Sarawood Assisted Living sits in a quiet Holyoke neighborhood on the western side of the Connecticut River, tucked inside a restored Victorian mansion with room for up to 28 residents, and when you walk up the tree-lined street or into the cozy front room, you might feel like you've landed in someone's family home more than any big facility. The place takes residents 55 and over and welcomes some pets, so there's always a touch of home and companionship. Staff are available 24 hours a day, handling assisted living and memory care, including help with bathing, dressing, transfers, and medication management, and there's a high staff-to-resident ratio so folks don't feel overlooked. Residents get three home-cooked meals a day, with menus done up for special diets like diabetes or allergies, and guests can join at mealtimes. There's a big focus on activities, with bingo, gardening groups, arts and crafts, book club, and game nights inside, plus outings to local attractions like Holyoke Heritage State Park and the Wistariahurst Museum, so no one stays bored if they don't want to. There are community music groups, resident-run clubs, and plenty of seasonal celebrations, along with trips for shopping, farmers' markets, and scenic drives.
Living spaces include private studios and suites, some with half-baths and others sharing a bathroom-usually just two to a bath. Every room's got access to high-speed Wi-Fi, and there's an elevator for easy access if getting around is tough. Services include weekly housekeeping, personal laundry and linens, private cleaning, and on-site haircuts. There's an outdoor patio and garden area, so folks can sit out, visit, or putter in the dirt when the weather's good. The staff coordinates doctor appointments and offers scheduled transportation for medical visits, groceries, errands, and any community event. Respite care is available, as are hospice care options and short-term stays. Non-ambulatory needs and wheelchair use are supported, with safety features like emergency alert systems in place. Sarawood welcomes both English and Spanish speakers and runs an all-inclusive price, accepting insurance, VA benefits, checks, credit cards, and different payment options, so families have flexibility. Residents can expect privacy, a comfortable routine, and social opportunities in a quiet, friendly setting surrounded by parks, green space, and the simple charm of an old New England home. Reviewers give Sarawood an average of four out of five stars, and many comment on the friendly, dedicated staff and the peaceful, homelike atmosphere.