Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but leans positive regarding the social environment, cleanliness, and many aspects of daily life at The Hickman. Multiple reviewers praise staff as warm, sweet, responsive and attentive, noting that staff members know residents by name and actively engage them in activities. The newer section of the facility receives consistent praise for being bright, modern, and well maintained, with large windows and a homey feel. Cleanliness is frequently mentioned (no odors, clean rooms and common areas), and amenities such as a hair salon, library, game area, communal kitchen, and a pleasant patio with grounds backing the Friends School contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Practical inclusions like laundry, three meals a day plus snacks, and alternate meal choices are also valued by residents and families, and on-site PT/OT and a dedicated wing for rehab add to the clinical/rehabilitative capabilities.
Activities and community life are another strong theme: reviewers report exercise groups, book clubs, bus trips, museum/shopping outings, and events seven days a week. Reviewers appreciate that staff are engaged in encouraging participation. COVID-era safety measures were noted (masking, limited access during the worst of the pandemic, lanyard fall detectors and visitor sign-in), and many reviews mention that COVID restrictions and activities were being phased back carefully. Tours are described as thorough and staff are generally helpful during the admissions process. For many reviewers the pricing felt comparable to peers or reasonable given the new facilities and included services.
However, there are clear, recurring concerns that temper the positive impressions. The facility is mixed—there is a distinct new section and an older independent-living section that many reviewers—and the older areas are described as not redone, with smaller rooms and a less modern feel. Skilled nursing rooms were also reported as small by some reviewers. Several reviewers mentioned variability in dining: while some residents enjoy the food, others (including at least one family member) did not love it. Activity levels also appear uneven by area; a few reviewers felt there were not many activities in older parts of the building, with hopes that the new building will improve programming.
More seriously, some reviews raise quality-of-care and management concerns. A number of comments describe past understaffing that has since improved, along with occasional administrative glitches (for example, issues with a head nurse or communication lapses). Some families characterized care as sometimes hands-off, with a lack of proactive follow-up or communication from staff. Most concerning are a small number of reports alleging neglect: dehydration, bed sores, an ER visit, and explicit statements of not recommending the facility based on those incidents. Memory-care concerns were also raised by some reviewers. These serious negative accounts appear less frequent than the positive comments but are significant and suggest variability in care quality and oversight depending on unit or time period.
In summary, The Hickman appears to offer a generally warm, clean, and socially active environment—especially in its newer wing—with many desirable amenities, included services, and engaged staff. It seems well suited for residents seeking independent or assisted living with social programming, on-site therapy services, and a pleasant campus. At the same time, prospective residents and families should be aware of variability: older sections are less updated and rooms can be small, dining and activity levels may differ by unit, and there have been both past staffing shortfalls and isolated but serious reports of care lapses. If higher-acuity nursing, memory care, or consistent clinical oversight are primary concerns, visitors should ask pointed questions about staffing levels, supervision, care protocols, incident history, and unit-specific conditions, and follow up on recent improvements or corrective actions before committing.
