Bentley Commons at Bedford

Pros

• The staff at Bentley Commons at Bedford is described as very friendly, accommodating, and dedicated to keeping residents safe and happy.
• Many residents enjoy a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with plenty of activities and social interactions available.
• The facility offers well-maintained and spacious apartments that residents find appealing.
• Residents appreciate the full social calendar, including regular exercise classes, entertainment, and outings, contributing to a lively community environment.
• Past employees express a strong sense of belonging and connection to both staff and residents, highlighting the supportive community at Bentley Commons.
• Families have noted their loved ones are engaged in various activities such as painting classes, exercise sessions, and movies, indicating an active lifestyle within the facility.
• The cleanliness of the facility is frequently mentioned positively by visitors and family members alike.

Cons

• The common areas are very dated and could use renovation.
• The food is not good, lacking flavor and protein, making it feel very institutional.
• There is a lot of turnover among the staff, leading to inconsistent care.
• Many activities seem juvenile, failing to engage residents meaningfully.
• The facility feels more like a nursing home than assisted living.
• Some staff members can be brusque, especially when short-staffed, affecting the quality of care.
• There are limited activities offered despite having a full social calendar advertised.
• Residents expressed dissatisfaction with being "nagged" to participate in activities instead of being encouraged based on their interests.
• While some meals looked tasty, overall feedback indicated that dining options were lacking in variety and enjoyment.
• Although the atmosphere was described as cozy, some felt the environment lacked vibrancy due to staffing issues impacting activity levels.

Review

Bentley Commons at Bedford is a mixed bag of experiences for residents and their families, as reflected in numerous reviews from those who have toured or lived in the facility. The common areas of the building appear dated and may need renovations to elevate the overall aesthetic and functionality of the living space. While some reviewers found the apartments themselves to be nice and spacious, there are significant concerns regarding the communal atmosphere which some likened more to a nursing home than an assisted living facility. This could be troubling for families looking for a vibrant, fulfilling environment for their loved ones.

A recurring theme among many reviews is the variable quality of staff. While some employees were described as wonderful, dedicated, and caring—offering personalized attention—the overall impression suggests a high turnover rate among staff members, exacerbated by recent post-COVID challenges. Families noted that there seemed to be a lot of traveling staff who performed only basic tasks rather than engaging meaningfully with residents. One reviewer mentioned how trips organized for residents felt juvenile in nature, with outings such as visiting a Dollar Store deemed unfulfilling. There was also criticism about the lack of effort to tailor activities to individual interests, leading to feelings of being “nagged” instead of gently encouraged.

Another area where Bentley Commons struggles is its dining services. Most reviewers were disappointed with the quality and variety of food provided—describing it as institutional rather than home-cooked. Meals lack flavor or protein-rich options; cold cuts and salads dominated menus with minimal choices available for lunch and dinner beyond an open-style breakfast. Residents remarked on how dry and overcooked many dishes were, contributing to an unpleasant dining experience that did not meet their expectations or nutritional needs.

On a positive note, several families who took tours reported excellent impressions upon first visits to Bentley Commons at Bedford. Reviewers appreciated the thoroughness of staff during tours—many felt that staff members eagerly answered questions while showcasing appealing units that seemed well-maintained. Visitors noted the cozy atmosphere that appeared conducive to community living, mentioning amenities like art displays from residents, barbecue nights on the patio, and even happy hours designed to enhance social interaction among residents.

Moreover, many reviews highlighted activities available within Bentley Commons—a factor deemed essential for maintaining resident engagement. Families noticed a variety of programs including bingo games, exercise classes, shopping trips, occasional entertainment offerings—which had been reduced due to COVID restrictions—indicating attempts at providing enriching experiences even amidst staffing shortages. The presence of onsite physical therapy services was also positively mentioned as beneficial for residents needing additional care.

Lastly, while some family members expressed satisfaction with their loved ones’ enjoyment levels and participation in various events—from painting classes through movie nights—others voiced concerns regarding staffing shortages impacting service quality. Despite these critiques around food service and limited tailored activities based on individual preferences or needs due to staffing issues informed by recent global events affecting care industries broadly; there remains evidence that Bentley Commons has potential as a supportive environment if addressed properly by management moving forward into an unpredictable future.

This part of Bedford, New Hampshire offers a convenient and accessible location with a variety of amenities nearby. With several physicians' offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and transportation options within a short distance, residents can easily access healthcare services and travel as needed. There are also a range of dining options including restaurants like the Airport Diner and Olive Garden, as well as cafes such as Pressed Cafe and Starbucks for socializing or grabbing a quick bite to eat. Additionally, there are parks for outdoor recreation and places of worship for spiritual support. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle in a vibrant community with essential services within reach.

Physicians

• River Road Pediatrics (0.1 miles)
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (1.2 miles)
• Dartmouth-Hitchcock Specialties (1.7 miles)
• Retina Vision Center (1.8 miles)
• Bedford Medical Imaging Center (1.8 miles)
• McAvoy Keith MD (1.9 miles)
• Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (1.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Airport Diner (0.6 miles)
• River Road Tavern (0.8 miles)
• Olive Garden (1.6 miles)
• Dave & Buster's (1.8 miles)
• T-Bones Great American Eatery (1.9 miles)
• Five Guys Burgers & Fries (1.9 miles)
• Cactus Jacks (1.9 miles)

Cafes

• Pressed Cafe (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (2 miles)
• The Inside Scoop (3.3 miles)

Transportation

• Eastern Bank Business Center at Manchester Boston Regional Airport (1.4 miles)
• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) (1.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center (1.7 miles)
• Marketing Initiatives (2.3 miles)
• Elliot Hospital (3.3 miles)
• Elliot Hospital Surgical Day Care (3.3 miles)
• Catholic Medical Center (3.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.3 miles)

Parks

• Nuthin' But Good Times (2.4 miles)
• Merrimack Commons (4.6 miles)
• Stark Park (5.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Manchester Christian Church (3 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemagic Hooksett (7.1 miles)