Anthony House in Portsmouth, RI

Pros

• The building is in good condition.
• The property appears to be well maintained.

Cons

• They favor “new comers” over long-time seniors, which feels unfair.
• The reviewer notes that the mother has had to condense her belongings for years since her husband passed.
• She cannot obtain a larger storage unit, even though one is available and has been vacant for over a year.
• Management said that “new comers” should get first picks of the storage units, yet those units have been vacant for more than a year.
• The reviewer gives this one star for how the residents have been treated, since the mother is on a fixed income and is kept from easier arrangements.
• Being disabled and in her 70s, the mother has insufficient space and must cram exercise equipment into a tiny apartment, possibly removing furniture.

Review

Anthony House in Portsmouth, RI is best suited for seniors who prize a solid, well-maintained building and a straightforward living environment over elaborate resident perks. The facility presents a clean, physically sound anchor for daily life, where the emphasis is on dependable maintenance and predictable surroundings. It works for newcomers to assisted living who want to move into a ready-made, low-disruption setting without chasing a complex carousel of amenities. For residents who bring only a modest amount of belongings and who can work within standard storage options, the environment offers a calm, easy-to-navigate footprint and a sense of stability that comes with steady property upkeep.

However, those who require equitable access to storage or who maintain stronger ties to long-term community members should consider alternatives. The recurring criticism centers on management appearing to favor new residents when it comes to storage and other conveniences, effectively sidelining residents who have lived there for years. For a fixed-income senior with limited discretionary funds, the absence of accessible storage and the persistent squeeze in living space can become a tangible obstacle to staying comfortably in place.

On the positive side, the building’s condition is a clear strength: common areas look well cared for, and the physical plant supports safe, reliable housing. Yet this advantage is undercut when personal space becomes cramped and storage policy feels inconsistent or biased. The lack of shared exercise options, where fitness equipment would normally be available, highlights a broader mismatch between expectations for mobility support and the actual square footage available in units. In short, the pro of sturdy infrastructure does not fully offset the con of limited, uneven access to basic resident conveniences.

The most salient concern involves a long-term resident on a fixed income who has lived there for years and is effectively blocked from larger storage options in favor of newer tenants. The storage unit that would ease daily life has been vacant for over a year, while the resident cannot accommodate a bicycle or a personal storage bin. This is not merely a paperwork issue; it shapes quality of life, independence, and the ability to stay in place without downsizing belongings. Management decisions around storage and space policy deserve scrutiny, because they directly affect older adults who rely on predictable access to personal items and assistive equipment.

For families weighing options, the practical move is to test Anthony House against real-life needs: confirm current storage availability, verify policy on securing storage for existing residents, and ask for concrete timelines if storage options will reopen. Consider whether a parent’s mobility and equipment needs can be accommodated within the available floor plans, and whether the building’s quiet, well-kept environment supports daily routines. If those factors align, Anthony House can be a sensible, low-stress choice. If not, alternatives that promise fairer access to storage and more resident-focused management should be pursued.

Bottom line: Anthony House offers a solid, well-maintained shell and a calm living environment, making it a reasonable option for seniors who can live within its storage and space constraints. But for anyone who requires reliable access to storage, equitable treatment regardless of tenure, and responsive daily support, caution is warranted. The decision hinges on matching these practical realities to personal priorities: material comfort and building integrity on one side, and fair access to space and consistent management on the other. A thorough in-person visit and a candid conversation with staff are essential to avoid surprises after move-in.