The Residence at Pearl Creek

Pros

• The staff at The Residence at Pearl Street is exceptional, particularly the activities director, who consistently brings positive energy and plans engaging activities for the residents.
• The facility is clean, comfortable, and situated in a lovely neighborhood, creating a warm and welcoming environment for residents.
• Residents have access to a variety of daily and weekly activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Many family members appreciate the kindness and care provided by the staff, which gives them great comfort regarding their loved ones' well-being.
• The dining services at the residence are generally reported to be wonderful, with delicious meals that satisfy residents.
• Families commend the dedicated staff for their attentive care during challenging times, especially during COVID-19, ensuring residents stay connected with their families through virtual visits.
• Overall, many residents feel safe, secure, and happy in their new home at The Residence at Pearl Street.

Cons

• The food often runs out, including basic items like soup and soda, which is a consistent complaint from residents.
• The memory care unit does not appear equipped to handle advanced stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, leading to problematic situations like elopement.
• Families felt misled about the facility's capabilities in caring for loved ones with memory issues, resulting in unmet expectations.
• A resident’s belongings were never unpacked upon admission, and unsanitary conditions were reported, such as unclean fridges and soiled laundry left for weeks.
• There was a significant staff turnover that indicated underlying issues within the facility.
• The facility refused to allow a resident back after hospitalization due to COVID-19, forcing families to relocate their loved ones unexpectedly.
• Although some resident experiences were positive, concerns about nighttime staff availability and response times led to caution in recommendations.

Review

The Residence at Pearl Street is regarded as a warm and welcoming facility that has received mixed reviews from residents and their families. Many families report positive experiences, praising the cleanliness of the place, the engaging activities available, and the dedication of the staff. The facility has transformed from an old school into a comfortable living environment that includes beautiful common areas filled with natural light, providing ample space for socialization and relaxation. Families have noted that their loved ones feel safe and secure in this setting, which contributes significantly to their overall happiness.

However, not all experiences have been positive. A few reviewers voiced significant concerns regarding the food service at Pearl Street. There were complaints about running out of common items—such as soda, salad dressings, daily soup, and ice cream—which raised questions about inventory management given that the staff should be able to anticipate the needs based on resident occupancy levels. While some individuals praised the quality of meals when served, others felt let down by inconsistencies in food availability or preparation.

A highlight of many reviews was the exceptional staff at The Residence at Pearl Street. Specific praise was given to the Activities Director for her upbeat personality and meticulous planning of enjoyable events for residents. Families found her energy infectious, noting how she worked hard to foster connections among residents through various activities such as musical performances and outings into the community. The frontline caregiving staff were frequently described as attentive, particularly in memory care settings where residents can often require more assistance.

Nonetheless, serious concerns arose regarding memory care capabilities within Pearl Street's facility. Some family members expressed disappointment with how their loved ones' needs were managed once they transitioned into advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or other dementias. One family recounted a disturbing incident where a resident eloped from memory care shortly after being readmitted following hospitalization for medication adjustments; this led to a sudden necessity to find alternative arrangements that exacerbated an already emotionally taxing situation.

Similarly troubling accounts involved issues with care standards where specific needs promised by management went unmet for certain residents transitioning from assisted living to memory care. Reviews highlighted instances of neglect where personal belongings were mishandled upon moving in—that included unclean conditions within apartments—and delays in attending to soiled laundry that contributed to significant distress both for residents and their families alike.

On a brighter note, during challenging times like those posed by COVID-19 restrictions, several family members commended how staff adapted quickly to ensure resident safety while maintaining communication between loved ones through video calls or outdoor visits. Residents reportedly appreciated daily check-ins from management intended to alleviate feelings of isolation during lockdown periods which showcased a responsive approach in crisis handling.

In conclusion, while The Residence at Pearl Street has certainly demonstrated strengths through its dedicated staff and vibrant community atmosphere suited for most independent seniors, potential residents should remain vigilant about evaluating whether its offerings align closely with their individual needs—especially when considering memory care options or those requiring more nuanced support systems due to health declines over time.

This part of Reading, Massachusetts offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors. There are multiple cafes such as Starbucks and Perfecto's Caffe within a short distance, providing convenient options for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Additionally, there are several pharmacies nearby including CVS and Walgreens for easy access to medications and health supplies. For dining options, there are restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Kitty's Restaurant & Lounge offering a range of choices for meals. The area also boasts several parks like Middlesex Fells Reservation and Melrose Common, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Transportation is easily accessible with the Ballardvale Mbta Station nearby. Medical services are also abundant with various physician offices and hospitals such as Lahey Clinic within a reasonable distance. Places of worship like Danvers Church Of The Nazarene offer spiritual support, while entertainment options include the AMC Burlington Cinema 1 for movie enthusiasts. Overall, this part of Reading provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with an array of conveniences close at hand.

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Perfecto's Caffe (6.1 miles)
• Pressed Cafe (6.6 miles)
• Perfecto's Caffe (6.7 miles)
• Starbucks (7.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Speciality (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Chipotle Mexican Grill (2.2 miles)
• Kitty's Restaurant & Lounge (3.3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• Sports, Spirits & Steaks (3.7 miles)
• The Brickyard (4.4 miles)
• Hopothecary Ales (4.6 miles)
• Liberty Bell Roast Beef and Seafood (4.9 miles)

Parks

• Middlesex Fells Reservation (2.3 miles)
• Sheepfold, Middlesex Fells Reservation (5.3 miles)
• Melrose Common (5.6 miles)
• Mary Cummings Park (6.3 miles)
• Ward Reservation (7.7 miles)
• John M. Devir Park (7.7 miles)
• Rindge Park (8.4 miles)

Transportation

• Ballardvale Mbta Station (4 miles)

Physicians

• North Suburban Orthopedic Associates (5.2 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (5.5 miles)
• Lahey Clinic Ophthalmology (6.2 miles)
• Laser Gentle Medical Spa (6.9 miles)
• Microsurgical Eye Consultants (7.5 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates - Peabody-Lynnfield (7.6 miles)
• Lahey Clinic Peabody (7.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Lahey Clinic (6.3 miles)
• Childrens Hospital Peabody (7.5 miles)
• Danvers State Hospital (7.5 miles)
• Tewksbury Hospital (8.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Danvers Church Of The Nazarene (6.7 miles)
• St Richard Catholic Church (7.5 miles)
• St Agnes Parish-Arlington (8.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Burlington Cinema 1 (7 miles)