1. Introduction and Facility Overview

Summer Commons, located at 21 June St, Sanford, ME 04073, is a skilled nursing facility that has been serving the community for over a decade. This comprehensive review aims to provide you with detailed insights into the facility’s offerings, resident experiences, and market position to help you make an informed decision about senior living options in the Sanford area.

Key Facility Information:

2. Services and Care Options

Summer Commons provides a comprehensive range of care services to meet various senior needs:

Specialized Care Options:

• On-site Medical Partnerships: Collaborations with local healthcare providers ensure residents have access to expert medical attention when needed.
• Pain Management Programs: Tailored approaches to managing chronic pain and improving quality of life.
• Complex Wound Care: Advanced treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds.
• Medication Management: Comprehensive oversight of residents’ medication regimens.
• Assistance with Daily Living: Support for activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.

3. Amenities and Daily Life

Summer Commons offers various amenities to enhance resident comfort and engagement:

Facility Amenities:

• Restaurant-style dining room with special diet accommodations
• Social gathering spaces and outdoor areas for relaxation
• Arts room and walking paths
• Garden for outdoor enjoyment
• Beauty salon/barber shop
• Emergency alert system
• Housekeeping and laundry services

Activities and Engagement:

Summer Commons provides a monthly activity calendar featuring events such as:

• Movie nights
• Bingo and game nights
• Piano performances and live entertainment
• Arts and crafts sessions
• Resident-run activities
• Community-sponsored events

While specific details about fitness classes or educational programs were not available in our research data, the variety of activities suggests a focus on maintaining an engaging and active lifestyle for residents.

Actionable Recommendation: When touring Summer Commons, request a sample monthly activity calendar and ask to observe ongoing activities. This will give you a clearer picture of the daily life and engagement opportunities for residents. Pay special attention to the variety of activities offered and how they cater to different interests and abilities.

4. Resident Experiences and Satisfaction

Our analysis of resident feedback reveals a mixed but generally positive sentiment towards Summer Commons:

Notable Testimonials:

Positive:

“My son was at Summer Commons for two separate respite visits. His care was impeccable and the staff was caring. He was always clean and comfortable when I arrived. Even though he was not able to communicate, the staff always included him in all conversations. They asked about his interests and did their best to discuss dirt bike riding and sky diving.” – Barbara B., July 2024

Negative:

“The Facility, itself, is great. There is limited ‘Handicapped Parking Spaces’ available for visitors. There are only 2 Handicapped Parking spaces close to the Main Entrance. This limits handicapped visitors from being able to visit their loved ones. More spaces need to be provided near the entrance.” – Richard N., December 2022

Actionable Recommendation: To get a comprehensive understanding of resident experiences:

1. Visit Summer Commons at different times of day, including mealtimes, to observe staff interactions and food quality firsthand.
2. Speak with current residents and their families outside of scheduled tour times to get unfiltered feedback on daily experiences.
3. Ask management about specific initiatives to address common concerns raised in reviews, such as food quality and staff responsiveness.
4. Request to participate in a meal service to personally evaluate the dining experience and menu variety.
5. Inquire about the frequency of menu changes and how dietary preferences and restrictions are accommodated.
6. Discuss the facility’s plan to improve accessibility, particularly regarding the limited handicapped parking spaces mentioned in the review.

5. Pricing and Financial Information

Summer Commons offers competitive pricing within the local market:

Payment Options:

• Medicare certified
• Medicaid approved
• Private insurance accepted (verify specific plans)
• Private pay options available

Actionable Recommendation: To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects:

1. Request a detailed, itemized pricing sheet from Summer Commons, including:
   • Base rates for different levels of care (skilled nursing, memory care, rehabilitation)
   • Additional costs for specialized services (e.g., therapy sessions, medication management)
   • Any one-time fees (e.g., community fee, admission fee)
   • Potential rate increase schedules
2. Discuss scenarios where care needs might change and how this would affect pricing.
3. Inquire about any move-in specials or financial assistance programs available.
4. Ask about bundled service packages that might offer better value for comprehensive care needs.
5. Compare these costs with at least three other facilities in the area to ensure you’re getting a comprehensive view of the local market rates and value propositions.

6. Comparison with Local Alternatives

To provide context, here’s how Summer Commons compares to other facilities in the Sanford area:

Key Differentiators of Summer Commons:

1. Large-Scale Facility: With 242 certified beds, it potentially offers more resources and diverse social opportunities.
2. Comprehensive Care Continuum: Offers a full range of care options from assisted living to skilled nursing.
3. Strategic Location: Proximity to Goodall Hospital and Goodall Health Family Practice ensures prompt medical attention when necessary.
4. Competitive Entry-Level Pricing: The starting price of $2,940/month is below the local average, potentially offering good value for basic care needs.

Actionable Recommendation: When comparing facilities:

1. Create a checklist of your most important criteria (e.g., care levels, amenities, activities, pricing) and use it to evaluate each facility.
2. Schedule tours of at least 3-4 facilities to compare environments, staff interactions, and overall atmosphere firsthand.
3. Speak with residents and family members at each facility to get unfiltered feedback on daily life and care quality.
4. Consider both current and potential future care needs when evaluating the suitability of each facility.
5. Pay special attention to the stark difference in ratings between Summer Commons and its competitors. Investigate the reasons behind these differences during your visits.
6. Ask each facility about their staff-to-resident ratios, training programs, and initiatives to improve care quality.
7. Compare the range of medical services offered, particularly if you have specific health needs.

7. Quality of Management and Staff Responsiveness

While specific details about management quality were limited in our research, the mixed reviews suggest there may be inconsistencies in care quality and staff responsiveness. The positive testimonial about impeccable care indicates that some staff members are highly attentive and caring.

Actionable Recommendation: To assess management quality and staff responsiveness:

1. During your visit, observe staff interactions with residents across different departments.
2. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios during various shifts, including nights and weekends.
3. Inquire about staff retention rates and ongoing training programs.
4. Request information on how the facility handles resident concerns or complaints.
5. Ask about the communication protocols between staff, residents, and families, especially regarding health updates or care plan changes.
6. Seek examples of how management has addressed and resolved past issues raised by residents or their families.

8. Unique Features and Programs

Summer Commons offers several features that set it apart from other facilities in the region:

1. On-site Medical Partnerships: The proximity to Goodall Hospital and Goodall Health Family Practice ensures residents have easy access to medical care when needed.
2. Comprehensive Care Continuum: The facility’s ability to provide a range of care levels allows residents to transition between services as their needs change without relocating.
3. Large Community Size: With 242 certified beds, Summer Commons can potentially offer a wider range of social opportunities and resources compared to smaller facilities.
4. Competitive Pricing: The lower starting price compared to local averages may make it an attractive option for budget-conscious seniors and families.

Actionable Recommendation: To fully appreciate these unique features:

1. During your tour, ask for specific examples of how the proximity to medical facilities has benefited residents in emergency situations or for routine care.
2. Inquire about the process for transitioning between different levels of care within the facility, and ask for examples of how this has worked for current residents.
3. Request details on any special programs or initiatives that leverage the facility’s size to enhance resident experiences, such as diverse activity offerings or specialized care units.
4. Discuss how the pricing structure allows for flexibility in care options and how it compares to other facilities when all services are considered.

9. Reputation and Recognition

While specific awards or recognitions for Summer Commons were not identified in our research, it’s important to note that the facility has been serving the community for over a decade. The long-standing presence in Sanford suggests a degree of community trust and integration.

However, it’s crucial to note that the facility has faced some regulatory challenges:

• 7 federal fines in the last 3 years, totaling $779,963
• 3 payment denials by Medicare in the last 3 years
• Flagged for abuse citation
• 40 health citations (compared to the Maine average of 12.4)

These issues suggest that the facility may be struggling with maintaining consistent quality standards and regulatory compliance.

Actionable Recommendation: To gain a deeper understanding of Summer Commons’ reputation:

1. Research local news articles or community publications for mentions of the facility.
2. Inquire about any partnerships or involvement with local organizations or events.
3. Ask the management about their plans for improving or maintaining the facility’s standing in the community.
4. Seek opinions from local healthcare professionals or senior care advisors about the facility’s reputation.
5. Review the facility’s plan to address and resolve the regulatory issues and citations.
6. Inquire about any recent changes in management or policies implemented to improve care quality and regulatory compliance.

10. Conclusion and Final Recommendations

Summer Commons offers a comprehensive range of services in a large-scale setting, with notable strengths in specialized care options and competitive entry-level pricing. However, the lower Medicare ratings, staffing concerns, and regulatory issues highlight significant areas that require careful consideration.

Final Actionable Steps:

1. Schedule Multiple Visits: Arrange tours at different times of day, including weekends and evenings, to get a comprehensive view of the facility’s operations and resident care.
2. Engage with Current Residents and Families: Make an effort to speak with current residents and their families outside of scheduled tour times to get unfiltered feedback on their experiences.
3. Review Recent Inspection Reports: Request and review the most recent state inspection reports to understand any ongoing issues and improvement plans.
4. Assess Staff Engagement: During your visit, observe staff interactions with residents and inquire about staff turnover rates and ongoing training programs.
5. Evaluate Care Transition Processes: Inquire about how the facility manages transitions between different levels of care, as this can be crucial for long-term planning.
6. Compare Rehabilitation Services: If rehabilitation is a priority, ask for success rates, average length of stay for short-term residents, and the qualifications of therapy staff.
7. Review Communication Protocols: Inquire about how the facility communicates with families, especially regarding health updates or care plan changes.
8. Consider Future Needs: Evaluate how Summer Commons’ range of services aligns with potential future health needs, ensuring the facility can accommodate changing care requirements over time.
9. Investigate Quality Improvement Plans: Given the regulatory issues, ask management about specific, actionable plans to improve care quality, staffing, and overall resident satisfaction.
10. Assess Value Proposition: Carefully weigh the lower costs against the potential trade-offs in care quality and amenities. Consider whether the savings justify any compromises in service or quality of life.

By thoroughly investigating these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that ensures the best possible care and quality of life for your loved one. Remember, while Summer Commons offers comprehensive services at competitive entry-level pricing, the lower quality ratings and regulatory issues necessitate careful consideration and personal verification of care standards before making a decision.