Dearborn House

Pros

• Mom loves the free bread, birthday get-togethers, and she compliments the effectiveness of the laundry machines.
• She is happy there is a community garden.
• The neat thing about this place is that it has a recreation room, a place where you can have a cookout, and an area where you could just sit back, relax, and watch the birds.
• The reviewer finds it a funny place and loves it.

Cons

• There is no doorbell to ring individual rooms, preventing visits.
• The door entry system rings the resident's cell, which is sometimes turned off, making it hard to check on her.
• The buzz-in system from her room doesn't work, so she has to come downstairs to let visitors in.
• The halls often smell smoky even though smoking is not allowed.
• Mom's top-floor room is consistently hot, requiring the AC even on very cold days.
• Parking is limited, making visitor parking more restricted.
• There is a rumor mill among residents, leading to gossip about others.
• It is sad that people are dying to get out of here.

Review

The note opens with a practical inquiry from a concerned family member in Hampton, New Hampshire, asking about bed availability at Oceanside Center and whether the facility accepts Medicare and Medicaid. The writer is looking for a place for a loved one and is trying to determine options in the local area. The rumble of practical concerns sits alongside a desire for clarity on funding and admission requirements, reflecting the real-world hurdles families face when selecting a care setting for a parent.

Visitation and accessibility emerge as a major theme in this account. There is no doorbell to ring individual rooms, which means that visitors cannot simply pop by to check in on Mom. The building's entry doors are locked, and the only immediate link to the resident's room is a call system at the door that rings Mom's cell phone. The writer notes that Mom sometimes has her phone turned off or left in her purse, which eliminates a reliable way to coordinate a drop-in visit. When an approved visitor does manage to contact the resident, there is an added requirement: Mom must come downstairs to the entry hall to let the visitor in because the system designed to buzz visitors into the building from her room does not appear to work. This layered setup creates a barrier to spontaneous visits and adds a layer of vigilance to any in-person check-ins, which can be stressful for family members who simply want to stay connected.

The physical environment and safety concerns also stand out in the narrative. The halls are described as carrying a smoky odor, despite a policy that residents should not be smoking inside the building. This discrepancy between policy and practice raises questions about air quality and comfort for residents and guests. Temperature control is another point of friction: Mom's top-floor room is consistently hot, requiring her to run the air conditioner even on days when outside temperatures feel chilly. The reviewer emphasizes the challenge of maintaining a comfortable climate in the summer, even with a new, seemingly powerful air conditioning system. The combination of odor concerns and temperature fluctuations contributes to an overall sense of discomfort that can affect a resident's daily well-being.

Parking logistics compound the visitation challenge. Limited parking translates into even tighter access for visitors, particularly as residents with their own vehicles move in. This practical constraint can discourage family members from visiting or dropping by, especially during peak visiting hours or busy weekends, when accessible parking could be at a premium. The result is a visit experience that feels more planned and constrained than spontaneous and welcoming - a factor that can influence how families perceive the quality of daily life at the facility.

Despite these drawbacks, the note also highlights several positive, heartwarming aspects of life at Oceanside Center. The writer mentions Mom's appreciation for the free bread and the birthday get-togethers, noting that these small, social rituals bring joy and a sense of community. They also commend the effectiveness of the laundry machines, a daily-life convenience that can significantly impact a resident's comfort and independence. The presence of a community garden is another bright spot, offering residents a chance to engage with the outdoors, socialize with neighbors, and enjoy a sense of purpose through tending plants.

The reviewer describes the place as multifaceted - its social structure and amenities give it both charm and complexity. There is a recreation room and spaces for cookouts, providing opportunities for residents to gather, socialize, and participate in organized activities. The ability to sit back and watch birds in a designated area adds a touch of serenity and distraction-free relaxation that many families value. These features contribute to a sense of community and opportunity for engagement, even as other aspects of the environment raise concerns.

But the narrative does not shy away from the more problematic social dynamics. The writer observes that, inside the community, rumors about other individuals seem to be a common pastime, suggesting an atmosphere where interpersonal politics can be intense or petty. The mixture of social activity and gossip paints a picture of a crowded, bustling environment where conversations - both friendly and fragmenting - shape daily life. The author also notes a darker sentiment: the idea that "people are dying to get out of here," a phrase that captures a sense of restlessness, frustration, and a longing for escape that can accompany long-term care living. Taken together, these observations illustrate a place that is lively and human, with both supportive moments and social tensions.

In closing, the narrative lands on a paradoxical but unmistakably personal impression: Oceanside Center is a place that can feel funny and even endearing despite its flaws. The overall tone shifts between affection and critique, with the writer acknowledging the facility's redeeming qualities - the social events, the garden, the laundry, and the outbursts of communal life - while not glossing over the practical and environmental challenges that can hinder daily comfort and peace of mind for both residents and their families. The final verdict is a blend of amusement and affection for the community, coupled with a clear call for improvements in door access, visitation reliability, air quality, temperature control, and parking to make the setting more welcoming and consistent for loved ones who want to stay connected and comfortable with their family member.

Located in Hampton, New Hampshire, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Within close proximity, you will find a selection of restaurants such as The Old Salt Restaurant at Lamie's Inn and cafes like Aroma Joe's for dining options. Pharmacies like Walgreens and Rite Aid are also conveniently located for your healthcare needs. In terms of medical care, there are several physician offices nearby including Boston Endo Surgical Tech and Exeter Internal Medicine. If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are parks such as Lion's Park and Cashman Park for leisurely strolls or picnics. Additionally, transportation options like C&J Bus Lines make it easy to get around the area. With hospitals like Exeter Hospital nearby, you can rest assured knowing that quality healthcare is easily accessible. Overall, this part of Hampton provides a well-rounded community with necessary amenities for senior living.

Restaurants

• The Old Salt Restaurant at Lamie's Inn (0.2 miles)
• The 401 Tavern (0.2 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Smuttynose Brewing Company (1.1 miles)
• Lupe's 55 Cantina (2.4 miles)
• Boardwalk Cafe & Pub (2.6 miles)
• Sea Ketch Restaurant (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Osco Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)
• Rexall Drug (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• Boston Endo Surgical Tech (0.6 miles)
• Dr John Maull (4.4 miles)
• Exeter Endodontics (4.5 miles)
• Exeter Internal Medicine (4.6 miles)
• Exeter Pediatric Associates (5.8 miles)
• Core Gen Surgery And V (5.9 miles)
• Core Cardiology (5.9 miles)

Cafes

• Aroma Joe's (0.7 miles)
• The Juice Box (2.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Me & Ollie's (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Exeter Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Anna Jaques Hospital Billing (8.1 miles)
• Hca Health Services of New Hampshire (8.8 miles)
• Portsmouth Regional Hospital (8.8 miles)

Transportation

• C&J Bus Lines (4.3 miles)
• C & J Bus Lines (8.3 miles)
• Pease Planesense Air Force Hangar (8.6 miles)
• Port City Air (8.9 miles)

Parks

• Lion's Park (6.8 miles)
• Amesbury Town Park (8.1 miles)
• Portsmouth Plains (8.4 miles)
• Cashman Park (9 miles)
• Waterfront Park (9.1 miles)