Huntington Common

Huntington Common, also known as The Bradford House at Huntington Common, sits on 37 wooded acres along the Kennebunk River in Kennebunk, Maine, which is about three miles from the ocean, and the place has been developed so people can stroll outside or enjoy the quiet landscaping and gardens if they want a bit of peace or a change of scene, and it's also set up with independent river cottages, assisted living studios, memory care studios, and apartments, all with various floor plans so folks can find something that works for them, and the building offers wheelchair accessible showers, full tubs, and units with private bathrooms, walk-in closets, furnished or unfurnished options, and kitchenettes if people prefer to make a little something for themselves now and then. You'll find rooms and common spaces like a club room, a billiards room, a chapel, a large library with a wood fireplace, and a parlor with another fireplace, plus dining rooms, a bistro, a piano room, and plenty of spots where people can come together if they want a bit of company. The staff provides housekeeping each week, picks up trash daily, does property maintenance, and there's a beautician right on site, which makes it easier to keep up with grooming. Folks get three meals a day if they want, with snacks always available, and food choices include regular and vegetarian meals in both formal dining and casual café settings, which helps people eat well without having to fuss, and it means family members and visitors might grab a bite too if they're visiting during mealtimes.

The community gives personal care, with staff on duty 24 hours a day and nurses overseeing daily health, and it has a secured memory care area for those living with Alzheimer's or other dementias, called the Reminiscence Program and Terrace Club, which are set up to reduce confusion and wandering and allow staff to manage major behavior issues if needed. Huntington Common offers help for seniors who need different levels of care-some may need lots of support with bathing, dressing, and medication, while others just need a reminder or two, and this determines the monthly fees because there are separate levels for light, medium, and heavy care, and they do accept private pay and other sources like social security, veterans' benefits, or private insurance, and there's no daily respite fee or community fee, which is helpful for families calculating costs. If someone requires transfers with a mechanical lift or uses a wheelchair, the staff can help, and they have visiting nurses and therapists for physical, occupational, and speech needs, and there are systems in the rooms and throughout the property that let people call for help in an emergency. The facility can handle residents who sometimes act out or try to leave the building in the memory care section, and for those managing diabetes, the team can do insulin injections and blood sugar tests. Bowel and bladder incontinence is handled with some reminders, but the community expects residents to know when they need to use the bathroom. People who want short-term care or breaks, like respite stays, can get help without a minimum fee or extra daily charge, and there's also a skilled nursing unit and hospice care on site for those who may need more attention over time.

There are many spaces to spend time, both indoors and out, and things like a health club, fitness center, lounges, Internet, laundry rooms, libraries, and a reserved parking space with a sign and snow removal give some extra comfort, while common areas inside and outside, including the courtyard and club room, encourage people to be social or join activities whenever they feel up to it, even though here and there activities are listed as "unspecified." Huntington Common offers a chapel and devotional services both on and off site, and there's outdoor smoking allowed for those who need it. Transport's available at no cost for regular trips, with extra rides offered at a fee. Sunrise CareConnect is an electronic system that lets doctors and care providers keep up on care plans, medicine, and progress notes from anywhere, so records are tracked closely, and telehealth visits mean seniors don't always have to make trips out for doctor's appointments. Property managers keep an eye on things, and the overall sense is that the community wants seniors to keep their independence, privacy, and freedom of choice for as long as they can, with staff around to help out in a way that fits whatever someone needs at the time. The mission of Sunrise Senior Living, who runs Huntington Common, is to support quality of life for every resident, and the place has received over 280 National Quality Awards, which is more than any other assisted living provider, and people describe the spirit here as caring, steady, and focused on dignity and respect. The amenities and support give older adults choices between independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, short stays, and even day care or home care if that's what's needed, and the staff is ready to adjust services as health needs change over the years, so folks can stay put and get more care as they need it, which a lot of older residents and their families find reassuring, especially when they're looking for a place to age in place along a peaceful stretch of river in Maine.

Huntington Common is managed by Sunrise Senior Living.

Sunrise Senior Living is one of the largest senior care operators in North America, managing over 270 communities across the United States and Canada with approximately 22,000 employees. Founded in 1981 by Paul and Terry Klaassen in Oakton, Virginia, Sunrise pioneered the Victorian mansion-style senior living community design, inspired by Dutch senior care models and European hospitality concepts. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Sunrise offers a comprehensive continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and hospice coordination.

The company's signature memory care programs include Terrace Club Neighborhoods for residents with early to moderate memory loss, and Reminiscence Neighborhoods for those with advanced Alzheimer's and dementia. As an Authorized Validation Organization, Sunrise practices the Validation Method—which they call "exquisite listening"—using empathy-based communication techniques to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life for memory care residents. Their Live With Purpose™ programming engages residents through personalized activities aligned with their interests and life experiences.

Sunrise leverages advanced technology including Sunrise CareConnect, an electronic health record system built on PointClickCare technology that enables real-time documentation, comprehensive health tracking, and remote access for healthcare providers. The Road Home Program offers specialized 30-day transitional care for seniors discharged from hospitals or rehabilitation centers, providing medication management and 24/7 support.

The company has achieved notable sustainability certifications, with facilities earning WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL Equity Rating, ENERGY STAR® certifications, and LEED Silver designation. Sunrise communities feature Individualized Service Plans, Designated Care Managers, and welcome pets, with many locations maintaining community cats or dogs. After celebrating 40 years in 2021, Sunrise continues its mission to champion quality of life for all seniors through their resident-centered, holistic approach to senior care.