Eastside Rehabilitation and Living Center in Bangor, ME

Pros

• Eastside staff are friendly and attentive.
• The environment is clean and welcoming.
• The team provides compassionate, professional care.
• Visitors are greeted warmly and treated with respect.
• The facility feels like a home away from home.
• Rehabilitation and activities are supportive and engaging.
• The administration communicates well and is courteous.
• Families appreciate the focus on resident well-being and individual attention.

Cons

• The place is awful.
• The place is old.
• The rooms are small for two beds.
• The bathrooms are small.
• The supper is minimal, consisting of a sandwich for a diabetic.
• Some staff were awful; one med-pass staff member was mean and called the reviewer names.
• There was a smell of urine in the hallway.

Review

Eastside Rehabilitation and Living Center in Bangor is best suited for families seeking a warm, person-centered rehab and long-term care environment where staff attention and a homey atmosphere matter most. The community consistently earns praise for clean, welcoming surroundings and a staff that feels genuinely engaged with residents and families. Visitors routinely note that nurses, CNAs, and aides are approachable, communicative, and present, with many comments about the way staff remember names and make residents feel seen. For families prioritizing daily interaction, reassurance, and a sense of community during recovery or ongoing care, Eastside delivers a reassuring, purpose-built environment.

Those weighing alternatives should consider that this facility sits in an older building with some intimate spatial constraints. Rooms are smaller, especially for two-bed configurations, and bathrooms tend to be compact. Dining feedback is mixed, with some residents experiencing adequate, plainly prepared meals while others describe room for improvement in variety and preparation. Occasional operational notes - such as a hallway odor or sporadic variability in staff interactions - underscore a reality here: the personal warmth and attentiveness are strong, but the physical footprint and some service inconsistencies can temper the experience for residents with higher expectations for amenities or consistent process precision.

The strongest offset to these constraints comes from the staff-driven culture. The consensus across reviews is that Eastside's team is compassionate, patient, and capable, with nurses and CNAs delivering attentive care and quick, clear communication with families. The rehab side is notably active, with therapists who engage residents in meaningful movement and progress, supporting goals for independence and safe daily functioning. Cleanliness and safety are repeatedly highlighted, from well-kept common areas to controlled check-in procedures that help keep residents secure. In short, the human element - trustworthy, empathetic caregivers who know residents by name - helps transform the building's age and space limitations into a manageable trade-off.

Care quality and daily life at Eastside also reflect a well-orchestrated balance between clinical rigor and social warmth. Families report seeing genuine dedication in care planning, with staff prioritizing both medical needs and emotional well-being. The campus fosters connection through visiting spaces, accessible activity programs, and a generally uplifting atmosphere that makes hospital-to-home transitions feel feasible. The presence of a family room, visible attention from administrators, and even pet-friendly notes contribute to a sense of normalcy and belonging that many families associate with steady, hopeful progress.

Dining and activity life present a nuanced picture. A recurring theme is nutrition that appears thoughtful and balanced, with reviews highlighting fresh, appealing presentations and attention to dietary needs. Yet there are enough comments about meal variety and cooking quality to acknowledge room for improvement. For families, this means evaluating whether meal plans align with a resident's preferences and nutritional requirements. Activity offerings are described as varied and regular, helping residents stay engaged and connected to both peers and family, which in practice can offset the tighter room sizes and the "older facility" feel.

Bottom line: Eastside Rehabilitation and Living Center is a strong fit for seniors who need rehabilitation services or long-term, compassionate care in a setting where staff warmth, individualized attention, and a home-like vibe are prized. It works best when the emphasis is on steady, personable caregiving, dependable rehab support, and a welcoming environment for family visits. It may be worth considering alternatives for families prioritizing larger private rooms, modern, resort-like amenities, or a dining program with consistently premium standards. Prospective residents should tour with a concrete checklist: observe care during a shift change, speak with the rehab team, inspect room sizes, sample the dining options, and meet current residents and family members. With careful evaluation, Eastside can be the right match for those who value people over space and progress over polish.

This part of Bangor, Maine offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle down in the area. With several hospitals nearby, including the DDPC and Gardner Michelle W MD - Dorothea Psychiatric Center, residents have access to quality healthcare services. There are also numerous physicians, pharmacies, and a nurse anesthesia practice in close proximity for medical needs. In terms of dining options, there are various restaurants such as Oriental Jade Restaurant & Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Denny's within easy reach. Additionally, recreational activities can be enjoyed at the Bangor Mall Cinemas 10 or Bangor Dog Park. Places of worship like First United Methodist Church and Veazie Congregational Church provide spiritual support for those who seek it. Overall, this area is well-equipped with essential services and leisure facilities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Hospitals

• DDPC (0.3 miles)
• Gardner Michelle W MD - Dorothea Psychiatric Center (0.3 miles)
• EMMC - Grant 6 East (0.6 miles)
• Northern Light Acadia Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Northern Light Eastern Maine (0.9 miles)
• EMMC - Grant 6 West (1 miles)
• EMMC - Outpatient Surgery Center (1 miles)

Physicians

• Clinical Trials - Paul A.Shapero MD (0.5 miles)
• Mainely Eyes (0.6 miles)
• Vascular Care of Maine (0.8 miles)
• Nurse Anesthesia of Maine (0.8 miles)
• Amarendran Vijay A MD - Acadia Hospital Medical Services (0.9 miles)
• Down East Orthopedic Associates (0.9 miles)
• Gurpreet Singh, MD (0.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Oriental Jade Restaurant & Bar (0.5 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.7 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (0.8 miles)
• Denny's (0.8 miles)
• It's Just Wings (0.8 miles)
• Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant (0.9 miles)

Theaters

• Bangor Mall Cinemas 10 (0.6 miles)
• Queen City Cinema Club (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Miller Drug Pharmacy-Riverside (1 miles)
• Miller Drug (1.4 miles)
• Northern Light Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Byard (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Bangor Dog Park (1.1 miles)
• Chapin Park (1.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• First United Methodist Church (1.2 miles)
• Veazie Congregational Church (2 miles)
• Clearwater Spiritualist Church (2.1 miles)
• Glad Tidings Church (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Tim Hortons (1.6 miles)
• West Market Square Artisan Coffeehouse (1.9 miles)

Transportation

• Uhaul (2.1 miles)