The Hawthorne

Pros

• The staff at The Hawthorne Home are knowledgeable and friendly, providing informative guidance during the tour.
• The shared rooms are spacious, offering ample space for residents.
• The facility is well-prepared with comprehensive evacuation and COVID plans, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety.
• The dining area is large and nicely laid out, contributing to a pleasant communal atmosphere.
• The library within the facility is beautiful, adding to the overall charm of the home.
• The architecture of The Hawthorne Home is striking and adds to its aesthetic appeal.
• The facilities are clean and well-maintained, reflecting good upkeep despite some wear in areas.

Cons

• The single rooms reminded one reviewer of a prison cell, being very tiny and lacking private bathrooms.
• The reviewer was frustrated that the facility was unaware of their scheduled appointment, leading to difficulty in accessing staff.
• The second floor is not accessible via elevator, which is problematic for those with mobility issues.
• One reviewer found the staff to be unaware of the tour details, causing an inconvenience during their visit.
• Despite the facility's cleanliness, there were worn spots noted throughout the mansion.

Review

The Hawthorne Home is an aging facility, steeped in history and characterized by its mansion-like architecture. While the building reflects its age, it has undergone some modernization to keep up with contemporary standards of care and comfort. During a recent tour, I encountered staff members who were not only knowledgeable but also exuded warmth and friendliness. One representative I spoke with was particularly forthcoming, providing detailed information about the facility and what it offers. Although the tour was brief, it left a positive impression overall.

The living arrangements at The Hawthorne Home include both shared and private rooms. The shared accommodations were noted to be spacious, while the private rooms appeared adequate but could be described as quite basic. Upon observation, the single rooms felt starkly minimalistic—reminiscent of prison cells—with just a bed and a sink, leaving little room for personal belongings or comforts. Those seeking more privacy may find disappointment; none of the private rooms come equipped with en-suite bathrooms. For residents requiring mobility assistance or those unable to use stairs easily, it's important to note that access to the second floor is limited, as there is no elevator available.

Another commendable aspect of The Hawthorne Home is its preparedness for emergencies. It seems that they have put significant effort into developing comprehensive evacuation plans and strategies for various crisis situations—including active shooter scenarios—that are far more robust than those at many other similar facilities. This level of readiness is reassuring for potential residents and their families who prioritize safety in such environments.

The common areas within The Hawthorne Home contribute positively to its atmosphere; the dining room is notably spacious and well-designed, promoting interaction among residents during meal times. Adjacent to this dining area is a library that adds value to the entire experience—the large collection invites both relaxation and intellectual engagement for those who enjoy reading or participating in community activities.

While my initial visit was marred by confusion regarding my appointment—despite having booked over a month prior—this oversight seemed more an exception than the rule regarding how operations are typically managed at The Hawthorne Home. After initially encountering locked offices and an empty main residence upon my arrival, I finally found someone who could assist me after hearing voices emanating from another part of the building. Unfortunately, this staff member wasn't aware of my scheduled visit either.

Despite these hiccups during my tour experience, I conducted further inquiries about pricing structures and services included within their packages; while informative answers were provided without hesitation, it remained clear that accommodating specific needs may not always align with what’s available on-site—especially concerning accessibility issues related to upper-floor living spaces. As older homes often do show wear over time, I noticed some worn spots here and there throughout the premises; however, cleanliness was upheld commendably.

In conclusion, while The Hawthorne Home boasts beautiful architectural features along with friendly staff dedicated to resident care—a juxtaposition emerges when considering functionality versus aesthetics in terms of room sizes and accessibility challenges facing individuals with mobility limitations like my brother's situation illustrates stark contrasts between potential appeal versus practical day-to-day living requirements essential for seniors seeking refuge within this historic establishment amidst modern realities shaping assisted living experiences today.

Physicians

• Lawlor Tara DO (0.7 miles)
• Integrated Medical Group PC (0.9 miles)
• Philadelphia Vision Center (0.9 miles)
• Stempler Norman B DO (1.1 miles)
• Alvernia University - Health And Wellness Center (1.8 miles)
• Allergy & Asthma Medical Center PC (1.9 miles)
• Spine & Brain Neurosurgery Center (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Cheer's American Bistro (0.8 miles)
• Victor Emmanuel II (1.2 miles)
• Trooper Thorn's Irish Beef House (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Liberty Taproom (1.7 miles)
• Brewer's Bar & Grill (1.8 miles)
• Third & Spruce Cafe (1.9 miles)

Parks

• Egelman Park (0.9 miles)
• Eleventh and Pike Playground (1.7 miles)
• Reading Public Museum Arboretum (2.4 miles)
• Museum Park (2.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Berks Discount Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Haven Behavioral Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Reading Nursing Center Loc. 4 (2 miles)
• Reading Hospital Sleep Center (2 miles)
• Central Monitoring Room (2.1 miles)
• Reading Hospital & Medical Center: Webb Sara Q (2.2 miles)
• Beginnings Maternity Center (2.2 miles)
• Reading Hospital Regl Cancer (2.2 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (1.3 miles)

Cafes

• Pike Cafe (1.7 miles)
• Dosie Dough (3.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bethany Lutheran Church (1.9 miles)
• Immanuel United Church of Christ (3.5 miles)
• Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church (3.5 miles)

Theaters

• Fox Berkshire (3.3 miles)
• AMC Theatres-Fairgrounds 10 (3.5 miles)