Kendal at Hanover

Pros

• Kendal is described as a wonderful retirement community with a caring, attentive staff.
• The campus is beautiful and offers extensive amenities, activities, and walking trails.
• The dining and food at Kendal are consistently praised as excellent.
• Kendal provides multiple levels of care, from independent living to nursing, giving families peace of mind.
• The staff are friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely devoted to residents’ well-being.
• Kendal at Hanover is noted for a flawless facility, a strong resident community, and prioritized safety.
• Families express gratitude for the friendships formed and the overall supportive environment.

Cons

• The reviewer described the place as toxic with poor management and full of politics.
• The reviewer warned there’s a reason the facility can’t keep a chef and advised others to stay away.
• The reviewer noted that half the kitchen staff failed the ServSafe test and criticized the in-house voting process as not the way to run a kitchen.
• The reviewer described the farm house as horrible, with insane rules and beds that were horrible, and a stay that was priced over 200 a night with no meals provided.
• The reviewer stated the experience was stupid and urged people not to stay there.
• The reviewer claimed meals at the cafe were promised but never provided.

Review

Kendal at Hanover is best suited for families seeking a true Continuing Care Retirement Community experience, where independence, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing coexist on a single, campus-like site. The Hanover setting, near Dartmouth College and a network of cultural and outdoor opportunities, appeals to residents who want activity-rich living, walkable grounds, and frequent social engagement. The community’s multi-tiered care model provides a clear path as needs evolve, reducing the upheaval of moving to a different facility. For those prioritizing stability, safety, and ongoing access to a broad program of classes, fitness options, and intergenerational interaction, Kendal offers a compelling, long-term solution.

That said, some readers may want to consider alternatives. Price sensitivity is real here, especially for the more premium accommodations and the Farm House option, which can feel inequitable to guests and visitors when meals and services vary by location. Allegations of political interference, turnover in kitchen leadership, and inconsistent dining experiences create hesitation for families that require dependable operations and transparent governance. For those who prefer a smaller, more intimate environment with fewer administrative ebbs and flows, or for families needing cost certainty without the premium attached to campus life, exploring other CCRCs or independent living options may be warranted.

The strongest advantages, continuum-of-care security, a campus atmosphere, abundant programming, and dedicated staff, substantially offset the main drawbacks. The ability to move from independent living into assisted living, memory care, and nursing care without leaving the same community provides peace of mind for families facing progressive needs. Residents benefit from well-regarded caregiving across units, a reputation for safety, and a sense of community built over years. The campus also offers attractive features: a variety of housing styles, strong fitness facilities, accessible walking trails, and proximity to cultural amenities. When care needs begin to intensify, Kendal’s integrated approach minimizes transitions that can disrupt routines and relationships.

Testimonials consistently highlight the warmth and reliability of staff, including successful care experiences for relatives with dementia and mobility challenges. The on-site amenities, quality dining, robust activity calendars, intergenerational programming with a nearby preschool, and even gardening initiatives, contribute to a sense of belonging that extends beyond the residents themselves. Families repeatedly note how staff communicate with empathy, how caregivers strike a balance between independence and assistance, and how a safe environment supports both residents and visiting loved ones. These strengths matter deeply when choosing a place that will hold family members through decades of aging.

The kitchen and governance questions deserve practical attention. Prospective residents should inquire about current dining options, meal quality, and consistency across wings, as these evaluations fluctuate in some reviews. Similarly, ask for up-to-date information on leadership, staff retention, and the steps taken to address past concerns about turnover or “politics” within the workforce. Understanding the cost structure, what is included in base rates versus supplements for special accommodations, helps families determine whether Kendal remains a prudent investment given long-term care trajectories.

Ultimately, Kendal at Hanover stands out for families seeking a comprehensive, on-site care ecosystem embedded in a vibrant campus community. It is a strong choice for those who value continuity of care, robust social programming, and a proven cadre of caregivers who approach residents with genuine care. It may be less attractive to those prioritizing predictability in budget and dining experiences or those who prefer a quieter, smaller setting with fewer institutional hallmarks. With careful due diligence, tocusing on current programming, dining, and governance, families can determine whether Kendal’s blend of campus life and continuum care aligns with the specific needs and expectations of their loved one.

Parks

• Kendal Riverfront Park (0.4 miles)
• Wilson's Landing (1.5 miles)
• Pine Park (1.6 miles)
• The Green (2 miles)
• College Green (2 miles)
• Norwich Green (2.2 miles)
• Kilowatt Park (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• Hanover Continuity Clinic (0.7 miles)
• Hanover Psychiatry (2.2 miles)
• Mt. Ascutney Hospital Eye Center (2.3 miles)
• Kristine A Karlson MD (2.8 miles)
• Isaps (3.1 miles)
• White River Family Practice (3.3 miles)
• Montshire Pediatrics (3.3 miles)

Cafes

• Cafe North (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• The Nest Kitchen (2.2 miles)
• King Arthur Flour (2.8 miles)
• Lucky's Coffee Garage (6 miles)
• Jake's Coffee Company (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Christ At Dartmouth College (1.8 miles)
• Rollins Chapel (1.9 miles)
• Aquinas House (2 miles)
• St Denis Rectory (2.2 miles)
• General Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists (2.3 miles)
• Unitarian Universalist (3.3 miles)
• First Baptist Church (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• PINE Restaurant (2.1 miles)
• Six South Main (2.1 miles)
• Murphy's On the Green (2.1 miles)
• Jewel of India (2.1 miles)
• Lou's Restaurant (2.2 miles)
• Candela Tapas Lounge (2.2 miles)
• Carpenter & Main (2.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Eastman's Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Corner Drug Co. (5.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Medical Specialties (3.6 miles)
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (3.6 miles)
• Hematology/Oncology Special care Unit 1-West (3.6 miles)
• 2 West Inpatient Surgery (3.6 miles)
• Iccu (3.6 miles)
• Office of Patient and Family Relations (3.7 miles)
• Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (3.7 miles)

Transportation

• Dartmouth Coach Lebanon (5.4 miles)
• Gate 4 (5.4 miles)