Information last verified:
97 Sherman Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
They are a caring group of people. The facilities are nice and the staff are good. They are professional and intelligent. They would trust the company with family. Common Sense Housing is a great place for loved ones to live and be cared for. Most staff are great. The place is very pretty.
The reviewers’ family had a poor experience, with their loved one’s care and communication being a constant struggle. The staff are intimidated, threatened, and bullied by the two head administration. The day shift seems to think they don’t have to clean up after the members or themselves, indicating neglect of basic duties. The main admins need management training and should show more appreciation and respect to the workers who keep the business running.This community is best suited for families that prize a warm, home-like atmosphere where frontline caregivers genuinely connect with residents, and where the physical environment feels welcoming and well maintained. It works well for seniors who want daily care delivered with personal attention and for families prepared to navigate occasional leadership friction in exchange for a dependable, caring staff presence. The sentiment that the facility is trustworthy with a loved one persists in some reviews, underscoring that the day-to-day care and the resident experience can be solid when the right staff are on shift.
At the same time, clear caveats point toward alternatives for families with stricter requirements around administration, communication, and consistency. If unfaltering, proactive leadership and transparent family updates are non-negotiable, or if a resident requires highly regimented oversight and uniform housekeeping across every shift, this community may not meet those expectations. Potential residents who demand flawless internal communication, consistently clean common areas, and predictable operational cadence should compare options where leadership and front-line morale appear steadier and more uniformly aligned.
The strongest upside rests with the direct care team and the living environment. Reviewers repeatedly highlight a caring group of people, with staff who are professional and intelligent, and with residents described as wonderful. The facilities themselves are noted as pleasant and appealing, reinforcing a sense of comfort and dignity for people who spend substantial time there. In practice, these strengths translate into meaningful daily benefits: friendly interactions, attentive assistance, and a setting that supports social engagement and regular activity. When the care staff are engaged, the resident experience stays positive even amid organizational strains.
Yet the most significant drawbacks center on leadership and housekeeping consistency. Several accounts describe two head administrators as intimidating or unsupportive, with frontline staff feeling pressure or fear in expressing concerns. That kind of dynamic can undermine morale, hinder reliable communication with families, and create an uneven care atmosphere when supervisory priorities drift. On the floor, some day shift workers are perceived as less motivated about basic cleanliness, even as overnight staff perform better at cleanup. These operational gaps matter, because they shape daily safety and comfort and can erode trust over time if not addressed.
Balancing the pros and cons, prospective buyers should approach with a concrete plan to verify leadership stability and day-to-day reliability. Ask how leadership engages with staff and families, what steps are in place to ensure consistent cleanliness across shifts, and how resident care plans are reviewed and updated. Request candid conversations with frontline supervisors, check recent staff retention trends, and seek current family references to gauge whether the community has truly stabilized. If the impression is that administrative friction has been reduced or is being actively managed, and if the care team demonstrates dependable communication and accountability, the positives can outweigh the negatives.
Bottom line: Commonsense Housing on Sherman Ave offers a practical, compassionate option for families prioritizing a friendly, homey milieu and solid daily care. The combination of caring frontline staff and a pleasant physical environment provides real value. However, the weight of leadership friction and variable housekeeping consistency means this community may not be the best fit for those needing unwavering administrative certainty and perfectly predictable operations. For those willing to pilot the relationship, with clear expectations, proactive questions, and a focus on monitoring ongoing leadership and communication, the option can deliver meaningful quality of life improvements for a loved one.
3 resident community capacity
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Cable or satellite TVCable or satellite TV is important for seniors because it provides entertainment, news, and companionship, helping to combat loneliness and boredom. It also offers a wide range of programming options tailored to different interests and preferences.
Dining roomDining rooms are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, connection, and nutritious meals. They offer opportunities for residents to bond over shared meals, foster a sense of community, and promote healthy eating habits. Dining rooms also ensure that seniors have access to well-balanced meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences.
Fully furnishedFully furnished senior living communities are important for seniors because they provide convenience, comfort, and a hassle-free moving experience. Seniors can easily settle into their new living space without the stress of having to buy and move furniture. This allows them to focus on enjoying their new home and community.
GardenGardens are important for seniors as they provide a peaceful and therapeutic environment for relaxation, physical activity, and socialization. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Gardens also offer opportunities for seniors to engage in gardening activities, which can improve mobility, flexibility, and cognitive function. Additionally, gardens create a sense of community and connection with others who share a passion for plants and outdoor spaces.
Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
Move-in coordinationMove-in coordination is important for seniors because it helps ease the transition into their new living environment. It ensures that all logistics, such as packing, organizing movers, and setting up utilities are taken care of, allowing seniors to focus on settling in and adjusting to their new home. Having a smooth move-in process can alleviate stress and anxiety, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for seniors.
Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaces are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, exposure to natural light and fresh air, and a sense of connection to nature. Having access to outdoor spaces can improve overall well-being and quality of life for older adults living in senior communities.
TelephoneTelephones are important for seniors as they provide a lifeline for communication with loved ones, emergency services, and healthcare providers. They offer a sense of security and independence, enabling seniors to stay connected and access assistance when needed.
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.
Bangor International (2 miles away)
24-hour supervision24-hour supervision is important for seniors to ensure their safety, well-being, and access to immediate assistance in case of emergencies or health issues. This constant support provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones, allowing them to age in place with dignity and security.
Activities of daily living assistanceActivities of daily living assistance are important for seniors because they provide essential support with tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility. This assistance helps seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and overall quality of life as they age.
Assistance with bathingAssistance with bathing is crucial for seniors as it helps maintain personal hygiene, prevents infections, and ensures their overall well-being and comfort. It also provides a sense of dignity and independence for seniors who may struggle with this task on their own.
Assistance with dressingAssistance with dressing is important for seniors because it helps maintain their independence, promotes personal hygiene, prevents accidents and injuries, and improves overall quality of life. This service ensures that seniors can continue to dress comfortably and confidently, despite any physical limitations they may have.
Assistance with transfersAssistance with transfers is crucial for seniors as it helps prevent falls and injuries, maintains their independence, and ensures they can safely navigate their living environment. It also provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones. Coordination with health care providersCoordination with health care providers is crucial for seniors to ensure proper medical care, medication management, and overall well-being. This collaboration helps prevent overlapping treatments, track progress more effectively, and provide comprehensive support tailored to individual needs.
Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
Meal preparation and serviceMeal preparation and service are crucial for seniors as they may have limited mobility or energy to cook nutritious meals. Having access to healthy and convenient food options can ensure they are getting the proper nutrition needed to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.
Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.
Transportation arrangement (medical)Transportation arrangements for medical purposes are essential for seniors as they may have difficulty driving themselves to appointments or accessing public transportation. Having reliable and safe transportation options ensures that seniors can receive timely medical care and maintain their health and well-being.
Transportation to doctors appointmentsTransportation to doctors' appointments is crucial for seniors as it ensures they have access to necessary medical care and support for their health needs. Without reliable transportation, seniors may struggle to attend important appointments, leading to potential delays in treatment and health complications. Providing transportation services helps seniors maintain their overall well-being and quality of life. Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life. Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications. Community-sponsored activitiesCommunity-sponsored activities are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity. These activities can help improve overall well-being, combat loneliness and isolation, and promote a sense of belonging and purpose among older adults. Scheduled daily activitiesScheduled daily activities are important for seniors because they provide structure, socialization, mental stimulation, and physical activity. Engaging in regular activities can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors living in a community setting.Commonsense Housing on Sherman Ave in Bangor, ME is a well-equipped assisted living community that offers comprehensive care services and a range of amenities to enhance the residents' quality of life. The community features fully furnished accommodations with a dining room, ensuring comfortable and convenient living for all residents. Additionally, there is a beautiful garden and outdoor space where residents can relax and enjoy nature.
To ensure a clean and well-maintained environment, Commonsense Housing provides housekeeping services. The community also assists with move-in coordination to make the transition as smooth as possible for new residents. For communication needs, telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet connections are available throughout the premises.
Care services at Commonsense Housing include assistance with various activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. The staff coordinates with health care providers to ensure proper medical care for residents and assists with medication management. Diabetes diets and special dietary restrictions are catered to during meal preparation and service.
Transportation is readily available for medical purposes or doctor's appointments, making it easier for residents to access necessary healthcare resources. The community also arranges scheduled daily activities to engage residents socially and intellectually.
With numerous nearby cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals in close vicinity, Commonsense Housing provides easy accessibility for various needs and preferences.
In summary, Commonsense Housing on Sherman Ave offers a comprehensive assisted living experience with comfortable accommodations, attentive care services, stimulating activities, convenient amenities like Wi-Fi/internet connectivity along with close proximity to an array of nearby establishments for added convenience and engagement.
Commonsense Housing - Sherman Ave is located at 97 Sherman Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401 in Penobscot County, Maine
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