Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living

Pros

• The staff at Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living is outstanding, making a point to get to know the residents and their families, creating a welcoming environment.
• Residents are enjoying their time at Ashton Gardens, becoming more social and engaged than they have been in years.
• The facility offers a good variety of activities and outings each month, helping residents feel part of a vibrant community.
• The apartments are beautifully decorated and well-maintained, providing residents with comfortable living spaces filled with natural light.
• Families appreciate the transparency and support from the staff in assisting with healthcare services as needed.
• Many reviewers noted that the dining experience is generally pleasant, with breakfast consistently praised for its quality.
• The community boasts inviting common areas, including a lovely library and entertainment options like a movie theater, enhancing the overall living experience for residents.
• Residents feel safe and well taken care of, resulting in peace of mind for their families knowing that all needs are met.

Cons

• Some service staff in the dining room are rude when residents have questions, though managers and assistant managers are nicer to work with.
• Ashton Gardens is understaffed, which affects the quality of service and communication with families and caregivers.
• There seems to be poor communication between the community and families, as changes are often relayed only to residents without informing their relatives.
• The activities could use more variety, but it's uncertain if there is sufficient interest among residents for additional options.
• While the food quality can be inconsistent, it has been noted that some meals are not very appealing.

Review

Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living has emerged as a commendable choice for many families seeking a nurturing and supportive environment for their loved ones. This independent living facility in the Portland area stands out due to its exceptional staff, engaging community atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Numerous family members have expressed their satisfaction with the transition of their relatives into Ashton Gardens, often highlighting how quickly residents adapt and begin to thrive in this new setting. For instance, one reviewer noted that after touring various options, their aunt and uncle immediately felt at home upon visiting Ashton Gardens. The welcoming nature of the staff played a significant role in their decision not to explore other facilities.

The unique approach taken by Ashton Gardens focuses on “aging in place," allowing residents to maintain independence while also providing services that can be accessed as needed. Families have shared peace of mind knowing that assistance is readily available if required, which has proven invaluable for those transitioning from more independent living situations. Many reviews praise the kindness and attentiveness of the staff, who actively engage with residents and are committed to ensuring they feel welcomed and involved in community life. One family member mentioned how the activities organized by the staff helped keep their father engaged, preventing him from feeling isolated within his apartment.

The dining experience at Ashton Gardens receives mixed reviews; while some diners relish the variety offered at meal times—particularly enjoying breakfast—others point out inconsistencies in food quality during lunch and dinner services. Despite these fluctuations, many appreciate the overall cleanliness of the facility and acknowledge that when issues arise, they are often addressed promptly by housekeeping and maintenance teams. Residents can also enjoy communal dining experiences or utilize family cooking spaces designed for special gatherings, enhancing the sense of community among residents.

Activities available at Ashton Gardens seem plentiful but could benefit from increased variety according to some feedback. However, this perceived limitation may stem from varying levels of interest among residents rather than a lack of offerings by management. Several families reported positive experiences related to entertainment options like live performances and outings scheduled throughout each month; these elements contribute significantly to keeping spirits high among residents.

While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive regarding staffing and care quality, there have been mentions of understaffing challenges affecting service delivery—particularly in dining areas where slow service was experienced during busy times. Families stressed the importance of communication between staff members and caregivers outside of Ashton Gardens; clarity regarding changes or updates is crucial for maintaining trust and smooth transitions for residents adapting to their new lives.

Overall, multiple families express gratitude towards Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living as an optimal choice for elder care needs within Portland's vibrant retirement community landscape. With attentive staff dedicated to fostering both an engaging environment while respecting individual freedom, it appears that both current residents and their families are quite content with this living arrangement. The aesthetics of the facility itself—from its beautiful decor likened to luxurious settings—to practical amenities like a theater room emphasize that Ashton Gardens strives not only to be functional but also enjoyable for all its inhabitants.

This part of Portland, Maine, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living with a variety of healthcare options nearby, including Giles Eye Care and Martin's Point Health Care. The presence of pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens in the vicinity ensures easy access to medications and health supplies. There are also several cafes and restaurants within a short distance, providing opportunities for socialization and dining out. Additionally, the area features parks like Fort Allen Park and Deering Oaks Park, offering tranquil outdoor spaces for relaxation and leisurely walks. With theaters like Flagship Premium Cinemas Falmouth in close proximity, there are plenty of entertainment options available for seniors looking to enjoy movies or live performances.

Physicians

• Giles Eye Care (0.7 miles)
• Martin's Point Health Care (1 miles)
• Decory Yvonne (1.2 miles)
• Maine Medical Partners Otolaryngology - Portland Office (1.6 miles)
• Integrative Health Cen (1.6 miles)
• Harre Julia MD (1.7 miles)
• Osteopathic Healthcare of Maine (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Mid Coast Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Fal River Health Center (2.4 miles)
• HealthSouth (2.4 miles)
• Maine Medical Center-Brighton Campus (2.4 miles)
• Portland Public Health Division (2.4 miles)
• Maine Medical Center (2.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Cvs North Portland (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Apothecary By Design (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Coveside Coffee (1.8 miles)
• Tandem Coffee Roasters - Cafe & Roastery (1.9 miles)
• Little Woodfords (2.4 miles)
• Coffee By Design (2.4 miles)
• Speckled Ax (2.5 miles)
• Bintliff's American Cafe (2.5 miles)
• Bard Coffee (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Root Wild Kombucha (1.9 miles)
• Woodford F & B (1.9 miles)
• The Shop By Island Creek Oyster (1.9 miles)
• Portland Zoo (2 miles)
• Rising Tide Brewing Company (2 miles)
• Lolita-Munjoy Hill (2.1 miles)
• Belleville (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Fort Allen Park (2.3 miles)
• Lincoln Park (2.4 miles)
• Deering Oaks Park (2.5 miles)
• Congress Square Park (2.8 miles)

Theaters

• Flagship Premium Cinemas Falmouth (2.4 miles)
• Patriot Cinemas (2.6 miles)