Sonogee Rehabilitation and Living Center

Pros

• The staff at Sonogee Estates demonstrated exceptional empathy and compassion in their care for residents.
• The facility is situated in a beautiful location overlooking the Atlantic, offering extraordinary views.
• The warmth and friendliness of the staff created a supportive environment for both residents and visitors.
• The twice-weekly animal therapy sessions with therapy dogs were a wonderful addition to the care provided.
• The consideration and engagement offered to families after the passing of loved ones was impressive and professional.
• Despite some areas needing improvement, the overall patient care at Sonogee Estates was above average, highlighting the dedication of the staff.

Cons

• The room seemed a bit rundown, with peeling wallpaper and outdated furniture.
• The overwhelming odor in the hallway near the room was quite foul.
• The facility was in need of remodel, despite its beautiful location.
• There was a lack of privacy during visits due to the extreme informality among staff.
• The cleanliness of the facility did not meet expectations, especially compared to other facilities in the region.
• There was an absence of hand sanitizer readily available for staff and visitors.
• Housekeeping appeared to be off point when it came to sanitation and hygiene standards.

Review

Sonogee Estates of Bar Harbor, Maine, presents a complex picture of care and environment for those seeking a place for loved ones to live out their final days. Situated in a stunning location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in a world-class resort town, the facility offers extraordinary views that one would hope would complement the care provided within its walls. However, upon initial arrival, one might be struck by the disrepair within the building itself. Reviews reflect concerns about peeling wallpaper and outdated furniture that contribute to an overall sense of neglect. Additionally, odors permeating certain areas of the facility add to an unfortunate first impression.

Despite these aesthetic issues, it is essential to note that the true heart of any care facility lies within its staffing and overall atmosphere experienced by residents and their families. During visits to Sonogee Estates, family members reported feeling reassured by the kindness and gentleness exhibited by nurses and caregivers towards their loved ones. The staff appears not only competent but genuinely compassionate, providing critical emotional support during difficult times. As visitors spent time with their relatives, they noted how this nurturing demeanor began to overshadow concerns about hygiene and cleanliness—elements that are certainly significant but took a back seat in light of personal interactions.

Family members also remarked on how empathetic staff members were throughout their experiences at Sonogee Estates, particularly as patients transitioned into palliative care. Many found this connection with caregivers comforting when faced with end-of-life decisions and emotions. The informality among both staff and residents raised eyebrows at first; however, it soon revealed itself as therapeutic rather than unprofessional. This warm atmosphere was bolstered by numerous interactions among staff in various capacities who seemed well-acquainted with each other—a trait indicative of strong team dynamics.

However, while praise for patient care abounded, there were consistent notes regarding sanitation standards that left some family members wanting more attention paid to housekeeping protocols. Comparisons drawn between Sonogee Estates and other facilities recommended that hygiene practices could use improvement and raised questions about available hand sanitizing options—despite recognizing that direct patient interaction remained a priority among caregiving staff. The expectation may have varied from what is generally seen in more hospital-like environments where such measures are stringently enforced.

In addition to immediate care considerations, many reviewers expressed gratitude for the post-passing engagement offered by Sonogee Estates’ management team. Following a resident's death, the opportunity for families to navigate grief with professional courtesy underscored a distinct commitment from administrators toward supporting clients beyond life inside the facility itself. This continued dedication to families during bereavement can provide peace of mind during an otherwise tumultuous period.

Another notable initiative at Sonogee Estates is its unique program featuring therapy dogs visiting twice weekly—a refreshing touch that evokes joy and comfort among residents whose spirits may be flagging in challenging times. These scheduled animal therapy sessions evoke smiles not just from residents but from visiting family members as well; they play a crucial role in maintaining an active environment full of life and warmth throughout daily visits.

In conclusion, while Sonogee Estates could benefit from physical renovations and more stringent cleanliness protocols reflective of modern healthcare standards, it stands out because of its committed staff who rise above structural limitations through empathy and specialized care techniques aimed at enhancing quality of life for residents during their final days. Overall reviews characterize them as fortunate custodians tied together through shared values—a sentiment echoed repeatedly amidst conversations lauding distinctive service amid underlying challenges faced by those spending time at this picturesque yet imperfect establishment on Maine's scenic coast.

Hospitals

• Sonogee Rehabilitation and Living Center (0 miles)
• Mount Desert Island Hospital (1.8 miles)
• DaVita Eastern Maine Dialysis (12.3 miles)
• Maine Coast Memorial Hospital (13.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Stewman's Lobster Pound (0.2 miles)
• 2 Cats (1.2 miles)
• Mount Dessert Bakery (1.3 miles)
• The Chart Room (1.3 miles)
• La Bella Vita (1.4 miles)
• Bar Harbor Lobster Bakes (1.4 miles)
• West Street Cafe (1.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• West End Drug Co. (1.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (11.9 miles)
• Hannaford Pharmacy (12.6 miles)
• Walgreens (12.6 miles)
• Shaw's Pharmacy (12.9 miles)

Parks

• Agamont Park (1.5 miles)
• Grant Park In Albert Meadow (1.7 miles)
• Acadia National Park (2.3 miles)
• Lamoine State Park (5 miles)
• Suminsby Park (5.8 miles)
• Summit of Acadia Mountain (7.1 miles)
• Ellsworth Waterford Park and Marina (13.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (1.5 miles)
• Union Cong Church Of Hancock (9.1 miles)
• Prospect Harbor United Methodist Church (10.1 miles)
• Ellsworth United Methodist Church (13.5 miles)

Cafes

• Cafe This Way (1.6 miles)
• Choco-Latte (1.7 miles)
• Sweet Pea's Cafe (4.6 miles)
• J.M. Gerrish Restaurant (7.1 miles)
• The Bakery (7.5 miles)
• Josie's Country Store and Cafe (13.3 miles)

Physicians

• Cooper-Gilmore Health Center (1.8 miles)
• Women's Health Center (1.8 miles)
• Cadillac Family Practice (1.8 miles)
• Lisa Stewart Women's Health Center (1.9 miles)
• Eleanor Widener Dixon Memorial Clinic (8.2 miles)
• Gouldsboro Clinic (8.2 miles)
• Trenton Health Center (9 miles)

Transportation

• Hancock County - Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) (7.1 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (13.1 miles)