The Highlands

Pros

• Residents and families appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff, who treat them like family and provide excellent care.
• The facility is noted for its cleanliness, modern design, and cheerful atmosphere, making it a welcoming place to live.
• Many residents enjoy the variety of activities offered, which help combat loneliness and promote socialization among residents.
• The dining experience is often likened to eating at a restaurant, with good food quality praised by both residents and their families.
• The apartments are spacious with appealing features such as balconies and vaulted ceilings, adding to the overall enjoyment of living in the community.
• Families commend the supportive environment that prioritizes resident safety and well-being while allowing for independence.
• The management team shows compassion during transitions and addresses maintenance issues promptly when they arise.
• The community provides good value for money compared to other facilities in the area while offering an extensive list of amenities.

Cons

• The transition during a change in management was not easy, causing some disruption.
• There is a lack of a specific contact person for assistance when residents have questions or issues, leading to frustration.
• The menu is considered bland and mainly consists of basic meat-and-potatoes dishes, which may not satisfy all residents' preferences.
• There have been reports of mice in the community recently, indicating possible cleanliness or maintenance issues.
• The food quality has been described as subpar, with complaints about taste and availability of menu items.
• Some residents indicated that the facility feels more like an apartment complex with limited senior living amenities, particularly for those with mobility challenges.

Review

The Highlands Gracious Retirement Living has garnered a variety of reviews from families who have entrusted their loved ones to this facility. Overall, the sentiment expressed by many is positive, indicating that the community provides a welcoming and accommodating environment for seniors. Many reviewers commented on how friendly and supportive the staff were when their loved ones moved in, ensuring that newcomers felt at home. The staff's efforts to introduce residents to each other during mealtimes were particularly appreciated, fostering an immediate sense of community among the residents.

Location appears to be both a blessing and a potential drawback for some families; while The Highlands is situated near a busy business district on Route 9—which can be overwhelming—the convenience of nearby amenities is seen as an advantage. For those seeking an active lifestyle with access to various activities and excursions, The Highlands seems to deliver. Reviews highlighted a robust calendar of events ranging from exercise classes, movie nights, music sessions, and even outings organized for those ready for some adventure outside the facility. This social engagement is crucial in combating feelings of loneliness, which many elderly individuals face.

Despite these strengths, several reviews indicated notable concerns around management transitions affecting communication and consistency within the facility’s operations. A change in management was cited as causing discomfort during relocation processes and leading to confusion regarding assistance or oversight at times. Although many praised the assistant management team for their compassion during this period of transition, frustrations arose due to difficulties in reaching out for help when issues did arise—especially concerning personal matters like phone repairs or inquiries about daily logistics.

While staff interactions received high marks across multiple reviews—often being described as genuinely caring—food quality presented itself as a recurring theme among areas requiring improvement. Some reviewers reported dissatisfaction with menu options describing them as bland or not catering sufficiently to diverse palates. Specific complaints included repeated dishes lacking flavor variety or creativity; such comments suggested that menu planning could benefit from diversifying offerings beyond conventional fare like "meat-and-potatoes."

On more positive notes surrounding amenities, The Highlands was described as beautiful and clean both inside and outside the living spaces—with well-kept grounds adding charm to the overall experience. Residents noted features such as bright interiors equipped with balconies or vaulted ceilings that enhanced their living environments significantly compared to other facilities explored prior to moving in. The maintenance team received recognition for prompt attention concerning repairs—a point strongly appreciated by family members looking after loved ones’ needs.

Ultimately, it appears that families feel comfortable recommending The Highlands Gracious Retirement Living despite inconsistencies with food quality and management volatility. Many see it as one of the best facilities in its area based on cleanliness standards, friendly staff interaction, vibrant activity offerings aimed at ensuring resident engagement—and affordability compared against peers-based pricing structures discussed amongst families assessing similar communities for retirement living options tailored toward independent lifestyles with supportive services available when needed most. As they address ongoing challenges vividly shared through feedback channels allowed by current residents' experiences over time spent living within this retirement setting—the hope remains strong that improvements will continue evolving into an even better living space where seniors thrive surrounded by love while enjoying ever-new opportunities each day brings forth collectively together alongside their neighbors too!

This part of Westborough, Massachusetts offers a variety of medical services in close proximity, including physicians, pharmacies, and a hospital for convenient healthcare access. The area also features several dining options ranging from fast food to casual restaurants, as well as cafes for social gatherings. Nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while places of worship offer spiritual fulfillment. For entertainment, there is a theater within a short drive. Overall, this location provides a balanced mix of essential services and amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Physicians

• Umass Medical Group Westboro (0.1 miles)
• Quality Medical Evaluations (0.3 miles)
• Muppidi, Daniel Dr - Metrowest Allergy Associates, PC (0.4 miles)
• Keamy Cosmetic Centre (0.4 miles)
• Vein Clinic Of New England (0.4 miles)
• Westborough Family Medicine (0.5 miles)
• Daniel J. Muppidi, MD (3.2 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.5 miles)
• Uhlman's Ice Cream (1.1 miles)
• Civic Kitchen & Drink (1.8 miles)
• Chet's Diner (3.3 miles)
• Hillside Grill (3.6 miles)
• 110 Grill (3.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Active Rx Westborough Active (0.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3 miles)
• RXI Pharmaceuticals C (3 miles)
• Pharma Models (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)
• The Bagel Table (6.9 miles)
• Starbucks (7.6 miles)
• New City Microcre (7.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital (1.6 miles)
• U Mass Hospital (8.2 miles)
• UMass ACC (8.4 miles)
• Worcester Recovery Center And Hospital (8.7 miles)

Parks

• Minuteman Park (2.8 miles)
• Whitehall State Park (3.1 miles)
• Hopkinton State Park (4.1 miles)
• Lake Park (8.2 miles)
• Cushing Memorial Park (8.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Rose of Lima Parish (3.5 miles)
• St Bridget's Church & School (8.6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Solomon Pond (5.1 miles)