Heywood Wakefield Commons

Karen

We moved mom to Heywood Wakefield Commons. They're very caring, attentive, and patient. They try to get to know the residents and take care of their specific needs. They have a full calendar of activities ranging from exercise, games, puzzles, and music. They have two movies a week. They have a Scrabble club. They have a lot of activities for different interests. There's something for everyone. The food was pretty good. My mom thinks overall, it's good quality. They have their big meal in the middle of the day and then a lighter meal at night. She likes the meal in the middle of the day, but she's not so fond of sandwiches and chips and stuff like that, but the food itself is good. We've been very pleased. They don't have a nice outdoor space though that's green. They have a little courtyard, but it's limited outdoors and no nature kind of thing. That's just the nature of being in the city, I think. It's very expensive at least this first year until she's eligible for some additional programs.

A.S.

I toured Heywood Wakefield Commons. My big problem with it was the lack of green space. They only provided two options for the meals. When I asked them what about people who can't eat that food, the staff member said, "Well, if he can't eat it, just don't eat it, and eat everything else that's on the plate." That did not go over with me. The common areas were very lovely. The room that they showed me were kind of rundown. The only good thing they had going for them was they have rooms with large walk-in closets, not many, but they do have some, which gives some people options as far as bringing things with them. They have a tiny little spot in between the two buildings that they share with the other buildings in the area, but it is not what you call green space. If you go out the front door to get fresh air, you're on the sidewalk on the street. So, you are surrounded by asphalt and streets, except for that tiny little alley between the two buildings. I didn't try the food, but I talked to the chef, and looked at the menu and their options. If you don't eat meat or you're allergic to things, it's not considered. They do not consider vegetarians, and they do not consider allergies. They don't consider anything like that. They charge you extra to bring your meal back to your room, and you can put it to the blender yourself if you can't chew it. If I'm going to take care of myself alone like that, I can do that from home, I don't have to pay somebody $5,000 a month. The rooms were depressing. That's probably why I didn't go to the other facilities. I came home and cried for two days I was so depressed. I live in Gardiner, and I live on an acre wooded lot in Gardner, and to not have sunshine in my room and to be surrounded by people who were almost as old as my mother, it was like I had nothing in common with anybody there. I was so depressed, that's why my daughter rented a bigger apartment. Even my doctor said, "No, that's no place for you," so I didn't go and look at the other ones.

saltbox

My mother has been a resident here for 2 years now. She loves the staff and they really seem to care about the welfare of the clients. The apartments are very nice. The whole place has an atmosphere of elegance, yet still has a homey feel. It is very clean and they do a good job of maintaining my mom's apartment. The maintenance staff is very responsive and helpful when she has called them with any concerns or needs help. Aides are also very good. They make the residents feel like part of a family....very warm and caring people work there. I have spoken with a few who are Christians, which probably contributes to the attentiveness and caring attitude of most of the staff. There are plenty of activities for residents and shopping/outing trips provided also. The only minor negative is the neighborhood where it is located...not the best area. Although I've never had a problem with anyone in the parking lot or outside the entrance. Since most residents don't go out on their own it's really not an issue for us. And staff can see them as they wait for rides in the foyer or at the entrance. I have never felt my mom was unsafe. Compared to another facility she was in prior to this she is happier here. The fact that she has her own apartment instead of having to share a room with someone is a big plus. (In the other facility she had to share a room with a woman who got up and turned the lights on every morning at 3am. ) We are quite blessed to have found Heywood Commons and that they accepted my mom as a resident.

caring27541

My ex mother-in-law lives in Haywood Wakefield, and she’s very happy there. It’s a nice place, and it’s for lower income so that’s a factor as well. It’s a close proximity to where my sister resides. They gave us a tour and talked to us about different things that are available. The room we saw was a studio, it has a living room, dining room, and kitchen in one section and a huge bathroom. It was very clean. Both the staff and the residents seemed to be happy. The dining room had assigned seating for people, it seemed very clean, and the meal on display looked very good. They did outings and cooked out sometimes. They have church, they have a hairdresser on site, and an area where they can do puzzles or play cards. They have movie nights, and they have an activity schedule. They don’t have a memory unit.

Donna65456550

She's been in Heywood Wakefield Commons for nine months now, and I'm very happy with the place. It's a very nice facility. Everything is inclusive: all the care that they need in assisted living, whether it's help getting dressed or help taking a bath or shower. All the meals are included, and the staff is very friendly. I have no complaints. They have bingo, they do a lot of puzzles, they have entertainment that comes in. They go on field trips to an apple farm or to the stores, where the elderly can do some shopping. They plant tomato plants and flower plants so that the seniors can have them in their rooms. They have a country kitchen so that the seniors can go cook cakes and cupcakes.