Overall impression: Reviews for The Current Beverly are strongly weighted toward praise for the facility’s extensive renovation, stylish coastal décor, downtown/oceanfront location, and robust activity and amenity offerings, while a minority of reviews raise significant concerns about parking, neighbor relations, alleged management actions, and some aspects of accessibility. Most reviewers highlight a dramatic transformation after refurbishment and speak positively about the building’s aesthetics, cleanliness, and resort‑style feel. The sentiment is frequently enthusiastic — many call it five‑star assisted living and recommend it for the North Shore area — but several negative reports introduce cautionary notes that prospective residents and families should weigh.
Facilities and location: The most consistent positive theme is the physical renovation and location. Multiple reviewers note a completely refurbished, modern, elegant interior with replaced windows, working elevators, high ceilings, and thoughtfully designed common spaces including a top‑floor promenade/rooftop deck with ocean views, a wine bar, movie theater, gym, library, rooftop dining area, and spaces intended for socialization and concerts. The downtown Beverly address is repeatedly viewed as a major asset — walkable to shops, restaurants, theaters, art centers, and within reach of beaches and parks. The combination of urban convenience and ocean vistas is repeatedly emphasized as a key draw.
Staff, leadership, and culture of care: Staff and leadership receive strong, repeated praise in many summaries. Reviewers name specific leaders (for example, Executive Director Katie Palamara and CEO Michael Glynn) and describe the leadership team as compassionate, professional, responsive, and engaged. The staff is often called friendly, warm, and caring; many families report attentive, personalized care and good communication. Several reviewers describe an energetic team focused on residents’ wellbeing and a positive work culture with mentorship opportunities. However, this strong approval is not universal: a few reviewers report poor treatment, neglect, or other serious complaints, so there is some variability in experiences and perceptions of management responsiveness depending on the issue.
Care quality and memory care: The overall tenor about clinical and daily care is favorable in the majority of reviews. Many families say the quality of care is excellent, staff are involved in activities, and transitions (including memory care moves) were handled with sensitivity. The facility’s dedicated Alzheimer’s/memory care floor is frequently noted as well maintained and secure, with its own trained staff and elevator‑key access, which is an important positive for families seeking specialized care. Reports of compassionate, family‑oriented support during memory care transition appear multiple times. Still, isolated reviews make serious accusations of mistreatment and evictions; these are substantial concerns and should be investigated directly with management and regulatory sources by prospective families.
Dining, activities, and social life: Dining and activities are strong points. The dining room, menus, and meals receive many compliments for taste and presentation. The activity schedule appears robust and varied — bingo, card games, movies, arts & crafts, talks, concerts, guitar player visits, trips, and themed events are all mentioned. Free YMCA membership, shuttle service, in‑house entertainment, and on‑site medical/dental offerings further enhance everyday life and convenience for residents. Some reviews say activity quality is only fair or that the community had not yet filled to capacity (meaning programming may continue to evolve), but the dominant impression is one of plentiful social engagement and good food.
Apartments, housekeeping, and services: Apartment sizes vary — several reviewers praise large bedroom units and spacious floorplans, while others note some smaller rooms and the absence of full kitchens. Operational services such as weekly housekeeping, linen service, and laundry facilities on each floor are highlighted as convenience features. Reviewers also note that some floors or apartments offer expansive views and that the building manages a home‑like (not hospital) atmosphere. Transportation options including shuttle buses mean many residents may not need a car.
Concerns, controversies, and accessibility: The most recurring negative theme is parking and the impact of renovation activity. Multiple reviews cite limited parking, gated lot restrictions, construction workers taking street parking, and general parking scarcity that affected residents and neighbors. While some reviewers praise management’s responsiveness to issues, others say complaints were ignored by Harbor Light (the operator), and some allege negative impacts on neighborhood mental health and community relations. Significant red flags appear in a few summaries: allegations of evicting elderly tenants with limited notice and stronger claims of neglect or “horrible” treatment. These are serious claims that contrast sharply with other positive testimonials and warrant direct inquiry — ask for written policies, eviction procedures, regulatory records, and clarification from management during a tour. Accessibility challenges were also mentioned (uphill entry and incline being hard for walkers), and oxygen use was noted as a consideration for some residents.
Patterns and practical advice for prospective residents/families: The dominant pattern is a newly renovated, amenity‑rich community with strong leadership and an active social life that many residents and families love. If you prioritize a walkable downtown location, ocean views, contemporary design, and plentiful programming, The Current Beverly appears to deliver for most reviewers. However, prospective residents should explicitly check parking arrangements (current status post‑renovation), ask about how the community handles neighborhood complaints and construction disruption, verify memory care staffing and security features, inspect specific apartment sizes and layout options, and request the operator’s records on any serious allegations or resident removals. During a visit, ask to speak with the executive director about recent complaints cited in reviews and get written answers about eviction policies, incident reporting, staff turnover, and how accessibility needs (e.g., mobility inclines, oxygen) are accommodated.
Bottom line: Reviews collectively portray The Current Beverly as a standout, newly modernized assisted living and memory care option in Beverly with many strengths in facilities, staff engagement, dining, and activities — but not without important cautions. The positive testimonials about care quality, leadership, and the living environment are persuasive for many families. Still, the recurring parking and renovation disruption issues, plus a few serious negative allegations, mean that due diligence (in‑person tour, direct management Q&A, and review of regulatory/inspection records) is especially important before deciding.
