Ernest P. Barka Assisted Living

Pros

• The staff at Rockingham County Nursing Home is described as very kind, caring, and supportive of both residents and their families.
• Ernest P. Barka Assisted Living Facility is noted for its fabulous reputation in the area and its exceptional job considering it is a county-owned facility.
• Residents at Ernest P. Barka enjoy a variety of activities, including bingo and live music performances, enhancing their social engagement.
• The facility offers attractive and updated rooms that create a pleasant living environment for residents.
• Families have observed significant improvement in the social lives of their loved ones since moving to assisted living, with increased activity levels and new friendships formed.
• The cleanliness of both facilities is appreciated by visitors and residents alike, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Residents feel well cared for by diligent staff who are helpful with medications and ensuring residents' comfort and safety.
• The efforts made by staff to accommodate new residents during the transition process are commended, making it as stress-free as possible for families.

Cons

• The building is old and not conducive to what the reviewer was looking for.
• The independent living quarters at Rockingham County Nursing Home are small, and there aren't enough private rooms.
• Some bathrooms in the facility are very dirty, and the food can be expensive and lacks nutritional value.
• There are concerns about insufficient staffing, making the facility feel unsafe for residents who may be a danger to themselves or others.
• The nursing home has issues with unpleasant odors and excessive noise that isn't contained well.
• The quality of food is described as godawful, with rules often not being followed.
• Common areas in Rockingham County Nursing Home are utilitarian and in serious need of more comfortable furniture and décor.

Review

The search for appropriate assisted living or rehabilitation facilities can be a daunting challenge, as highlighted by several personal accounts regarding their experiences with Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. While some individuals expressed dissatisfaction with the services offered at this facility, others found comfort in nearby establishments like the Ernest P. Barka Assisted Living Facility. These contrasting perspectives reveal both the complexity of elder care and the varying needs of families navigating these difficult decisions.

Many reviewers reported that their initial impressions of Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center were not favorable. For example, one individual mentioned that they felt misled during their inquiry about accommodations suitable for those seeking independent living away from more intensive nursing care. Instead of finding what they anticipated—an apartment-style environment—they encountered an older building with limited offerings. Concerns over space were also prevalent, particularly regarding the small independent living quarters that were available; while some private rooms boasted acceptable conditions, there was a noted lack of sufficient private accommodations across the facility.

In contrast, Ernest P. Barka Assisted Living Facility garnered numerous accolades for its positive reputation within the community and its quality of service. Many families shared warm memories of their loved ones' experiences at Barka, noting significant improvements in the facility since recent renovations. In particular, one reviewer praised how seamlessly residents could transition between assisted living and nursing care without needing to move to a different address—an incredibly valuable feature for families wanting continuity in care as health circumstances change. Residents enjoyed bright and cheerful spaces filled with natural light while participating in engaging activities like bingo and music performances—a factor that contributed positively to maintaining social interactions among residents.

While Rockingham County Nursing Home did receive mixed reviews overall, there were commendations about its dedicated staff who worked hard to ensure resident wellbeing. Visitors recounted heartfelt interactions where staff treated residents as if they were family members—not just from hands-on nursing personnel but also extending to dietary teams and custodial staff alike. However, concerns arose when considering staffing levels within the facility; some visitors noted that reduced staffing made it challenging to cater adequately to vulnerable residents prone to falls or other risks associated with aging.

Food quality emerged as another point of contention for many reviewers regarding both facilities. Comments included observations about bland meals lacking nutritional value due to excessive reliance on processed items or poor seasoning techniques—leading families to question whether their loved ones were receiving adequate nutrition amidst other daily challenges faced in long-term care settings.

Despite certain criticisms pertaining primarily to aesthetics—and occasional issues like unpleasant odors—the buildings’ cleanliness received overall praise from various visitors experiencing first-hand family connections at these homes. Moreover, instances showcasing camaraderie through social activities showcased how environments could foster relationships; stories shared about bingo games transformed into heartwarming narratives illustrate how participation enhanced elderly residents' quality of life drastically compared with solitary living situations preceding institutionalization.

Ultimately, these testimonials depict varied experiences resulting from familial obligations when selecting appropriate long-term care options: revealing emotional complexities alongside logistical challenges that must be weighed carefully against available resources during this transitional phase affecting countless families today looking after aging relatives or friends seeking safe havens tailored towards maximizing independence yet providing necessary support systems built around compassion-focused care philosophies.

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Hannaford Food and Drug (5.8 miles)
• Hannaford Pharmacy (5.8 miles)
• Walgreens (5.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (5.9 miles)
• Walgreens (6 miles)

Restaurants

• Burger King (1.3 miles)
• Orient Pearl (2.2 miles)
• Memories Ice Cream (4.6 miles)
• Tuckaway Tavern and Butchery (5.9 miles)
• Thirsty Moose Taphouse (6.1 miles)
• McDonald's (6.4 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (6.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Joseph's Church (3.1 miles)
• St George's Episcopal Church (10.6 miles)

Physicians

• Rockingham Vna & Hospice (4.5 miles)
• Exeter Hospital (4.5 miles)
• Sleep Institute of New England (4.7 miles)
• Klunk John MD - Elliot Primary Care-Raymond (5.9 miles)
• Exeter Pediatric Associates (6.2 miles)
• Core Gen Surgery And V (6.3 miles)
• Core Cardiology (6.3 miles)

Cafes

• Me & Ollie's (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.7 miles)
• Horseshoe Cafe (7.3 miles)
• Honey Dew Donuts (9.9 miles)
• The Works Café (10.5 miles)
• The Juice Box (11.3 miles)
• Aroma Joe's (11.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Exeter Hospital (11.8 miles)
• Anna Jaques Hospital Billing (12.8 miles)
• Portsmouth Regional Hospital (13.2 miles)

Transportation

• C&J Bus Lines (12 miles)
• Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) (12.6 miles)
• Pease Planesense Air Force Hangar (12.8 miles)
• Port City Air (12.9 miles)
• C & J Bus Lines (13 miles)

Parks

• Amesbury Town Park (12.3 miles)