Karen Flynn
Jun 2026
This place is the absolute worst. Every single experience I have had here is horrific! They don't care about their patients, only the money. If you love someone, don't bring them here.
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 219
- Medicare rating
- 4 of 5
- Ownership
- Government, City
- Certified beds
- 219
- Inspections
- View history (48 citations)
- Ownership
- One of few municipally owned nursing facilities
- Extra service
- On-site adult day program available
- Family involvement
- Families included in resident care plan meetings
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Barron Center is a municipally owned skilled nursing facility in Portland, Maine, where most reviewers describe warm, hands-on care from long-tenured staff and strong family communication, especially for residents with dementia. One reviewer had a starkly negative experience and felt care was inadequate, showing a split in sentiment despite an overall favorable rating.
The Good
- Staff described as kind, patient, and attentive
- Strong communication with families about care and health updates
- Compassionate, trained care for dementia residents
- Many staff have worked there 20+ years
- Adult day program offered on-site
- Families invited to participate in care planning
The Bad
- One reviewer described care as inadequate and profit-focused
- Facility decor and flooring noted as dated by one reviewer
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Barron Center is a senior living community in Portland, Maine offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Gathering / Activity Spaces, Social Activities and Housekeeping. Families rate it 3.9 out of 5 across 27 reviews.
About Barron Center
Barron Center is a skilled nursing and long-term care facility in Portland, Maine, licensed to serve 219 residents. As a municipally owned operation, it provides medical-model care alongside social and therapeutic programming.
Families consistently praise the clinical competence and kindness of the staff across all roles, nurses, certified nursing assistants, and housekeeping. Residents receive attentive personal care and grooming, and families report that staff are transparent about health updates and genuinely engaged with residents' dignity. One family noted that after a loved one with advanced dementia struggled in a private-pay setting, the transition to Barron Center brought "trained, compassionate care-givers" who made a marked difference. The facility also operates an adult day program, which reviewers identify as a rare emphasis on meaningful social engagement in the long-term care landscape.
The community holds a 3.9 out of 5 Google rating based on 27 reviews. While the vast majority of feedback is strongly positive, reflecting deep family satisfaction with care quality and staff relationships, a single one-star review suggests experiences vary significantly. Prospective families may want to discuss specific care needs and visit directly to understand fit.
Types of Care at Barron Center
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Emergency Call System
- Wheelchair Accessible
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Chapel / Religious Services
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
Activities
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Barron Center
3.9overall · 27 ratings combined
3.9★ on Google (27)
Kaitlyn Morse
Jul 2025
Barron Center brings something rare to the landscape of long-term care. While it follows a more traditional medical model, the team here creates meaningful social opportunities—including a robust adult day program, which remains one of the most underrepresented services in our system. I’ve heard it’s one of only a few municipally owned long-term care facilities in the country, and that civic commitment shows. Programs like this deserve more attention—and more replication.
Victoria Machado
Feb 2021
My grandmother has been at the Barron Center for a couple years and I am always impressed with how caring and friendly the staff is. Not just the wonderful nurses, but the CNAs and housekeeping are incredibly kind and generous. Even though this past year has been so difficult, the staff has been beyond incredible. I can’t imagine how difficult this has been for them and they still make sure to keep us updated about my grandmother. And working to get visits. A special shout out to Haley for being so kind to my grandmother. But everyone has been amazing. I really can’t imagine better people to take care of my grandmother. I wish I knew how to really thank everyone there. You have all been amazing.
Janet Coulter
Feb 2021
My sister-in-law has been a resident at the Barron Center for 3 years. As her Guardian I am responsible for monitoring her well-being. I am so profoundly grateful to the staff for their kind and competent care. She is always clean, groomed and dressed well. Staff are not evasive when you ask for health updates. From the floor nurses and supervisor to the social work staff, families are encouraged to participate in your loved ones care plans. The top administrators have been especially candid in their weekly updating of Covid related news. Even the Business office is helpful and patient when dealing with the bureaucratic headaches of complicated elder care systems. But it is the daily care that has impressed us most. There is a dedication you feel from the staff for this important work. Many staff members have been there for over 20 years and more. To me, that speaks volumes about the community of care so prevalent at the Barron Center. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.
David williams
Apr 2017
I have been very impressed with the Barron Center. My mother has been disabled with dementia for three years. She was placed in a private home initially but we quickly learned that they were not sufficiently trained to cope with higher level dementia patients. They were incompetent. My mother was transferred to the Barron Center. What a difference!! Trained, compassionate care-givers. Yes, it is a state run institution; the wall paper isn't new, the floors are stained; but the care-givers are compassionate and respond remarkably well to their charges. My mother has done well there.
Government Inspection History
4 inspection visits in the last three years, 48 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Aug 21, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard22 citations
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 26, 2025
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 26, 2025
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Jan 30, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 27, 2025
Jul 21, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard18 citations
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 26, 2022
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 26, 2022
Establish emergency prep training and testing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2022
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 26, 2022
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 26, 2022
Have a battery powered remote alarm panel in a location accessible by operating personnel.
Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 31, 2022
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 26, 2022
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 26, 2022
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 26, 2022
Jan 9, 2020Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard7 citations
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 18, 2020
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 18, 2020
Establish policies and procedures including evacuation.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 18, 2020
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 18, 2020
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 18, 2020
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 24, 2020
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 18, 2020
Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does Barron Center offer?
Barron Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Barron Center located?
Barron Center is located at 1145 Brighton Ave in Portland, Maine.
What do families say about Barron Center?
Barron Center is a municipally owned skilled nursing facility in Portland, Maine, where most reviewers describe warm, hands-on care from long-tenured staff and strong family communication, especially for residents with dementia. One reviewer had a starkly negative experience and felt care was inadequate, showing a split in sentiment despite an overall favorable rating.
How did Barron Center do on recent health and safety inspections?
Barron Center had 4 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 48 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.
How can families visit Barron Center?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Barron Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Barron Center? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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