Portland Center For Assisted Living

Pros

• Many residents enjoy the outdoor smoking area with its canopy, providing a comfortable space to relax.
• The Portland Center is perceived as clean and inviting, with residents actively engaging in activities like choir practice and Bingo.
• The activity department offers a wide variety of options that keep residents happy and engaged, showcasing staff dedication.
• One reviewer mentioned that their mother has improved significantly since moving into the facility, highlighting positive changes in her well-being.
• Overall, some staff members are described as friendly, caring, and compassionate toward the residents.

Cons

• The facility has a persistent, unpleasant smell and is often dirty.
• Residents report that the food served is unappetizing and not of good quality.
• Staff members are frequently absent and do not engage with the residents effectively.
• Neighbors have expressed concerns that the smoking area consistently produces smoke, affecting their quality of life.
• There are reports of inadequate nursing care, with calls to nursing staff being ignored or unanswered.
• Caretakers in the memory loss department have been observed yelling at patients, which raises concerns about their treatment.
• Residents' personal belongings have gone missing due to mishandling by staff members.
• Issues with bed bugs have been reported in resident rooms, indicating poor pest control measures.
• Follow-up medical care for residents is often neglected unless family members intervene directly.
• Communication with staff regarding residents’ health issues proves to be very difficult for families.

Review

The Portland Center for Assisted Living (PCAL) has drawn mixed reviews from residents, visitors, and family members, reflecting a range of experiences that highlight both positive aspects and significant concerns regarding the facility's condition and quality of care. Some individuals have provided scathing critiques, pointing to hygiene issues, unpleasant odors, and inadequate staff involvement as major drawbacks. One reviewer described their experience as "disgusting," noting a persistent smell throughout the facility and poor food quality. They expressed disbelief that such conditions were allowed to persist under state inspection scrutiny. This sentiment raises serious questions about the regulatory oversight of assisted living facilities in Maine and whether enough is being done to protect residents.

On a contrasting note, there are those who have found redeeming qualities at PCAL. A relative shared that their father enjoyed certain amenities like a designated smoking area with cover and easy access to public transportation for community outings. The presence of outdoor seating options, including a gazebo, was also appreciated during pleasant weather. Moreover, some residents appeared to find joy in organized activities such as dining trips on the facility's mini-bus or participating in events like choir practice and bingo games. These activities not only provide entertainment but also foster social connections among residents, which can be integral to enhancing their overall well-being.

However, neighborhood concerns about smoking areas near the facility have turned contentious. Residents living nearby reported an increase in constant smoke exposure from 5 AM to 11 PM despite assurances that smoking would be restricted. With little sensitivity towards community feedback on this issue, neighbors fear that the management prioritizes convenience over resident welfare—raising broader questions about how such facilities balance internal operations with external community relations.

Another review highlights the contrast between staff performance levels in different departments within PCAL. While some family members praised the activity department for its vibrant programming—recognizing staff who positively impact resident morale—others spoke disparagingly about interactions with caregivers in memory care units. Instances of caretakers yelling at patients raised alarm bells regarding patient dignity and respect within these specialized services. Additionally, reports of residents frequently appearing disheveled or unwashed indicate deeper issues related to personal care adequacy.

Concerns over communication with nursing staff further complicate perceptions of care quality at PCAL. Multiple reviewers voiced frustrations over difficulties reaching nursing personnel when urgent matters arose for their loved ones. Families felt uninformed about critical health issues faced by residents—including infections—suggesting a breakdown in necessary communication channels between the facility’s medical team and families entrusted with overseeing their loved ones’ health decisions.

Moreover, troubling revelations surfaced regarding cleanliness standards within individual rooms; one reviewer noted discovering bed bugs in their mother's residence along with delays in addressing follow-up medical issues due to staffing inadequacies marked by unresponsiveness—a narrative echoed by other families noting missing belongings from patient rooms during visits due to lax supervision practices among staff members overseeing memory-impaired residents.

In summary, while Portland Center for Assisted Living offers some bright spots through engaging activities and certain dedicated staff members focused on enhancing resident experiences, overwhelming negative feedback illuminates crucial underlying operational problems warranting immediate attention—from hygiene concerns leading to insect infestations to inadequate responsiveness among nursing care teams striving where efficiency should reign paramount for vulnerable populations seeking compassionate support amidst challenging circumstances.

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This section of Portland, Maine, offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors considering the area for living. With multiple pharmacies, hospitals, and physicians within close proximity, access to healthcare services is readily available. Additionally, a variety of restaurants and cafes provide options for dining out and socializing with friends or family. Parks such as Deering Oaks Park and Congress Square Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The presence of transportation centers like the Portland Transportation Center makes it easy to travel within the city or beyond. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded community with essential services and activities for seniors to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle in Portland.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Rosemont Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• The Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Apothecary By Design (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Woodford F & B (0.4 miles)
• Bubba's Sulky Lounge (1.1 miles)
• Hot Suppa (1.2 miles)
• Uncharted Tea (1.3 miles)
• Rising Tide Brewing Company (1.4 miles)
• Leeward (1.4 miles)
• Bao Bao Dumpling House (1.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Maine Medical Center-Brighton Campus (0.4 miles)
• HealthSouth (0.4 miles)
• The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (1 miles)
• Maine Medical Center - Chaplain's Office (1 miles)
• Mercy Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Mercy Hospital Infusion Unit (1.4 miles)
• Portland Public Health Division (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Chest Medicine Associates (0.4 miles)
• Eyecare Today (0.4 miles)
• Access Wellness (0.4 miles)
• Julius Damion (0.7 miles)
• Mkm Ent Associates at Mercy (0.7 miles)
• Valdez, Joseph Dr - Portland Internal Medicine (0.7 miles)
• Medical Laser Services (0.7 miles)

Cafes

• Coveside Coffee (0.4 miles)
• The Holy Donut (0.9 miles)
• Bintliff's American Cafe (1.1 miles)
• Tandem Coffee + Bakery (1.1 miles)
• Yordprom Coffee Shop (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Tandem Coffee Roasters - Cafe & Roastery (1.4 miles)

Parks

• Deering Oaks Park (0.9 miles)
• Congress Square Park (1.4 miles)
• Western Promenade Park (1.4 miles)
• Thompsons Point (1.6 miles)
• Lincoln Park (1.6 miles)

Transportation

• Portland Transportation Center (0.9 miles)
• Northeast Air (1.7 miles)
• PWM Baggage Claim (1.8 miles)

Theaters

• Patriot Cinemas (1.6 miles)