Overall sentiment in these reviews is strongly positive about the interpersonal, environmental, and social aspects of Herrick House, while raising notable concerns about medication management and the depth of clinical oversight. The most frequent praise centers on staff behavior and engagement: reviewers repeatedly describe staff as caring, loving, friendly, and attentive. Many noted that staff greeted residents by name, that housekeeping and dining staff were visibly involved, and that the chef introduced himself — all contributing to a welcoming, home-like environment. Several reviewers credited the facility with improving their loved one’s wellbeing and adding life back into them, and multiple comments recommend Herrick House highly.
Facility and grounds receive consistently high marks. The building and grounds are described as beautiful, pristine, and resort-like — with a woodsy, serene setting, courtyard spaces, and a comfortable aesthetic. Reviewers remarked on a pleasant dining room and an on-site pub, a bright, clean atmosphere, and a warm, country-style design. Security procedures and access controls are noted as comprehensive and reassuring (front desk sign-in, Alzheimer’s unit doorbell and other checks). The location is also a plus: convenient to a hospital, town amenities, train, and highways.
Social life and services are another strong area: reviewers praised activities and the social aspect, saying residents participated in multiple programs and seemed to enjoy day-to-day life. Multiple comments emphasize that staff ‘‘go above and beyond,’’ resulting in families feeling relieved and supported. The overall impression from many reviews is of an assisted living community that provides excellent day-to-day, home-like care and strong interpersonal attention from a broad set of employees (nursing assistants, housekeeping, kitchen, and serving staff).
However, there are serious and recurring concerns about clinical care and medication management that contrast with the otherwise positive narrative. Several reviewers reported incorrect medication records and wrong dosages, including at least one hospitalization for pneumonia and an instance involving a critical antiseizure dosage. These reports suggest gaps in medication administration, documentation, or clinical oversight. Another theme is that aides sometimes perform tasks reviewers would expect nurses to manage, and that these aides were not adequately recognized; this raises questions about staffing mix, scope-of-practice, and supervision. Taken together, these items point to potential risks for residents with high medical needs.
Other practical considerations mentioned by reviewers include relatively small apartment sizes, the age of the building (noted as approximately 100 years old), and limited facility offerings compared with larger or more medicalized communities. Some reviewers characterized the community as upscale and expensive, and others labeled it as ‘‘average’’ or ‘‘acceptable for current needs’’ depending on the resident’s acuity and expectations. The absence of a PACE program was flagged as a limitation for people seeking integrated Medicare/Medicaid services.
In summary, Herrick House appears to excel at creating a warm, attractive, and socially engaging assisted living environment with staff who form meaningful relationships with residents and families. The leadership, visible involvement of nonclinical staff, cleanliness, dining ambiance, security, and outdoor setting are emphasized strengths. However, prospective residents and families should weigh these positives against documented concerns about medication handling and clinical oversight. For residents with significant medical or pharmaceutical needs, it would be prudent to ask specific questions about medication administration protocols, licensed nursing coverage, incident reporting, staff training on medications, and how the facility ensures accurate medication records. Also confirm apartment sizes, accessibility for mobility-impaired residents, program availability, and cost/financial fit given the community’s upscale positioning. These steps will help families balance the strong personal, social, and environmental advantages against the clinical risks noted by some reviewers.
