Girdler House Retirement Home in Beverly, MA

Pros

• They thought it was cool.

Cons

• Bedbugs were everywhere, and rats were present.
• A dead bug was seen on a bed.
• An elderly person walked around, leaving a trail of toilet paper.
• Guests were hit with a pillow to make them sleep.
• There was poop in the bed sheet.
• A roach was found in the sink.

Review

Girdler House Retirement Home in Beverly, MA appears best suited for families that prioritize a basic, budget-conscious option and are prepared to tolerate serious questions about cleanliness and safety. The accounts tied to this facility point to a setting where predictability of care is the critical gap, not the baseline comforts or consistently attentive service. For families with residents who require dependable housekeeping, pest control, and stable staffing, this community is unlikely to meet expectations. In practical terms, it should be one of the last stops on a short list, reserved for those who have already identified stronger alternatives and are evaluating price versus risk rather than assuming this is a balanced choice.

The main red flags are the cleanliness and safety concerns repeatedly raised by reviewers. Allegations include bedbugs and rats on the property, with one report describing a dead bug found on a bed and another noting a roach in the sink. A separate account paints a picture of unsanitary conditions, mentioning a resident leaving a trail of toilet paper and even describing an incident where a staff member allegedly used force to make a resident sleep. A few specifics also hint at broader maintenance and oversight problems, such as a bed sheet with fecal matter. Taken together, these descriptions suggest a facility where pests, contamination, and inconsistent caregiving routines pose real, ongoing risks to residents' health and dignity.

On the strength side, the facility's overall rating is modest (3.3/5 based on three reviews), and there is at least one positive voice among that small sample - though the favorable comments lack concrete specifics. A single 5-star rating and a 4-star rating exist, but without clear detail about what those reviewers valued, those signals carry little weight against the substantive safety and cleanliness concerns. In practical decision-making, weak positives do not meaningfully offset the severity of the reported issues. Pros, if any, appear peripheral and non-actionable relative to the core warnings raised by multiple reviewers.

Given these findings, it is prudent for families to consider alternatives with proven track records for sanitary conditions, predictable staffing, and responsive care. For residents who require consistent help with daily living tasks, or for families who cannot tolerate the risk of pest-related health issues or potential caregiving lapses, other communities are likely to deliver steadier quality. Those weighing options should explicitly deprioritize this community if the priority is your loved one's daily comfort, safety, and long-term well-being. This is a case where the decision hinges on safety and reliability rather than price or convenience.

For families that still plan a visit or are evaluating this community in depth, a disciplined due-diligence checklist is essential. Insist on a recent, transparent infestation and maintenance log, including pest-control treatment records and any state inspections. Request to observe a typical care shift, ask about staff-to-resident ratios at different times of day, and seek direct feedback from current residents and their families about responsiveness, cleanliness, and personal safety. Tour the premises with a strict eye on room cleanliness, linen changes, bathroom hygiene, and the presence of odors or visible pests. Verify incident reporting processes and how management handles complaints, reprimands, or corrective actions. Above all, require concrete, measurable promises - tasted in a few weeks of service - that the environment will be kept clean, safe, and respectful.

In the end, the evidence points toward caution. Girdler House Retirement Home should not be the first pick for anyone whose priority is dependable, clean, and compassionate care. It may, in rare circumstance, serve as a temporary or short-term solution for families with limited options and with strong, ongoing oversight from trusted advocates, but the overwhelming weight of reported issues makes alternatives far more compelling for long-term residence. Families should favor communities with demonstrable cleanliness, proactive pest management, visible staff engagement, and clear, accountable procedures for safety and resident dignity. If choosing to proceed with this facility, structure a rapid, rigorous monitoring plan and be prepared to act quickly if conditions fail to improve.

This part of Beverly, Massachusetts, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With multiple parks nearby such as Independence Park and Winter Island Park, seniors can enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. There are also several restaurants in the area like Old Planters Brewing and REV Kitchen & Bar for dining options. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are conveniently located for medication needs. Places of worship such as Temple B'Nai Abraham provide spiritual support, while cafes like Starbucks and Jaho Coffee & Tea offer a place to socialize and relax. Medical services are easily accessible with facilities like Essex Surgical Associates and Lahey Cardiology nearby. Additionally, transportation options are available with MBTA Salem Station for easy access to neighboring areas. Overall, this part of Beverly provides a welcoming and convenient environment for seniors looking for a comfortable living arrangement.

Parks

• Independence Park (0.2 miles)
• Winter Island Park (1.3 miles)
• Salem Common (1.7 miles)
• Salem Maritime National Historic Site (1.8 miles)
• Salem Dog Park (2 miles)
• Crocker Park (3.2 miles)
• Chandler Hovey Park (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Old Planters Brewing (0.6 miles)
• China River Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Notch Brewery & Tap Room (2 miles)
• REV Kitchen & Bar (3 miles)
• The Barnacle (3.1 miles)
• Maddie's Sail Loft (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Temple B'Nai Abraham (0.8 miles)
• St Richard Catholic Church (4.7 miles)
• First Church Nursery School (5.6 miles)
• Danvers Church Of The Nazarene (6.2 miles)
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7.2 miles)
• Lynn Spanish Branch Latter-day Saints (7.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Jaho Coffee & Tea (1.8 miles)
• Caffe Nero (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)

Physicians

• Essex Surgical Associates (1.1 miles)
• Lahey Pulmonary (1.2 miles)
• Parkhurst Medical Building (1.2 miles)
• Lahey Cardiology (1.2 miles)
• Garden City Pediatric Associates (1.2 miles)
• Parkhurst Medical Building Condominium Trust (1.3 miles)
• NS Physicians Group (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Beverly Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Northeast Hospital Corporation (2 miles)
• Childrens Hospital Peabody (4.2 miles)
• Danvers State Hospital (5.4 miles)

Transportation

• MBTA Salem Station (1.8 miles)