Decatur House, located in Sandwich, Massachusetts, is a privately owned assisted living community serving older adults who require support with daily living activities. The facility emphasizes a homelike environment and offers a range of supportive services tailored to residents who need assistance with daily routines such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Decatur House is noted for its small, welcoming atmosphere, with a design that many residents and families describe as reminiscent of a bed and breakfast. Residents have access to private or semi-private accommodations, communal dining, and recreational spaces, with meals, housekeeping, and social activities provided as part of the base services.
The care at Decatur House is focused on assistance with activities of daily living, including full support with bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting. Medication management is offered to help ensure residents follow their prescribed regimens, though there have been some concerns around the timeliness of medication administration during certain periods. The facility provides incontinence care, ambulatory assistance, hospice care coordination, and supports diabetic residents with their care needs. Podiatry and dental care services are available, typically through visiting professionals or by arranging external appointments. Laundry and dry cleaning services help residents maintain their personal belongings. Personal care is further enhanced by an on-site barber and beauty salon. While Decatur House offers supportive care, it does not provide skilled nursing or memory care services, which may limit its capacity to fully support residents with significant medical or advanced dementia needs. Clubs, community events, and organized activities are available to enhance socialization, though some reviews indicate that the activity schedule can be limited, particularly during quieter times.
For transportation, Decatur House offers both complimentary and at-cost options to facilitate medical appointments and non-medical outings, supporting resident mobility and access to the broader community. These transportation services assist residents in maintaining their independence and attending necessary appointments or engaging in community activities outside the facility.
Resident and family feedback often highlights Decatur House's personable and attentive staff, a high level of communication with families, and a management team that is actively involved in the daily life of the community. Many families observe improvements in residents' well-being, mood, and appetite after moving into the facility. Consistent praise is given for the clean, attractive accommodations, meal quality, and the well-maintained grounds. Criticisms center on limited staff availability overnight, challenges in managing complex medical needs, occasional delays in services, and a desire for a broader range of activities. Despite these concerns, most resident and family experiences reflect satisfaction with the comfort, safety, and care found at Decatur House.
Costs at this community start at $5,950 and range up to $6,300. The average price in the community is $6,125, which is less than the average price in the area of $7,299. The cost of assisted living in this area is essentially the same as the cost throughout the state. If the resident needs other services, additional services may increase the monthly cost.
