Overall sentiment across the reviews is mixed but leans positive for daily life, social opportunities, affordability, and basic cleanliness. Many reviewers praise the front-line staff as friendly, helpful, and responsive; several note staff know residents by name and are attentive to family concerns. The facility is described as very clean with well-kept grounds, reasonable pricing relative to other options, and with practical conveniences such as monthly housekeeping that includes bathroom and kitchen cleaning. Dining is frequently reported as accessible and good-tasting, and residents appreciate the ability to cook in in-unit kitchens for those living in duplex/villa options.
Activities and social life are recurring strengths in most reviews: residents report a myriad of activities including regular bingo, exercise classes, political discussion groups, weekly tea/social gatherings, and frequent shopping or day trips. The facility’s proximity to a university is highlighted as an extra benefit that brings in additional resident events. Multiple reviews describe successful social adjustment — residents making friends, being active in programs, and enjoying a social dining room atmosphere. Transportation services are available and used for shopping and excursions, which contributes to resident independence and engagement.
Care quality and safety receive mixed ratings. Several reviewers specifically commend the nursing staff and describe the memory care functioning well, with careful monitoring of walking and other safety measures. End-of-life care is singled out positively in at least one review for being compassionate and family-centered, and family members note that staff accommodated visits such as a dog visit. However, there are also serious and concerning criticisms: one relative reported a severe care failure leading to hospitalization and transfer out of the facility, stating that the staff "had no idea how to take care" and that the resident was not returned. This isolated but serious allegation contrasts sharply with many other positive care reports and suggests variability in the quality of clinical care or case management.
Management and administrative issues are another notable theme with mixed impressions. Some reviewers praise responsiveness and recommend the facility, while others criticize administration as being focused on money, evasive, manipulative, or even "ruthless," with at least one complaint referencing possible eviction maneuvers. Financial transparency concerns appear: reviewers mention upfront pricing worries and pay-for services that some expected to be included (for example, being charged for moving furniture assistance). These administrative complaints appear less about day-to-day caregiving and more about billing, policy enforcement, and perceived communication style from leadership.
In summary, Fairhaven Senior Services appears to offer a clean, affordable community with a friendly caregiving staff, varied activities, good dining, and practical amenities such as transportation, housekeeping, and housing options (duplexes/villas and in-unit kitchens). These strengths support good social adjustment and independent living for many residents. Conversely, the reviews reveal inconsistent experiences: some families report significant administrative and care failures, unexpected charges, and negative interactions with management or some staff. Prospective residents and families should weigh the facility’s evident social and value advantages against isolated but serious care and administrative concerns, ask specific questions about billing and move-in fees, inquire about recent staffing and incident histories, and arrange multiple visits (including speaking with current residents and families) to get a fuller picture before deciding.
