The Hickman

Pros

• The staff at The Hickman are described as warm, welcoming, and attentive, creating a community feel that residents appreciate.
• Many reviewers noted the variety of engaging activities offered, which help to stimulate and connect residents socially.
• The food served at The Hickman received high praise for its quality and variety, with positive comments from even those with high culinary standards.
• Residents expressed satisfaction with the personalized care provided by well-trained nurses and staff members who show genuine concern for their well-being.
• Families felt comfortable and confident in the supportive environment at The Hickman, often noting improvements in their loved ones' quality of life after moving in.
• Reviewers remarked on the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility, enhancing the overall positive impression of the community.

Cons

• The writer's father suffered from dehydration and a bed sore due to neglect at The Hickman.
• The independent living area of The Hickman is older and not redone, making it less appealing.
• The head nurse initially wanted to move a loved one into memory care unnecessarily, indicating communication issues.
• Staff shortages have been an ongoing problem at The Hickman, impacting the quality of care.
• Limited access during tours gave a restricted view of the facility’s overall environment.
• There was concern over mixed independent and assisted living arrangements in the same building, which may create discomfort for residents needing more support.
• One reviewer noted that they were only able to experience the facility through short visits, limiting their ability to assess staff and activities adequately.

Review

The Hickman, a senior living community that offers both independent and assisted living, has received mixed reviews from families seeking care for their loved ones. While some users report experiences of neglect and poor communication leading to serious issues such as dehydration and untreated bed sores, others applaud the facility's staff for their kindness, professionalism, and commitment to resident care. This dichotomy illustrates the importance of not only the physical environment of a care facility but also the quality of staff interaction and engagement with residents.

Many individuals shared positive impressions from tours of The Hickman. Visitors noted that while parts of the facility are older, there are newer sections that offer clean, modern accommodations. Potential residents observed warm interactions between staff and current residents during their visits, which fostered a sense of community. One tour attendee emphasized that everyone they encountered was friendly and knowledgeable about the services offered at The Hickman. Families appreciated details like communal kitchens for cooking together, exercise groups, library access, and organized outings—elements that contribute to sustained mental and physical well-being among seniors.

However, discontent emerged regarding specific experiences related to care levels provided by the facility. A family member described an unfortunate incident involving their father’s severe dehydration within six days of his stay at The Hickman, leading to an emergency visit due to neglect in communication about his needs. This pointed out potential gaps in caregiving practices at the facility that may need addressing to enhance overall resident health outcomes.

Conversely, other testimonials reflect positive transformations in residents' lives after moving into The Hickman. One review illuminated how a mother recovering from cancer thrived within this supportive environment; she regained mobility over six months through personalized care plans tailored specifically for her needs. Her experience mirrored sentiments expressed by others who noted substantial improvements in their loved ones' quality of life due to engaging activities crafted by caring personnel who emphasize individual connection with residents.

In addition to personal anecdotes highlighting effective rehabilitation efforts within The Hickman community, food quality consistently received praise across reviews. Many reviewers remarked on delicious meal offerings prepared under professional kitchen management—important aspects considering nutrition plays a critical role in recovery and maintaining health among seniors. Residents reportedly found joy in communal dining experiences that not only provide nourishment but also create opportunities for socialization.

Despite some logistical challenges related to staffing shortages reported during peak periods (a common issue across many senior living facilities), families noted improvements over time as more staff members were hired post-COVID restrictions. Additional support contributed positively towards enhancing daily operations while ensuring residents felt cared for personally—a critical factor when selecting suitable placements for aging individuals who require assistance yet desire social engagement.

In conclusion, deciding whether or not to place a loved one at The Hickman requires careful consideration based on both positive feedback about its nurturing atmosphere coupled with critiques concerning specific instances of neglect identified by some families on occasion. Understanding this complex landscape can guide prospective residents’ families in making informed choices tailored uniquely around individual experiences combined with assessments surrounding comprehensive service expectations necessary when caring for seniors facing various levels of dependency associated with aging or illness transitions.

This part of West Chester, Pennsylvania offers a peaceful and convenient location for senior living. With several parks nearby such as Marshall Square Park and Ridley Creek State Park, residents can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. There are also a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, providing easy access to dining options and healthcare services. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians and hospitals in the area including Chin, Katherine Gateway Internal Medicine of West Chester and Chester County Hospital. Additionally, transportation options are readily available with train stations like Exton Station and Downingtown Station nearby. Overall, this neighborhood provides a comfortable and well-equipped environment for seniors looking to settle down in a vibrant community.

Parks

• Marshall Square Park (0.2 miles)
• Stroud Nature Preserve (2.3 miles)
• Goose Creek Park (3.8 miles)
• Lionville Park (6.3 miles)
• Ridley Creek State Park (8.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Split Rail Tavern (0.3 miles)
• Square Bar (0.3 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (1.1 miles)
• Levante Brewing Company (1.5 miles)
• On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (4.1 miles)
• Appetites On Main (4.2 miles)
• Freddy's Frozen Custard (4.5 miles)

Cafes

• Gemelli - Artisanal Gelato & Dessert Cafe (0.3 miles)
• Giant Cafe (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Stolen Sun (5.3 miles)
• Coffee Cup Restaurant (5.9 miles)
• Styer's Garden Cafe (6.8 miles)

Physicians

• Chin, Katherine Gateway Internal Medicine of West Chester (0.5 miles)
• Fern Hill Medical Campus (1.4 miles)
• Penn Internal Medicine (1.9 miles)
• Bowen, Anne Main Line Healthcare Westtown Family Medicine (4.6 miles)
• Brandywine Valley Pain Control Center (4.6 miles)
• Nemours Children's Health (4.9 miles)
• Chester County Eyecare Associates (4.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Family Lounge (0.5 miles)
• Chester County Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Paoli Hospital (7.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (4.3 miles)

Transportation

• Exton Station (EXT) (3.9 miles)
• Downingtown Station (DOW) (6.1 miles)
• Septa Malvern Station (7 miles)
• SEPTA/Amtrak: Paoli Station (8.5 miles)
• SEPTA Thorndale Station (8.5 miles)

Theaters

• Movie Tavern Exton (4.1 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Painters Crossing 9 (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Paul's Episcopal Church (4.8 miles)
• Willistown United Methodist Church (5.9 miles)
• Saint Joseph Church (6.5 miles)