monthly rent, can be activated for a variety of reasons, including emergencies, directions, health concerns, or to just speak to a friendly voice. The community is also only accessible to residents from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. so you can rest easy knowing that there will not be unwanted late-night visitors.
If Summer Place accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
We love our residents and we love their pets! Our community is pet friendly so you can bring your furry friend with you to your new home. There are green spaces and courtyards as well as walking paths where you can enjoy nice long walks.
Does Summer Place work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
Our community provides the option to each resident to choose their own third party care provider. This allows the freedom of choice and flexibility for each resident to determine how much, or how little, support they need.
Costs for Summer Place
Services and Amenities of Summer Place
Costs
- Fee Structure Extra: Included In Rent: Basic Cable, Electric, Gas, Sewer, Water
- Independent Living Starting At: $2810/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
- Studio Apartments
- Housing Extra: Handicap Barrier Free Units Available, Individual Climate Control, Safety Rails In Bathroom, Telephone Hookup, Walk In Tub
Dining options
- In Room Kitchenette
- Dining Room Shared Meals
- Dining Extra: Private Dining Room, Resident Kitchen
Features
- Beauty Barber Shop
- Computer Room
- Resident Transportation
- Hiking Trails
- Tv Room
- Garden And Patio
- Resident Parking
- Features Extra: Laundry Room For Use, Chapel, Library, Locked Mailboxes, Elevator, Parking: Private
Cleaning services
- Laundry For Linens
- Housekeeping
Technology and entertainment
- Cable In Rooms
- Technology Extra: Wi Fi In Common Areas
Activities
- Offsite Activities
- Fitness Room
- Activities Extra: Billiard Lounge, Game Room, Activity Room
Financial guidance
- Va Benefits Consultation
Guest services
- Guest Parking
- Guests At Mealtime
- Overnight Guests
General
- Minimum Age: 55
- Pets: Most Pets Allowed
About Summer Place
Summer Place is located in Chelmsford, MA, providing a vibrant backdrop for your new life as a valued member of our caring community.
From pleasant housekeepers, to attentive servers at mealtime and helpful maintenance technicians who are there when you need them, this community is the new extension of your family. We take pleasure in getting to know each of our residents and look out for their comfort and happiness. Our chefs prepare three delicious meals each day, served in our beautiful dining room. We provide housekeeping, linen services, fun and stimulating activities, off-site excursions, transportation to your personal appointments and a variety of classes and programs. Our warm, comfortable community and our friendly staff and residents will welcome you. We look forward to making your life easier any way we can.
So come to Summer Place for a visit...and stay!
*We understand that each individual is unique and that needs may change over time. Holiday Retirement does not provide any health care services. However, residents are welcome to receive services from any outside home health care provider of their choice to help them continue enjoying life at our community.
Get Costs