Highland Hall Manor in Essex, CT

Pros

• The young lady named Lord, who works in the office, gave the client hope about getting into a house.
• She was very sweet.
• She was wonderful.

Cons

• The reviewer is ready to pull their hair out.

Review

Highland Hall Manor in Essex, CT is best suited for seniors who want a welcoming, low-friction entry into assisted living and who prize hands-on, responsive admissions support. The strongest signal from the available experiences is a staff culture that makes the intake process feel personal and hopeful. A front-d desk team member described as "wonderful" can ease a family's stress at a moment of urgency, signaling a community that prioritizes approachable access and hopeful communication when families are navigating housing decisions.

Those who need deep transparency about daily life and long-term care considerations should consider alternatives. The limited pool of reviews provides little detail on core operating factors such as staffing ratios, specific care offerings, or how daily life is actually managed across shifts. Without clarity on these operational elements, families cannot reliably gauge whether the level of care, engagement programs, or cost structure will align with evolving needs. In short, the warmth of the intake experience is evident; the rest of the care equation remains under-documented.

The primary upside centers on the personnel dynamic - especially the admissions experience. When a staff member can deliver clear, compassionate guidance and instill confidence during a stressful move, that advantage can substantially lower the emotional and logistical burden on families. That sense of reassurance matters, because a smooth start can translate into steadier transitions for residents and fewer early-move concerns. Yet this strength does not automatically translate into superior clinical care, robust daily programming, or full transparency about costs and services. The offset remains partial until more comprehensive, resident-centered information is verified.

Families evaluating Highland Hall Manor should prioritize a concrete set of questions during visits. Confirm exact services included in the base fee and what incurs additional charges for meals, housekeeping, transportation, medication management, and care assistance. Inquire about licensing and oversight, the nursing or caregiver staffing model (including ratios by shift and on-site availability of licensed professionals), emergency response systems, and capabilities for evolving needs. Inspect meal quality, dining options, activity calendars, and opportunities for social and therapeutic engagement. Finally, request current resident and family references and observe common areas and room options to assess comfort, safety features, and overall ambiance.

From a fit perspective, Highland Hall Manor seems well-suited for residents who value a small-to-mid-sized, personable community with an evident emphasis on dignified, supportive interactions at the onset. It may be less well-matched for individuals with complex medical needs requiring high-level clinical oversight or specialized dementia care, unless the facility can demonstrate a clearly articulated plan and staff resources to meet those requirements. Prospective buyers should verify whether memory care or higher-acuity supports are available, and if so, how access, pricing, and transfer processes work.

The practical course of action is to arrange a structured tour that pairs a candid conversation with a live view of daily life. Meet the administrator and several frontline staff beyond the admissions liaison, and ask to see sample menus, activity calendars, and floor plans. Request a written breakdown of all fees and a not-to-exceed budget for the first year, plus timelines for move-in, occupancy, and potential waitlists. Compare Highland Hall Manor against a short list of nearby communities with explicit care capabilities and transparent pricing. If the warmth and clarity during these discussions align with the resident's needs and the budget, Highland Hall Manor can be a strong choice; if not, alternatives with more robust care specifications may be the better path.

Located in Essex, Connecticut, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities within close proximity. Residents can enjoy dining options such as The Griswold Inn and Carlson's Landing, as well as cafes like Savour Cafe and Bakery. For medical needs, there are several physicians' offices nearby including Connecticut Ear Nose & Throat and Middlesex Gastroenterology. The area also has convenient access to pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, as well as hospitals like Yale New Haven Health Old Saybrook Medical Center. Transportation is easily accessible with the Amtrak/Shore Line East - Old Saybrook Train Station just a short drive away. Additionally, nature enthusiasts can explore nearby parks such as Gillette Castle State Park and Chatfield Hollow State Park for outdoor activities. With its range of services and activities, this neighborhood in Essex provides a comfortable and convenient setting for senior living.

Restaurants

• The Griswold Inn (0.4 miles)
• Carlson's Landing (0.5 miles)
• Black Jax Saloon (1.2 miles)
• La Marea (2.2 miles)
• Pizza Works (3.8 miles)
• The Hangry Goose (3.9 miles)
• Monkey Farm (4 miles)

Physicians

• Connecticut Ear Nose & Throat (0.5 miles)
• Kressley Elisabeth M MD (0.5 miles)
• Middlesex Gastroenterology (1.5 miles)
• Middlesex Hospital Primary Care (1.7 miles)
• Obstetrics, Gynecology and Menopause Physicians, PC (1.9 miles)
• Shoreline Eye Group (2.4 miles)
• Gales Ferry Pediatrics (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Savour Cafe and Bakery (1.3 miles)
• Mystic Market Kitchen and Eatery (3.7 miles)
• Ashlawn Farm Coffee (3.8 miles)
• Turtle Cafe (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (9.4 miles)
• Cafe Sol (10.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Yale New Haven Health Old Saybrook Medical Center (2.4 miles)
• Charter Oak Walk-In Medical Center PC (9.5 miles)
• Flanders Health Center (9.6 miles)
• Middlesex Hospital Madison Outpatient Blood Drawing Facility (10.2 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak/Shore Line East - Old Saybrook Train Station (3.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (8.2 miles)
• Killingworth Family Pharmacy (8.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (8.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (9.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (10.5 miles)
• Nathan Hale Pharmacy (10.7 miles)

Parks

• Gillette Castle State Park (5 miles)
• Chatfield Hollow State Park (10.3 miles)
• Hammonasset Beach State Park (10.5 miles)
• Machimoodus State Park (11.1 miles)