Hawthorne House, located in Freeport, Maine, is a certified nursing home and residential care facility providing both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care for older adults. With a capacity for 76 residents, the facility offers services for individuals who require skilled nursing, assistance with daily living, or specialized memory care. It is certified by Medicare and Medicaid and has participated in Medicare since January 1, 1993. As of late 2023, Hawthorne House became part of the OceanView at Falmouth family, with announced intentions for facility improvements.
Care services at Hawthorne House include support for seniors with memory loss, such as memory care units designed to accommodate residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The staff receive specialized memory care training and the community is secured with wander guard systems to help prevent unsupervised exits. Care is also available for residents with diabetes, those who are ambulatory, and for individuals needing incontinence support. Medication management, dental care, incontinence care, and regular nursing support are provided onsite. An enclosed courtyard and outdoor walking paths are available for resident use, and the facility has a secured layout for additional safety. Amenities include access to a barber/beauty salon, club and community activities, and both resident and family counseling services.
Resident and family reviews, however, raise significant concerns regarding quality of care, staff communication, and medical oversight at Hawthorne House. Reports frequently mention delayed or missing communication, especially when residents are transferred to or from the hospital, leading to situations where family members were not notified promptly about emergencies or care changes. Discharge planning has drawn criticism for being incomplete, with some noting inadequate instructions after discharge, missing medical or dietary information, and lack of necessary supplies. Difficulty reaching nursing staff, particularly at night, has been noted, as well as lapses in the delivery of timely medical treatments and medication. Families also reported issues with mishandled personal belongings and general frustrations with management responsiveness and accountability. While CNAs tended to be viewed positively for their work, they were noted to be understaffed during some shifts. Many reviewers do not recommend Hawthorne House based on these experiences, though ongoing planned improvements by new ownership may address some of these reported challenges.
Costs at this community start at $10,707 and range up to $12,420. The average price in the community is $11,564, which is more than the average price in the area of $6,922. The cost of nursing homes 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.
