Overall sentiment across the reviews is strongly positive, with repeated emphasis on compassionate, family-centered care and hands-on, communicative ownership. Most reviewers name owners Dana and Shawn specifically, praising them for being responsive, personally involved, and creative problem solvers (for example, arranging room changes to improve resident comfort). Nursing and caregiving staff are described repeatedly as caring, attentive, knowledgeable, and respectful; named staff such as Nurse Cassie and Naomi receive individual thanks. Multiple families highlight that staff take time to know residents personally, provide dignity and comfort — especially during end-of-life — and maintain regular, reassuring communication with families.
Care quality and end-of-life support are central themes. Numerous reviewers describe hospice-friendly practices, compassionate support during the last days, and gratitude for how peaceful and dignified the residents’ final moments were. The facility is repeatedly credited with creating a calming, home-like environment where residents thrive; reviewers explicitly contrast Ashton Gardens’ care with prior negative experiences at other facilities, emphasizing that Ashton Gardens improved their loved ones’ quality of life and final years. The presence of 24/7 awake staff and functioning call buttons is cited as an important safety and reassurance factor.
Facility condition and amenities receive consistent praise. Reviewers describe the home as clean, odor-free, and spotless with well-lit, nicely decorated private rooms and comfortable communal spaces. Several reviewers liken parts of the facility to a hotel-like environment, noting model rooms, tasteful decor, and a pleasant dining area. The dining experience is frequently mentioned as positive — home-cooked, fresh meals served in a welcoming setting — and families appreciate the small, personal touches such as birthday celebrations and birds in the backyard. Therapy animals — horses Whiskey and Rusty and therapy dogs like Samson — are noted as meaningful additions to programming and resident well-being.
Activities and programming are generally viewed favorably: exercise classes, game sessions, social events and other activities are offered and appreciated. However, a common secondary theme is a desire for more robust rehabilitative services or physical therapy for residents who need it. A few reviewers also commented that some residents are not very active despite available activities, suggesting opportunities to expand or adapt programming for different levels of mobility and engagement.
Management, communication and improvement culture are recurring strengths. Reviewers frequently mention that ownership is communicative, responsive to family concerns, and visibly committed to continuous improvements. Quick move-ins, accommodating admissions, and creative solutions to resident needs (e.g., changing rooms) reinforce perceptions of good management. That said, a notable negative pattern concerns visitation/access: several reviewers reported locked doors, storm door barriers, or unhelpful staff when trying to visit, which created distress for families. This appears to be one of the most concrete operational concerns and is worth clarifying with management if visiting flexibility is important to prospective families.
Cost and accessibility are additional considerations. While many families feel the care justifies the expense, a subset of reviews describes the facility as higher-priced or “expensive,” and one or two mention that the drive to the facility is long for them. There were also a few comments about the home feeling busy and staff being stretched at times; these are not predominant but suggest that peak staffing-loads or scheduling could occasionally impact visibility or availability.
In summary, Ashton Gardens is overwhelmingly praised for compassionate, family-focused care, attentive and involved ownership, a clean and home-like environment, positive dining and social programming, and strong hospice and end-of-life support. The most frequently cited differentiators are the personal involvement of Dana and Shawn, consistent caregiver empathy, 24/7 awake staffing, and a visible culture of continuous improvement. Prospective families should note the very positive reports but also inquire directly about visiting policies/access, availability of rehabilitative/physical therapy services, and pricing to ensure these aspects meet their needs.
