Highlands Nursing Home

Pros

• The Highlands is described as a lovely setting with equally lovely and active staff.
• The CNAs and social workers are attentive and respond quickly to residents' comfort and needs.
• The Highlands is considered one of the best establishments, receiving high praise and strong recommendations.
• The staff are caring, compassionate, and provide excellent end-of-life care.
• The facility is well run, clean, and welcoming, with staff greeting visitors on arrival.
• The floor staff are friendly and demonstrate genuine care for both patients and their families.
• The nurses and therapists are professional, approachable, and readily available to answer questions.
• The Highlands is known for staff who treat residents with kindness and as part of a family.
• The facility offers plenty of activities and a cheerful, clean environment.
• Reviewers express gratitude and confidence in the Highlands' ability to meet their loved ones' needs.

Cons

• Getting meals correct is a problem.
• They don't follow the menu as requested.
• Many meals are extremely salty, especially gravy.
• The elevator didn't work, so visitors had to hike up five flights of stairs.
• The staff need to be more respectful and responsible about people's belongings.
• The communal areas were a little dirty.
• The facilities smelled strongly of cleaning agents, which could bother sensitive visitors.

Review

The Highlands presents itself as a setting that feels warm, well cared for, and thoughtfully run. Multiple visits and experiences shared by families paint a picture of a place in which cleanliness, organized operations, and a welcoming atmosphere are the everyday norm. Visitors repeatedly describe the surroundings as pleasant and neat, with a sense that both residents and their loved ones feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they arrive. The building and its common areas are often described as clean and nicely decorated, contributing to a reassuring impression for families during what can be a stressful time.

A core strength that comes through in the accounts is the caliber and dedication of the staff. Across roles - CNA's, social workers, nurses, therapists, and doctors - there is a strong emphasis on responsiveness and attentiveness to comfort and needs. Families note how quickly pain medications and mobility aids like walkers are arranged after arrival, and they frequently mention prompt attention to both patients and their families. End-of-life care, especially on the fifth floor, is highlighted as exceptionally compassionate and patient-centered, with staff taking the time to ensure comfort and a peaceful experience for loved ones during a difficult period. In several anecdotes, staff members are described as caring, compassionate, and devoted to doing the right thing by both residents and their families.

Interactions with staff extend beyond clinical care to everyday warmth and encouragement. Front desk staff and admissions personnel are praised for friendliness and efficiency, with Cathy in admissions and Linda in intake singled out for their kindness and helpfulness. Many reviewers recall being greeted pleasantly upon entering and being guided to their family member's room with patience and respect. On the floors, residents are described as being greeted, oriented, and supported by a team that genuinely cares about the patient and the family. The presence of engaged staff, including experienced nurses who mentor others on the floor, is pointed to as evidence of a well-run operation where people feel valued and supported.

The environment and daily operations contribute to a generally positive experience, with emphasis on cleanliness, safety, and accessibility. Visitors note the facility's orderly, inviting atmosphere and the ease with which families can access services and information. The Highlands also offers a range of activities and a care plan that accommodates family involvement, which many reviewers appreciate. The building is described as easy to navigate, with parking described as convenient, and the overall sense from guests is one of a well-organized place where residents can receive the care they need while staying connected with their loved ones.

There are a few areas where reviewers see room for improvement, which prevents the experience from being absolutely perfect for every visitor. A common point is that meals can be inconsistent, with some concerns about the food's saltiness and adherence to specific menu orders. A handful of comments mention that communal areas can be a bit dirty at times, or that cleaning odors can be strong for those sensitive to smells. One visitor notes an elevator outage; another mentions the need for more careful management of residents' belongings to ensure nothing gets misplaced or mishandled. While these issues appear sporadic, they stand in contrast to the overwhelmingly positive tone about care quality and staff engagement.

Despite these occasional critiques, the overall impression remains highly favorable. The Highlands earns high praise for the level of care provided by its nurses, CNAs, and support staff, with particular admiration for the fifth-floor end-of-life care where families felt both seen and supported. Testimonials emphasize that staff are not only competent but also kind, respectful, and genuinely invested in the well-being of residents and their families. Many reviewers express personal gratitude and a strong sense of confidence in the care their loved ones receive, often concluding with enthusiastic recommendations and assurances that they would choose the Highlands again for future needs.

In summary, The Highlands is portrayed as a well-run facility that combines a welcoming environment, attentive and compassionate staff, and a broad spectrum of services geared toward both residents and their families. The persistent themes are warmth, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to patient-centered care, with families frequently highlighting how grateful they are for the care their loved ones receive. While there are occasional critiques related to meals, odors, or minor facility quirks, the dominant narrative is one of trust, respect, and appreciation for the staff who make a difference every day.

This part of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle down in the area. With multiple hospitals nearby such as Health Alliance Hospital and Burbank Hospital, healthcare needs are well catered for. There are also numerous physicians' offices and pharmacies within a short distance, ensuring easy access to medical care and prescriptions. Places of worship like St Bernard's Parish and St Joseph Church provide spiritual support, while parks like Coolidge Park and Coggshall Park offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Restaurants like Zapata Mexican Cocina and S S Lobster provide dining options nearby, and cafes like Smokestack Roasters offer cozy spots to enjoy a cup of coffee. Overall, this neighborhood in Fitchburg provides a well-rounded community with essential services close at hand for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years.

Hospitals

• Health Alliance Hospital (0.1 miles)
• Burbank Hospital (0.2 miles)
• Neurology Of Central Massachusetts (4.6 miles)
• Leominster Hospital Emergency (4.6 miles)

Physicians

• Fitchburg Family Practice Umass (0.1 miles)
• All Family Care (0.5 miles)
• Fallon Clinic (2 miles)
• Fallon Health Clinic (2 miles)
• Zanghi, Matthew Umass Memorial Medical Group Fitchburg Primary Care (2 miles)
• Physicians Dialysis of Michigan (2.1 miles)
• Parkhill Family Practice (2.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Bernard's Parish (0.4 miles)
• St Joseph Church (1.5 miles)
• Our Lady Of The Lake (3.7 miles)
• Congregation Agudat Achim (4.8 miles)
• Pilgrim Congregational Church (5.5 miles)
• Bread of Life Church (5.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.5 miles)
• Walgreens (5.7 miles)

Parks

• Coolidge Park (1.4 miles)
• Parkhill Park (1.8 miles)
• Westminster Hill Playground (2.3 miles)
• Coggshall Park (2.5 miles)
• Marshall Park (4 miles)
• BB Kidz Klub (4.8 miles)
• Barrett Park (5.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Zapata Mexican Cocina (1.5 miles)
• S S Lobster (1.7 miles)
• Burger King (2 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.1 miles)
• Mill No 3 (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• Ixtapa Cantina Mexican Restaurant (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Smokestack Roasters (2.1 miles)
• Gourmet Donuts (2.7 miles)
• Gourmet Donuts (3.6 miles)
• Gourmet Donuts (5.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.8 miles)
• Central Cup (7.6 miles)

Theaters

• Entertainment Cinemas (5.6 miles)