Thoughtful resident-centered gestures and celebrations
Accessible layout and handicap-friendly features
Attentive admission and COVID-safety screening procedures
Cons
Inadequate staffing levels
Slow response to call bells and resident requests
Incontinence-care delays and hygiene inconsistencies
Medication-management and timing inconsistencies
Poor communication and incident reporting to families
Inconsistent meal quality and dining service
Laundry and personal-belonging management lapses
Gaps in fall-prevention and safety monitoring
Uneven facility maintenance and environmental upkeep
Restrictive visitation policies during infection-control events
Allegations of regulatory involvement and Adult Protective Services contact
Summary of reviews
Windward Gardens elicits a mix of strong positive experiences and serious operational concerns. Many families and residents praise the facility's caregiving staff as compassionate, friendly, and attentive; reviewers frequently describe successful rehabilitations with PT/OT, meaningful social activities, shuttle transportation for outings, and a pet-friendly, accessible campus. Physical attributes noted positively include bright rooms with large windows, generous bathroom space in some rooms, a private dining room for family visits, on-site amenities such as a hair salon and round-the-clock snack access, and proactive admission/COVID screening procedures.
At the same time, a consistent pattern of staffing and operational weaknesses emerges. Multiple accounts point to inadequate staffing levels that correlate with slow responses to call bells and resident requests, delays in incontinence and toileting care, and inconsistent assistance at mealtimes. These staffing constraints also appear linked to lapses in safety monitoring — including fall-prevention practices and the presence or use of bed alarms — as well as to concerns about medication timing and overall medication-management processes. Laundry handling and the management of residents' personal belongings are additional operational pain points cited by families.
Dining and housekeeping experiences are variable: several reviewers commend portion sizes, thoughtful meals and celebratory dining events, while others report inconsistent food quality, cold or poorly textured meals, and cleanliness concerns in parts of the facility. The physical environment is described as pleasant and airy in many areas, but there are also notes about aging finishes, flooring, painting needs and intermittent odor concerns that suggest uneven maintenance across units.
Management and communication present a mixed picture. Some families singled out specific leaders and nursing staff for responsive communication, weekly updates, and empathy; others describe poor incident reporting, limited follow-through on concerns, and restrictive visitation policies during infection-control events that created emotional strain for families. There are also serious claims that prompted external involvement; such allegations of regulatory scrutiny and Adult Protective Services contact indicate instances where families felt escalated oversight was necessary.
Overall, Windward Gardens appears to offer strong person-centered care, effective rehabilitation services, and a warm community atmosphere in many cases. However, prospective residents and families should weigh those strengths against recurring operational issues — principally staffing shortages, safety-monitoring gaps, inconsistent clinical and hygiene practices, variable dining and laundry services, and uneven maintenance — and should ask targeted questions about staffing ratios, fall-prevention protocols, medication management, laundry procedures, and incident/visitation policies during their tour and intake discussions.
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Medicare Ratings
Ratings from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Care Compare). View on Medicare.gov
Location
Windward Gardens is located at 105 Mechanic St, Camden, ME, 04843.
About Windward Gardens
Windward Gardens sits over on 105 Mechanic Street in Camden, Maine, and brings together several types of senior living all under one roof, so residents can get skilled nursing, assisted living, rehabilitation, or hospice care, depending on what the doctor thinks is best, and folks like that it's a smoke-free place where they try to help seniors stay as independent as they can while still making sure help is always close by if needed, and when you walk in you'll find things like private or semi-private rooms, private bathrooms, country kitchens, and dining rooms that can be set aside for family get-togethers, plus gardens and a courtyard out back where people can sit for a spell on nice days, and it's all in a quiet suburban neighborhood with parking and transportation services if anyone needs to go out for an appointment or shopping.
You'll find they offer a whole lot in terms of care, like medication management, wound care, pain management, heparin therapy, colostomy care, and even IV therapy, and there's a regular team of doctors and nurses-including registered nurses and attending physicians-coming in for things like diagnostic X-rays or even podiatry, so day-to-day medical needs are really handled right there, and if someone needs to recover from a surgery like a joint replacement or if there's been an injury, you can get orthopedic rehab, physical, speech, or occupational therapy as part of the package, and because Merry Gardens Assisted Living is part of the facility, residents who need a little extra with daily tasks can get that support without giving up their own space or privacy, and it also has home health and hospice care options.
You'll see they kept in mind both safety and convenience, with alarm systems to help folks with cognitive challenges, lots of comfortable gathering spots-like lounges, an activity room, computer with internet access, and even a country kitchen café where the menu's always available, plus laundry and housekeeping make things easier for those who want more free time, and mail, newspaper, and pharmaceutical delivery makes sure everything comes right to you, without hassle.
Nutritional support is part of daily life, with choices including kosher and vegetarian meals, and there's an on-site beauty salon and barber, fitness room, devotional services, and scheduled transportation for outings or visits, so you get most of what you might want or need without having to leave the place, and people do say it's nice to have those gardens and courtyards for a stroll. The apartments themselves tend to be one-bedroom and come with individual climate controls, and some are even fully private, but there are options for semi-private if that's what someone's after, and there's always focus on dignity and compassion for each resident, and the staff works with residents, their families, and outside case managers to put together care plans that fit the individual, so you're not getting some cookie-cutter kind of care.
Windward Gardens takes Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances, and since it's part of Genesis Healthcare, there's a framework for consistent standards, but people say the real value comes from the everyday support, plain communication, and strong sense of community, and while it's no luxury resort, it's a steady and practical place for seniors who need skilled nursing, assisted living, short or long-term rehab, or whole-person medical care in a safe, friendly setting, where the goal is always to help folks stay as independent as they're able, for as long as possible.
Founded in 1985 by Michael Walker and Richard Howard, Genesis HealthCare is headquartered in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Operating nearly 200 skilled nursing centers and senior living communities across 17 states, Genesis provides specialized Alzheimer's care, rehabilitation services, dialysis care, and assisted living.
People often ask...
Windward Gardens offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
There are 9 photos of Windward Gardens on Mirador.
The full address for this community is 105 Mechanic St, Camden, ME 04843.
No, Windward Gardens does not offer respite care.
Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.
Safety & Compliance
In Maine, the DHHS Division of Licensing & Certification licenses assisted living and residential care facilities, posting statements of deficiency and plans of correction.
License number
250014
Facility type
Nursing Home
Inspection Reports
38
Reports
3
Type A Citations
0
Type B Citations
32
Complaints
3
Years
17 Jun 2025Complaint
17 Jun 2025Complaint
Identified failure to follow wound care orders and Skin Integrity/Wound Management policy for one resident.
—Follow-up wound care orders and Skin Integrity/Wound Management policy
17 Jun 2025Complaint
17 Jun 2025Complaint
Investigated and found deficiencies in pressure ulcer management, including failure to follow wound care orders and skin integrity policy for a resident.
CFR 483.25(b)(1)(i)(ii)Treatment/Svcs to Prevent/Heal Pressure Ulcer
29 May 2025Renewal
29 May 2025Renewal
Concluded substantial compliance with emergency preparedness and Life Safety Code requirements; no deficiencies were cited.
17 Apr 2025Complaint
17 Apr 2025Complaint
An on-site review of a care facility identified multiple deficiencies across notification of changes, safety and environment, PASRR compliance, activities, quality of care, accident prevention, staffing, and resident record-keeping.
§483.10(g)(14)(i)-(iv)(15)Notify of Changes (Injury/Decline/Room, etc.)
§483.20(f)(5), §483.70(h)(1)-(5)Resident Records - Identifiable Information
17 Apr 2025Complaint
17 Apr 2025Complaint
Identified multiple deficiencies affecting resident safety, care documentation, environmental conditions, and staffing practices during the survey.
17 Apr 2025Complaint
17 Apr 2025Complaint
Concluded that the facility was in compliance with federal requirements.
14 Apr 2025Renewal
14 Apr 2025Renewal
Identified multiple fire safety and building-code deficiencies, including missing fireproofing, high pull-station operable parts, nonworking illuminated exit signs, unsafe electrical and gas storage practices, and inadequate door and storage labeling.
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2012 Edition, Section 19.1.6.1Fireproofing on structural post in attic not maintained
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2012 Edition, Section 19.2.2.2.7; NFPA 72 (2010 edition)Soiled laundry door latching mechanism
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2012 Edition, Sections 7.10.5.2.1 and 19.2.10Illuminated exit signs not functioning
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2012 Edition, 19.3.4.2.1 and 9.6.2.5; NFPA 72 (2010 edition) 17.14.4Manual fire alarm pull stations installed too high
NFPA 101 2012 Edition, 19.3.5.1 and 9.7.5; NFPA 252011 edition 5.2.2.2Wires resting on sprinkler piping
NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, 2012 Edition, Sections 6.3.3.2.4 and 6.3.4.1.3Non-hospital grade receptacles not tested within required intervals
NFPA 101 2012 Edition; NFPA 99 2012 Edition 11.3.2, 11.6.5.2, 11.6.5.3Oxygen and gas storage areas not properly secured or labeled
14 Apr 2025Renewal
14 Apr 2025Renewal
Identified multiple deficiencies in fire safety, electrical testing, sprinkler maintenance, and oxygen gas storage. Observations included missing fireproofing, non-self-closing doors, inoperative exit signs, high pull stations, external loads on sprinkler piping, inadequate receptacle testing, and oxygen storage issues.
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2012 Edition, 19.1.6.1Fireproofing on structural post not maintained
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2012 Edition, 8.2.2.2.7, 8.2.2.2.8, 19.2.2.2.7, 19.2.2.2.8Doors with self-closing devices not maintained
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2012 Edition, 19.2.2.2.7Soiled laundry door not self-closing
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2012 Edition, 7.10 and 19.2.10Illuminated exit signs not illuminated
NFPA 99, 2012 Edition, 11.3.2, 11.3.2.1–11.3.2.3, 11.6.5; NFPA 101, 8.7Oxygen gas storage and cylinders not compliant
24 Feb 2025Complaint
24 Feb 2025Complaint
Found no deficiencies. Confirmed substantial compliance on a follow-up visit.
24 Feb 2025Complaint
24 Feb 2025Complaint
Determined substantial compliance after an unannounced follow-up visit; no deficiencies were cited.
19 Feb 2025Complaint
19 Feb 2025Complaint
Investigated deficiencies showed failures to update a care plan for a pressure ulcer and gaps in physician oversight of resident care, including order signing, with audits planned to address the issues.
Investigated complaints found deficiencies in care planning for a pressure ulcer, wound clinic follow-through, and timely physician oversight for a resident.
CFR 483.21(b)(2)(i)-(iii)Care Plan Timing and Revision
Investigated complaint found that the facility did not promptly notify a resident's representative about a fall with a fracture and failed to develop a care plan for the fracture. Deficiencies were cited for both notification of changes and care planning.
42 CFR 483.10(g)(14) and 42 CFR 483.10(g)(15)Notify of Changes
42 CFR 483.21(b)(1) and 42 CFR 483.21(b)(3)Develop/Implement Comprehensive Care Plan
22 Jan 2025Complaint
22 Jan 2025Complaint
Investigated a complaint and found deficiencies related to failure to notify a resident's representative about a fall and fracture, and inadequate development and implementation of a care plan addressing the fracture and the resident's upper-extremity impairment.
42 CFR Part 483 Subpart BRequirements for Long Term Care Facilities
42 CFR 483.10(g)(14); 42 CFR 483.15(c)(2)Notification of changes in the resident's status
42 CFR 483.21(b)(1)(3)Comprehensive care plan
03 Jan 2025Complaint
03 Jan 2025Complaint
Investigated complaint findings identified multiple deficiencies in notification of changes, care planning, nutrition monitoring, medication monitoring, and medical records maintenance.
42 CFR 483.10(g)(14)Notify of Changes
42 CFR 483.10(g)(15)Admission to a composite distinct part
42 CFR 483.21(a)(1)-(3)Baseline Care Plans
42 CFR 483.25(g)(1)-(3)Nutrition/Hydration Status Maintenance
42 CFR 483.45(d)(1)-(6)Drug Regimen is Free from Unnecessary Drugs
42 CFR 483.20(f)(5)Resident-identifiable information
42 CFR 483.70(h)Medical records
03 Jan 2025Complaint
03 Jan 2025Complaint
Investigative findings identified multiple deficiencies related to resident wellbeing, including nutrition/hydration management, communication of changes in condition, and the development and maintenance of baseline and ongoing care planning. Violations were cited across several areas requiring corrective action.
Type A§483.10(g)(14); §483.15(c)(1)(ii); §483.15(c)(2)Notification and documentation when resident condition changes
Type A§483.21(a)(1)-(3)Baseline Care Plan
Type A§483.25(g)(3)Nutrition/Nutrition-related oversight and documentation
29 Aug 2024Complaint
29 Aug 2024Complaint
Investigated a complaint and determined substantial compliance.
23 Jul 2024Complaint
23 Jul 2024Complaint
Determined substantial compliance after a follow-up review.
25 Jun 2024Complaint
25 Jun 2024Complaint
Found no deficiencies.
03 Jun 2024Complaint
03 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated a complaint about pacemaker care and wound management; identified deficiencies in care planning, monitoring, and wound care documentation and processes. Noted efforts to update care plans and conduct audits, but gaps remained in implementation.
CFR 483.20(g)Quality of care
§483.21(b)(3)Comprehensive Care Plans
—Nursing services / Quality of care
03 Jun 2024Complaint
03 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated a complaint and found failures in post-surgical assessments, wound care management, and updating care plans. The issues affected multiple residents.
42 CFR 483.20(g)Accuracy of Assessments
42 CFR 483.21(b)(1)-(3)Develop/Implement Comprehensive Care Plan
42 CFR 483.25Quality of Care
24 May 2024Renewal
24 May 2024Renewal
Determined substantial compliance with federal emergency preparedness requirements.
25 Apr 2024Complaint
25 Apr 2024Complaint
The inspection found multiple noncompliance issues across resident rights, care planning, medical records, infection control, and operational practices, with numerous deficiencies cited.
CFR 483.10(c)(6)-(8); 483.10(g)(12)Advance directives information provided to residents and representatives
CFR 483.10(g)(17)-(18)(i)-(v)Medicaid/Medicare coverage notices and changes
CFR 483.15(c)(3)-(6)(8)Notice requirements before transfer/discharge
CFR 483.15(d)(1)-(2)Bed-hold notice requirements
CFR 483.20(k)(1)-(3)PASARR evaluation/Level II referral for mental health or intellectual disability
CFR 483.21(b)(1)-(3)Comprehensive care plans; reflect goals and services
CFR 483.21(b)(2)(i)-(iii)Care plan timing and revision
CFR 483.24(c)(1)Activities meet resident needs and interests
CFR 483.25Quality of care
CFR 483.25(b)(1)-(2)Pressure ulcers; treatment and prevention
CFR 483.25(d)(1)-(2)Safe environment; supervision and devices
CFR 483.45(g)-(h)(2)Labeling and storage of drugs; vaccine storage
CFR 483.60(i)(1)-(2)Sanitary storage and handling of food; labeling and dating
CFR 483.20(f)(5); 483.70(i)(1)-(5)Resident-identifiable information; medical records
CFR 483.80(a)-(f); 483.80(e)Infection prevention and control
CFR 483.95(g)(1)-(4)In-service training for nurse aides
25 Apr 2024Complaint
25 Apr 2024Complaint
Investigated a bed-hold policy deficiency; the facility failed to inform residents and their representatives about bed-hold rights and did not provide written bed-hold notices for transfers.
§483.15(c)(2) Bed-hold notice upon transferBed-hold notice
23 Apr 2024Renewal
23 Apr 2024Renewal
Identified multiple deficiencies related to emergency preparedness, egress, and equipment safety, including issues with training, doors, fire safety gear, and electrical components.
NFPA 101; CFRs: NFPA 101 2012 editionContinued From page 3
NFPA 101; CFRs: NFPA 101Means of Egress - General
NFPA 101; CFRs: NFPA 101Means of Egress - Doors
NFPA 101; CFRs: NFPA 101 2012Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 101; NFPA 99; NFPA 101Portable Fire Extinguishers
19.3.6.3; CFR Parts 403, 418, 460, 482, 483, 485Doors
NFPA 101; CFR(s): NFPA 101Generator Annunciator
NFPA 101; CFR(s): NFPA 101Electrical Systems - Essential Electric System
NFPA 101; CFR(s): NFPA 101Electrical Equipment - Power Cords and Extension Cords
NFPA 101; CFR(s): NFPA 101Soiled Linen and Trash Containers
23 Apr 2024Renewal
23 Apr 2024Renewal
Investigation found deficiencies in emergency preparedness training, egress/door safety, and fire drill compliance, with several observations noted during the survey.
27 Feb 2024Complaint
27 Feb 2024Complaint
Investigated complaints and determined substantial compliance with applicable long-term care requirements.
22 Jan 2024Complaint
22 Jan 2024Complaint
Determined that no regulatory deficiencies were identified during the investigation.
09 Jan 2024Complaint
09 Jan 2024Complaint
Inspections found several deficiencies across housekeeping, resident safety, care planning, transfer/discharge processes, and documentation. Multiple units showed unaddressed safety issues and gaps in resident care management.
§483.10(i)(2)Housekeeping and maintenance
§483.12Abuse prohibition policy
§483.15(c)Transfer/discharge notice contents
§483.20Care planning
§483.70Discharge/disposition and documentation
§483.25Quality of care
§483.24Safety/Supervision – smoking and supervisor oversight
§483.60Food service and ADL documentation
§483.20Resident rights/ADL documentation
09 Jan 2024Complaint
09 Jan 2024Complaint
Investigated complaints and found widespread deficiencies across environment, safety, care planning, transfers, bed holds, and resident records.
CFR 483.12(c)(1)-(4)Reporting of Alleged Violations
CFR 483.15(c)(3)-(8)Notice Requirements Before Transfer/Discharge
CFR 483.15(d)(1)-(2)Bed Hold Notice
CFR 483.21(a)(1)-(3)Baseline Care Plans
CFR 483.21(b)(2)(i)-(iii)Care Plan Timing and Revision
CFR 483.25Quality of Care
CFR 483.25(d)Accidents
CFR 483.60(i)Food Safety and Sanitation
CFR 483.20(f)(5), 483.70(i)Resident Records Identifiable Information
20 Nov 2023Complaint
20 Nov 2023Complaint
Determined substantial compliance with federal long-term care requirements after an unannounced on-site visit addressing complaints.
13 Nov 2023Complaint
13 Nov 2023Complaint
Investigated two complaints and determined substantial compliance.
24 Oct 2023Complaint
24 Oct 2023Complaint
Concluded that deficiencies cited during a prior complaint were corrected and substantial compliance with federal long-term care requirements was achieved.
06 Sept 2023Complaint
06 Sept 2023Complaint
Identified deficiencies: nurse staffing data was not posted daily, and treatment carts with medications were not consistently locked.
§483.35(g)Nurse Staffing Information
§483.45(h)Storage of Drugs and Biologicals
06 Sept 2023Complaint
06 Sept 2023Complaint
Found deficiencies in posting nursing staff data and in drug storage, including an unlocked treatment cart and lack of public access to staffing information.
§483.35(g)(3) Public access to posted nurse staffing dataPublic access to posted nurse staffing data
§483.45(h) Storage of Drugs and BiologicalsStorage of Drugs and Biologicals
06 Sept 2023Complaint
06 Sept 2023Complaint
Determined substantial compliance with applicable federal requirements. No deficiencies were cited.
26 Jul 2023Complaint
26 Jul 2023Complaint
Investigated deficiencies found failures to meet basic resident environment standards and care needs, including privacy/space, lighting, temperature, sound levels, oxygen equipment management, and staffing to support resident safety.
§483.10(i)(4)Private closet space in each resident room
§483.10(i)(5)Adequate and comfortable lighting levels in all areas
§483.10(i)(6) Comfortable and safe temperature levels
§483.10(i)(7)Maintenance of comfortable sound levels
—Nursing and related services to assure resident safety and well-being
—Sufficient staffing with appropriate competencies for 24-hour care
26 Jul 2023Complaint
26 Jul 2023Complaint
Found deficiencies in dining practices, respiratory equipment maintenance, and staffing levels, indicating not in substantial compliance.
§483.25(i)Respiratory/Tracheostomy Care and Suctioning
§483.35(a)(1)-(2)Sufficient Nursing Staff
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Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Windward Gardens. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Windward Gardens directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.
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