Edmund Stubbs
Apr 2026
We went to share music with residents. They loved it.
1 / 2Quick Facts
- Total units
- 64
- Medicare rating
- 4 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Limited Liability company
- Certified beds
- 64
- Inspections
- View history (35 citations)
- Rehab focus
- Short-term rehab for patients discharged from hospital
- Respite care
- Offers respite stays for short-term care needs
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Most reviewers describe Summer Commons as warm and welcoming, praising the staff, activities like music and gardening, and successful rehabilitation outcomes after hospital stays. However, one detailed review raises serious concerns about staffing levels, care quality, and safety that families should weigh carefully.
The Good
- Friendly, welcoming staff noted by multiple reviewers
- Music, gardening, and cookie-baking activities for residents
- Strong rehab outcomes reported after hip surgery
- Families feel comfortable with day-to-day care
The Bad
- One detailed report of understaffing and inconsistent care
- One report of inadequate, non-evidence-based physical therapy
- One report of a preventable UTI leading to hospitalization
- One report of lost hearing aids and dismissive staff responses
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Summer Commons is a senior living community in Sanford, Maine offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 3.7 out of 5 across 12 reviews.
About Summer Commons
Summer Commons is a nursing home located in the heart of Sanford, Maine, offering skilled nursing, long-term nursing, memory care, rehabilitation, and respite services in a supportive, home-like environment.
The community provides short-term care programs for patients discharged from hospitals who need rehabilitation to return home, as well as long-term care for residents who are unable to return home safely. Memory Care Communities at Summer Commons specialize in care and programs for persons with memory loss from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Summer Commons is designed to promote comfort, connection, and personalized care for every person. The community offers nutritious, freshly prepared meals with daily menu selections as part of its amenities.
The facility accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and private insurance.
Types of Care at Summer Commons
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Emergency Call System
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Restaurant style Dining Room
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
Activities
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Summer Commons
3.7overall · 12 ratings combined
3.7★ on Google (12)
Jazmin Buck
Nov 2024
My mom broke both of her hips and this place was incredible. This is how every rehab/nursing home facility should be.
Wendy Caron
Jun 2024
My Mom recently moved to Summer Commons. Her room was very clean apon move in. I found the staff warm and welcoming. They have musicians that come in during the week and at times the residents are up and dancing. Yes my Mom is one of them. Cookie baking, gardening are just some of the activities. When I arrive in the lobby I am greeted and ask if I have any questions or concerns. They always ask me how Mom is settling in too. I feel comfortable with Mom being there and that she is getting the care she needs as well as making new friends.
Joseph DeSenti
Mar 2024
My great aunt is very well taken care of by a very friendly staff. A huge relief. I would recommend to anyone that needs care.
Jennifer Brine
Nov 2023
Summer Commons looks like a beautiful facility. The operations on the inside are chaotic and can not support your loved ones without your advocacy. The facility faces problems that many facilities face, but solutions are not being employed. * They often don't have enough staff. * Their staff is not highly trained in the most up-to-date evidence-based care. * Physical Therapy Services for the oldest clients equals them telling you your person plateaus and there is no more they can do. Current evidence does not support this. It instead says that the individual's rehabilitation program is insufficient to help them reach their goals (which means the therapist needs to go to the drawing board and become more educated, creative etc). Generally speaking the BPS model can fix this and is the gold standard for care. They won’t use it. Your situation will depend on your loved one's conditions, history, etc. In our case, the services are not evidence-based but instead guidelines discordant and they bully you to be ok with this. * If your loved one has hearing aids, you can plan for them to get lost more than 1x for days or weeks at a time. * Your loved one will experience preventable UTIs (unless you advocate). * The staff on the floor will be rude, dismissive, and defensive if you know your rights and advocate for them. Continue to advocate. You know your rights; most people don't. They hire emotionally immature staff and this reflects incredible poor training. Your best resource is: REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE LICENSING AND FUNCTIONING OF SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES AND NURSING FACILITIES. Read through it, know it. 1) Form a resident council to advocate for better policies and procedures throughout the facility. 2) Be active in your loved one's care planning meetings. Don't be afraid to speak up for what you see and need. The facility can not retaliate because you advocate for better, stronger, healthier care. You may get what you need if you advocate with the right people. 3) Long Term Care Ombudsman Program helps you advocate. Don't be afraid to use them if your loved one is in a Long Term Care facility (LTV) and you are not getting what you need. They are amazing and can really help make changes. Just give them a call and talk through your concerns. ( You do need to be a power of attorney). 4) This facility does not routinely test for UTIs even though they are required to help prevent them. "UTI treatment represents 30% to 50% of antibiotic use in LTC facilities." You know your loved one. ADVOCATE! You might hear, "They are expensive," or "They are just so hard to do (if your loved one is incontinent, you may hear, "They simply don't need one.” Given the statistics and how easily this can affect someone’s quality of life - advocate! We have repeatedly advocated and heard many of the thing above . Eventually, our loved one had a week-long hospitalization from an untreated, preventable UTI.. Despite this, every time we request a UTI test, we are NOT listened to. Our loved one is now in a situation where they need a hoyer lift (they can’t move on there own). There is mountains of research that show how to prevent this even in advanced age. This place doesn’t care. This company that runs this facility grosses 50+ million dollars a year. Demand better care for your loved ones.
Government Inspection History
5 inspection visits in the last three years, 35 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Aug 27, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard12 citations
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 4, 2025
Install a two-hour-resistant firewall separation.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 8, 2025
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 15, 2025
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 3, 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 30, 2025
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 22, 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 3, 2025
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 20, 2025
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 3, 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 B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 3, 2025
May 23, 2025Fire Safety Complaint1 citation
Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 28, 2025
Jan 24, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 6, 2024
Nov 16, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard19 citations
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 Dec 27, 2022
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 Dec 27, 2022
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 27, 2022
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 27, 2022
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 23, 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 Dec 23, 2022
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 Dec 23, 2022
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 23, 2022
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 27, 2022
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 Dec 23, 2022
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 23, 2022
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 23, 2022
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 23, 2022
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 27, 2022
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 27, 2022
Provide properly sized and located linen or trash receptacles.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 27, 2022
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 27, 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 Dec 27, 2022
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 23, 2022
Dec 11, 2019Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard2 citations
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 24, 2020
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 24, 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 Summer Commons offer?
Summer Commons offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Summer Commons located?
Summer Commons is located at 21 June Street in Sanford, Maine.
What do families say about Summer Commons?
Most reviewers describe Summer Commons as warm and welcoming, praising the staff, activities like music and gardening, and successful rehabilitation outcomes after hospital stays. However, one detailed review raises serious concerns about staffing levels, care quality, and safety that families should weigh carefully.
How did Summer Commons do on recent health and safety inspections?
Summer Commons had 5 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 35 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 Summer Commons?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Summer Commons and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Summer Commons? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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