Orono Commons

Pros

• The staff at Orono Commons consistently go above and beyond to provide excellent care for residents, treating them with kindness and compassion.
• Many families have praised the attentive nature of the nurses and caregivers, highlighting their dedication to meeting the needs of patients.
• Residents enjoy a clean and welcoming environment, contributing to a positive living experience.
• The facility offers engaging activities and entertainment that enhance the quality of life for residents, fostering social connections.
• Families appreciate the effective communication from staff, especially during challenging times such as the pandemic.
• Residents frequently express satisfaction with the quality of food provided, noting its overall taste and variety.
• Several reviews mention that Orono Commons feels like home due to the strong bonds formed between staff and residents.
• The rehabilitation services are highly regarded, helping residents regain strength and independence during their stay.
• Families commend the administrative staff for their support in navigating insurance issues and ensuring continuity of care.
• Orono Commons is recognized as a community resource that goes beyond basic care, providing a warm and supportive atmosphere for both residents and their families.

Cons

• The rooms are small and lack adequate nightstands for personal items.
• There is a persistent unpleasant odor in the memory unit, often smelling like urine.
• Staff members are perceived as inattentive to residents' needs and complaints.
• Residents with physical discomfort, such as back pain, are ignored when they require assistance.
• The main activity room lacks engaging content, leading to residents sleeping in their chairs due to boredom.
• The facility is severely understaffed, resulting in difficulty reaching staff by phone.
• Personal belongings sent to residents often disappear, including clothing and bedding.
• Residents on the Alzheimer's unit do not have opportunities to go outside regularly, contributing to a depressing atmosphere.
• Food quality was criticized by some residents as inconsistent or unsatisfactory based on individual preferences.
• Night staff reportedly take an excessively long time to respond to calls for assistance, impacting resident comfort.

Review

The reviews for Orono Commons present a striking contrast in experiences, highlighting both commendable care and concerning shortcomings within the facility. Many families have expressed gratitude for the quality of nursing and attentiveness their loved ones received during their time at this establishment. For instance, one family member shared how staff members not only ensured that all needs were met but also engaged in meaningful conversations with residents who were unable to move on their own. This personal connection exemplifies the compassionate approach that some families found invaluable during difficult times.

However, not all experiences echoed these sentiments. A starkly different perspective emerged from another reviewer who described a troubling environment within the memory unit. Concerns about cleanliness, particularly foul odors, lack of responsive staffing, and inadequate accommodations for patients with mobility issues were raised. The reviewer noted that staff often overlooked her mother’s discomfort due to limited attentiveness and seemed dismissive of complaints regarding her mother’s back pain, suggesting a systemic issue with oversight and resident care.

Positive comments further emphasize the dedicated commitment of various staff groups at Orono Commons, which include nurses and administrative personnel willing to navigate complex insurance issues to ensure continued care for residents. Families acknowledged that during challenging times—especially throughout the pandemic—the facility maintained communication with relatives while showing tremendous care for residents. One account revealed how families were provided snacks and drinks during overnight visits, fostering an atmosphere of support even beyond traditional medical needs.

Residents’ engagement in activities is also discussed extensively among reviewers. While many praised organized events like musical performances that uplifted spirits, some voiced concerns over entertainment options offered to seniors who might struggle to connect with modern programming. One review depicted a scenario where numerous elderly residents slept through activities instead of engaging due to the choice of shows being more contemporary rather than nostalgic or accessible for them. This disparity raises questions about how well facilities tailor activities towards demographic interests.

Food quality also drew mixed feedback; while many found meals satisfactory or even excellent, concerns arose around specific dietary needs—especially diabetic-friendly options—as some reported encountering meals high in carbohydrates without sufficient alternatives available. Clearer communication between catering services and dietary restrictions could enhance overall satisfaction among residents needing specialized nutrition plans.

Ultimately, despite mixed reviews highlighting both commendable aspects and significant pitfalls within Orono Commons’ operations, it remains evident that many families have come away feeling grateful for the assistance received from dedicated hospital staff members who made extra efforts toward enhancing resident wellbeing amidst challenges posed by illness or cognitive decline. As one reviewer succinctly noted, “the collective skill set offered by the staff makes this facility a vital community resource.” Catering more thoughtfully to resident experiences across care levels may be essential in bridging gaps observed between differing perspectives on caregiving excellence at this facility as it moves forward.

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This part of Orono, Maine offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With several parks nearby, such as Webster Park and Old Town Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and leisurely walks in peaceful surroundings. Additionally, there are numerous dining options ranging from casual eateries like Woodman's Bar & Grill to more upscale restaurants like Thai Orchid. For healthcare needs, there are several pharmacies and medical facilities in close proximity, including Sunbury Family Medicine and Eastern Maine Medical Center. Transportation options are also readily available with U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer nearby. Places of worship like Veazie Congregational Church provide spiritual support, while theaters like Bangor Mall Cinemas 10 offer entertainment options. In terms of healthcare services, Northern Light Acadia Hospital and EMMC - Grant 6 West are within easy reach for any medical needs. Overall, this area of Orono provides a well-rounded community for seniors seeking a peaceful and convenient living environment with ample amenities at their fingertips.

Parks

• Webster Park (0.8 miles)
• Old Town Park (3.4 miles)
• Bangor Dog Park (6.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Woodman's Bar & Grill (0.8 miles)
• Yamas Bar and Grill (0.8 miles)
• Thai Orchid (0.9 miles)
• Wendy's (0.9 miles)
• Orono Brewing Company (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• Governor's Restaurant & Bakery (1.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Orono Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• New England Reserve (1.5 miles)
• Hannaford Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (6.9 miles)
• Miller Drug Pharmacy-Riverside (7 miles)

Cafes

• Aroma Joe's (0.9 miles)
• Tim Hortons (7 miles)

Physicians

• Sunbury Family Medicine (1.7 miles)
• EMMC Family Medicine Orono (1.7 miles)
• Eastern Maine Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• Gaetani Eye Care Associates (2.1 miles)
• Penobscot Valley Dermatology (2.3 miles)
• Helen Hunt Health Center (3.1 miles)
• Vision Care of Maine (4.5 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.2 miles)
• Meister's Wildlife Studio (3.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Veazie Congregational Church (4.3 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (6.5 miles)
• Glad Tidings Church (6.7 miles)
• Grace Church Bangor (6.8 miles)

Theaters

• Bangor Mall Cinemas 10 (5.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Gardner Michelle W MD - Dorothea Psychiatric Center (6.1 miles)
• DDPC (6.1 miles)
• EMMC - Grant 6 East (6.4 miles)
• Northern Light Acadia Hospital (6.5 miles)
• Northern Light Eastern Maine (6.8 miles)
• EMMC - Grant 6 West (6.9 miles)
• EMMC - Outpatient Surgery Center (6.9 miles)