Windward Gardens, located at 105 Mechanic Street, Camden, ME 04843, is a senior living and healthcare facility operated by Genesis HealthCare. This facility offers multiple levels of care in a suburban setting with views of the Camden Hills.

Types of Services Offered

Skilled Nursing Care

Windward Gardens primarily functions as a skilled nursing facility offering 24-hour care. Licensed nurses spend approximately 3.4 hours daily per resident, with care provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. The facility offers:

• Post-hospital rehabilitation
• Short-term rehabilitation
• Long-term care
• Respite care services

Assisted Living

Windward Gardens includes 30 assisted living units for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Services include:

• Medication management
• 24-hour supervision
• Assistance with bathing, dressing, and transfers
• Coordination with healthcare providers

Memory Care

The facility offers specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The memory care area features:

• Alarm systems to aid in the security of residents with cognitive deficits
• Structured activities designed for memory-challenged residents
• Specialized care from trained staff

Transitional Care

The facility includes a 12-bed transitional care unit designed to help patients recover and prepare to return home following hospital stays, surgeries, or acute illnesses.

Amenities

Windward Gardens offers a variety of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life:

Accommodations

• Semi-private and limited private room options
• Telephone service in rooms
• Cable television
• Furnished rooms available

Common Areas

• Comfortable common and lounge areas for gathering with friends and family
• Country kitchen
• Dining room with café offering always-available menu options
• Private dining rooms for family gatherings
• Garden and outdoor spaces with walking paths
• Computer with internet access
• Wireless internet throughout the facility

Services

• Beauty salon/barber services
• Housekeeping
• Laundry facilities on-site
• Mail and newspaper service
• Pharmaceutical delivery service
• Transportation arrangement
• Emergency alert system

Daily Activities

Windward Gardens provides structured daily activities to promote resident engagement and wellbeing:

• Scheduled daily activities program
• Community-sponsored activities
• Movie nights
• Arts and crafts
• Exercise opportunities via walking paths
• Social events
• Group outings using the facility’s shuttle bus

Some reviewers have noted that while activities are available, there could be “fewer choices in terms of activities” compared to other facilities.

Testimonials from Residents and Families

Reviews of Windward Gardens present a mixed picture, with the facility receiving varying ratings across different platforms:

• 3.8 out of 5 based on 5 reviews on Caring.com
• 2.3 out of 5 based on Customer Satisfaction Ratings on the Genesis HealthCare website
• 8.7 resident review score from Family Assets

Positive Testimonials

“My grandmother had had multiple falls before she ended up going to Windward Gardens in Camden, Maine. At first she was not excited about this and, with the generation she grew up with, felt we were ‘committing’ her. I’d say that within about a week she had grown to love it there. The staff was always so warm and welcoming and she quickly found that she had found a new home and group of friends. Their shuttle bus made her capable of continuing to go on shopping trips and going to church… The last Christmas I spent at Windward Gardens was the best Christmas I have ever had.”

“My mother is at this facility for rehabilitation after having a stroke. I am in Georgia and she has told me what a pleasure the staff is and that they have treated her as if she was their only patient. With me being so far away, I am more at ease knowing she is well cared for. She has said the food is good also. Today is actually her birthday and she said that so many people there have made her birthday very special. They even brought her a gift from Dunkin Donuts.”

Critical Testimonials

“I was a resident my stay started out good then went downhill in longterm. Call bell went unanswered for hrs left in wet bed all night after being incontinent due to being unable to get up by myself no one answered. Felt 100% totally left alone at night lazy worker put my call bell out of my reach when I talked to social worker about concerns was assured concerns would be addressed with family and myself nobody cared enough to even get back to me or my family.”

Some reviews indicate concerns about limited private room options, with most accommodations being shared, which may not meet all residents’ preferences.

Pricing Information

Windward Gardens operates on a monthly rental model with pricing that varies based on the level of care and accommodation type:

• Overall costs range from $3,989 to $9,898 per month
• The average price is $6,944, which is higher than the average cost of nursing homes in the Camden area ($6,221)
• A semi-private room costs approximately $4,950 per month, which is higher than both the Knox County average ($3,983) and the Maine state average ($4,685)
• Seniorly.com reports a slightly lower average price of $4,661

The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans for skilled nursing care.

Comparison with Similar Facilities in Camden Area

When comparing Windward Gardens to other senior living options in the Camden area, several factors stand out:

Quality Ratings

Windward Gardens has received mixed ratings from regulatory bodies:

• Overall Medicare rating: 1 out of 5 stars (bottom 20% of facilities)
• Quality rating: 3 out of 5 stars
• Staff rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Deficiencies and Incidents

The facility has reported:

• 1 Health Complaint Deficiency
• 4 Health Standard Deficiencies
• 5 Total Deficiencies Reported
• 1 Total Complaints Reported
• 1 Total Incidents Reported

Value Comparison

While Windward Gardens’ pricing is higher than regional averages, some features may justify the premium:

• The facility has received the AHCA Bronze Quality Award
• The suburban setting with views of Camden Hills provides an attractive environment
• The facility offers a continuum of care from assisted living to skilled nursing in one location

There are limited direct competitors in the immediate Camden area, with the closest alternatives being:

• Harbor Hill Center in Belfast (16 miles away)
• Oak Grove Center in Waterville (36.4 miles away)
• Cedar Ridge Center in Skowhegan (50.2 miles away)

Conclusion

Windward Gardens offers a comprehensive range of senior care services in Camden, Maine, with a focus on skilled nursing and rehabilitation. The facility provides various amenities including comfortable common areas, dining options, and personal care services in a suburban setting with views of the Camden Hills.

Reviews and ratings present a mixed picture, with some residents and families praising the compassionate staff and quality of care, while others express concerns about staffing levels and response times. The facility’s pricing is higher than regional averages, which may be a consideration for families with budget constraints.

For families considering Windward Gardens, it’s advisable to schedule a tour, speak with current residents and staff, and carefully evaluate whether the facility’s specific strengths align with their loved one’s needs and preferences. The facility’s location in Camden may be particularly valuable for families who want to keep their loved ones in the Mid-Coast region of Maine while providing access to needed care services.