Balsam House

Pros

• The care home offers good, healthy food and allows residents to pick from their garden in the summer.
• Balsam House is described as a small, quaint facility that feels more like an oversized house than an institution.
• Staff members are personable, caring, and responsive to residents’ needs.
• The environment at Balsam House is clean, friendly, and warm, fostering a feeling of home for families visiting their loved ones.
• Residents benefit from organized activities and outings, including a little happy hour.
• Families appreciate the attention to medical needs and personal care provided by the staff.
• Overall experiences with the service have been very positive, leaving families pleased with their loved ones' care.

Cons

• One reviewer noted that their loved one had to be moved out due to advancing care needs, suggesting that the home may not cater to those with higher medical requirements.
• Another reviewer mentioned that the grounds of Balsam House are far from manicured, which may detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of the facility.
• Although there were no outright criticisms, some reviewers implied a concern about the size of Balsam House being small and quaint, which might suggest limited space or resources compared to larger facilities.
• The rural setting was described as "very rural," which may not appeal to everyone looking for a more developed or urban environment for assisted living.
• A lack of extensive activities or amenities beyond what was provided in terms of happy hours and trips might indicate limited engagement options for residents.

Review

Balsam House emerges as a highly regarded care home, capturing the hearts of both residents and their families through its warm, inviting atmosphere. The consistent theme throughout the reviews is the emphasis on personal care and attentive staff who treat residents like family. Many reviewers express relief in having found such a nurturing environment for their loved ones, often highlighting how much the staff's genuine concern has eased their minds. The home is described as clean and friendly, instilling confidence in families that their relatives are well cared for.

A defining feature of Balsam House is its commitment to providing nutritious meals. Reviewers rave about the excellent food quality, noting that it significantly enhances the overall experience for residents. One reviewer mentions that their father consistently praises the meals served at Balsam House, which reflects not just on the culinary offerings but also on how essential good food is for seniors' happiness and health. This attention to dietary needs demonstrates a level of care that goes beyond mere sustenance; it underscores the home's dedication to promoting overall well-being among its residents.

The living environment at Balsam House adds to its charm—described as quaint and homely rather than institutional. Set in a rural neighborhood with unrefined landscaping, it offers a more intimate setting compared to larger facilities. Residents enjoy privacy in their own rooms equipped with bathrooms, lending an air of independence while still being part of a supportive community. The review detailing the layout highlights that each room provides essential amenities while ensuring comfort through accessible bathing arrangements and common areas designed for interaction.

Social activities play an important role at Balsam House, further enhancing resident engagement and happiness. Families appreciate the organized events — including happy hours — which encourage socialization among residents and provide opportunities for connection and enjoyment outside regular care routines. Such activities indicate a holistic approach by Balsam House management toward maintaining mental well-being alongside physical health, acknowledging that emotional enrichment is critical for senior living spaces.

The exceptional personalized services offered by owners Dan and Lucie particularly resonate with those who have experienced other assisted living facilities in the past. Several reviewers note how crucial it was to find staff members who are not only trained but also genuinely invested in providing quality care tailored to individual needs. For instance, one son expressed appreciation for his father's routine being maintained along with proper attention given to his medical issues—a testament to Balsam House’s focus on personalized care plans aimed at each resident's unique requirements.

Even when faced with difficult transitions due to advancing care needs—as one family experienced—Balsam House managed to leave a lasting positive impression through its professionalism and competence. Despite needing to relocate their loved one after only a brief period there, they were grateful for the quality of service received during that time. This sentiment illustrates how deeply committed Balsam House personnel are towards maintaining high standards even under challenging circumstances.

In conclusion, Balsam House stands out as an exemplary care facility built on principles of warmth, cleanliness, healthy living, community engagement, personalized attention to resident’s well-being—and above all—a true sense of home away from home cherished by everyone involved. Its combination of dedicated staff members who prioritize empathy along with enjoyable experiences helps make this establishment not just another stop in life’s journey but rather an uplifting chapter filled with love and support during some precious years ahead.

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This part of Readfield, Maine offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking to settle in the area. With several restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities within a short driving distance, residents have easy access to dining options and medical care. There are also places of worship nearby for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. The close proximity of theaters and parks provide opportunities for leisure activities and entertainment. Additionally, the presence of transportation options such as car rental services and an airport can make traveling convenient for seniors who enjoy exploring or visiting loved ones. Overall, this area in Readfield offers a mix of conveniences and recreational opportunities that could make it a desirable location for senior living.

Restaurants

• Weathervane Restaurant (3.5 miles)
• Fielder's Choice Ice Cream (3.6 miles)
• The Woodshed (3.7 miles)
• Readfield Emporium (4 miles)
• KFC (4.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (4.8 miles)
• Wendy's (4.8 miles)

Physicians

• Manchester Osteopathic Healthcare (3.6 miles)
• MaineGeneral Physiatry (4.4 miles)
• MaineGeneral Orthopaedics (4.5 miles)
• Augusta Family Medicine (4.6 miles)
• Be Well My Friend (4.8 miles)
• MaineGeneral Allergy & Asthma (4.8 miles)
• Harold Alfond Center For Cancer Care (5.1 miles)

Transportation

• Pond Town Taxidermy Studio (3.6 miles)
• Cape Air (6.1 miles)
• usta State Airport (AUG) (6.1 miles)
• Avis Rent A Car (6.1 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (6.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• AAA Pharmaceutical Alternatives (3.7 miles)
• Change Healthcare (4.3 miles)
• Patrick S Cote (4.5 miles)
• Community Pharmacy (4.8 miles)
• Kennebec Pharmacy & Home Care (5 miles)
• Kennebec Pharmacy & Home Care (5.1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (5.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Anchored Youth (4.6 miles)
• Winthrop Center Friends (5.1 miles)
• Augusta Spiritualist Church (5.4 miles)
• Old South Church (5.5 miles)
• Revival (5.9 miles)
• East Winthrop Baptist Church Parsonage (6 miles)
• Faith Alliance Church (6.2 miles)

Cafes

• Moose Tracks Cafe (5.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.2 miles)
• Main Street Café (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Huiskamer Coffee House (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Mainegeneral Incontinence Program (5.3 miles)
• Pathways Of Maine (6.5 miles)
• Maine Migrant Health Program (7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Augusta (5.4 miles)
• Colonial Theater (6.9 miles)

Parks

• Waterfront Park (6.9 miles)
• Augusta Parks Department (7 miles)