My child's father was taken in for hospice there after being diagnosed with cancer. The staff was amazing and very caring beautiful place inside and out. I definitely would recommend this place. read more

A Bad Experience. We chose Care Dimensions:Kaplan House in Danvers, MA for our loved one's end-of-life care after reading and hearing positive reviews. We made a last minute decision to switch and admit during a time of crises. Unfortunately, we did not have the same experience. I am sharing this review as a warning to other families who may be making this incredibly difficult decision. Our concerns were poor communication, limited patient check-ins, and staff making assumptions rather than taking the time to understand the individual patient's needs and wishes. We often felt that a "one-size-fits-all" approach was being used rather than individualized care. We were made to feel judged.. not my words.. these were the words of an aide on duty and told to back off and let them do their job. We also felt that family input was not welcomed or adequately considered. Despite communicating our loved one's wishes to staff, those wishes were not honored in the way we expected. We did not receive a consistent daily update or helpful info. regarding her condition or prognosis, which left us feeling uninformed, helpless and lost during an extremely critical time. We also had concerns about how some nurses and LNAs interacted with us and our loved one. We received a mix of care and icy interaction. In our experience, more training appeared to be needed in compassionate communication. There was a lack of communication with patients who were still lucid and able to express themselves rather than just giving orders to the patients not taking into consideration the patient's desires or needs for comfort. Our loved one entered Kaplan House lucid and able to stand on day one. By day two, she was unable to stand. By day three, she was having hallucinations, was unable to communicate, and then passed away. We understand that end-of-life decline can happen very quickly, but the lack of communication and our concerns about whether her individual needs and wishes were being adequately addressed made an already devastating experience even harder. We also experienced what appeared to be staffing limitations. There were times when we felt there simply were not enough staff available to provide the level of attention and individualized care we expected. I realize that every family's experience may be different, and I cannot speak for anyone else. This is simply what our family experienced. My strongest advice to families considering any hospice facility is: ask questions, clearly communicate your loved one's wishes, and stay involved and insist on a daily prognosis that we did not receive. If possible, have a family member present as much as possible. Families may not realize everything that is happening when they are not there. End-of-life care is an incredibly vulnerable time. However, if you are present overnight, insist on regular staff check-ins even if you stay - especially over night. Families deserve compassionate communication, individualized care, respect for the patient's wishes, not be judged, and to feel that their concerns are genuinely heard. I sincerely hope Kaplan House takes this feedback seriously and uses it to improve communication, staffing, compassion, and individualized care for future patients and their families. We made the mistake of changing hospice agencies last minute from Lahey Health at Home to Care Dimensions. The nurse who came out from Care Dimensions to admit did not know the situation and made harmful assumptions. Her inaccurate assessment set the tone for a traumatic 3 days which continues to this day. I waited to write this review to allow the grieving process. However, the experience has left me with ongoing unsettled sadness and regret for choosing Care Dimensions. Im giving 2 stars instead of one because one of the doctors was understanding and compassionate. Unfortunately, our contact with a doctors was towards the tail end of that misfortunate journey. read more

My brother in law spent his last days here. The rooms are beautiful and the ability to wheel the bed outside on the private patio meant a lot to my family. read more

I have had two of my grandparents spend their finals days at Kaplan and my family could not be happier with the service and experience we had with Kaplan. thank you to every member of the staff that has helped us out in 2021 and more recently this week. read more

My brother in law spent the last days of his life at the Kaplan Hospice House. The setting is beautiful.The care, concern and respect he received was outstanding. These Angels also cared for us, his family. Kudos to all the nurses, aides, volunteers, the doctor and to Monique,the social worker who helped us through a very difficult time. read more

I want to thank everyone at the Kaplan Hospice House. It was like a home away from home. My father passed away there. He had been in a hospital and then a rehab. The rehab was awful, so the thought of sending him somewhere else made us very nervous. The minute we stepped into Kaplan, we loved it. It is so comforting and peaceful. Every patient has a large, private room with a patio and restroom with a shower. There is a large pullout couch in the room and they also gave us mattresses so all of my family could sleep there. They have a full kitchen stocked with drinks, coffee, tea and a wide variety of baked goods prepared on sight. They have gardens, a library and chapel on the premises. The volunteers crochet blankets for every patient that the family can take home, along with therapy dogs, people that will sing in your room, reiki and more. Kaplan also provides grief counseling while you're there and continues after your loved one passes. We couldn't be happier with the care they provided to my father and the comfort they gave to us during this difficult time. Thank you! ​​ read more

Beautiful setting, kind & caring staff. My Aunt passed away peacefully and I could not have asked for more. My family and I deeply thank them for all the support we received there. A huge hug to Nurse Jackie and the amazing staff. read more

My mother died at Kaplan recently. When we arrived, she was able to walk, swallow and have a conversation. She had chest pain but was alert. They injected morphine (and maybe ativan, which was certainly administered at some times) and she never regained consciousness I was not given any warning this could happen so did not know that would be my last conversation. Her heart stopped two days later. I will never know what was natural dying and what was medication effects. I am used to being my mother's advocate and protector and feel that I failed her in a place that I trusted too much. read more

The nurse and other staff were so kind, gentle and caring for their patients as well as the family. You could see it was their personality and not just faking it. We came from Aberjona nursing home to Winchester Hospital to Kaplan and it was like night and day. I slept overnight in the room with my mom for 4 days. They took excellent care of her physically as well as music therapy. She never woke up while there but I could tell by facial expressions she was much more at piece. The rooms are large and open to private patios and a walking path around the building that was just enough if you need to take a walk. I highly recommend. read more

Up until a week before my oldest brother died, I'd never even heard of Kaplan. However, after I started informing friends that we were moving him there, I discovered that many acquaintances had used Kaplan's services for their own relatives and were deeply pleased with the service. In a time of grief, there's a lot of things that are important that might not even occur to a person who hasn't gone through it. Kaplan Hospice seems to have all of that covered. The fact that I was going through such a difficult time made me appreciate their service all the more. I won't go into all the details of the facility because those are all listed very neatly and professionally on the website, accessible in the details section, but I will list the things that made my (our) time there very comfortable. 1. The whole place, from the moment you pull in the driveway, to the moment you are with your loved one, is very peaceful. People aren't rushing around or casually chatting about the ills of the world, it really feels, sometimes, as if the place really is there for you. 2. The hallways are very wide. This might just be practical for when they have to wheel hospital beds in, or deceased people out, but it truly adds to the "Feng Shui" of the place as there's a deep impression of spaciousness in your mind; 3. There's a 24-hr kitchen. Each day, a staff member bakes a bunch of cakes and cookies that are put out throughout the night so no one ever goes hungry. There is always fresh coffee available and a variety of teas. A refrigerator is available for anything visitors want to bring that requires it. If you come from work, and forget to stop and eat, etc, there will be something there to tide you over. 4. There are generous, spacious seating areas, some with sofas and widescreen TVs. I think there's about 11-12 rooms there and some people have big families. Everyone CAN be in their loved one's room at once, it's up to them, but most don't do that and they need a place to hang out and chit-chat, or just de-stress for a while. There's plenty of room for that. 5. The premises, which I didn't travel around too much seem nice to take a loved one for a stroll, or to wheel around; 6. Pets allowed. No one will even blink an eye if your dog or cat comes strolling through. They generally aren't supposed to be left unattended but some of them were strolling around and it was kinda nice. 7. The stay-over rooms are spacious... a little bigger than an ordinary hotel room but each has a few big chairs, a small eating table, and a couch that slightly mods into a bed. Sleeping over is always ok. And the bathrooms are, obviously, equipped for people who are challenged in a variety of ways. 8. The nursing staff that I got to know was always friendly and compassionate. They are really there to serve. They don't interfere or interrupt with you, or anything a family might be doing, but they do come in to check on your loved one and to administer medicines when needed. And, they often ask how you're doing and will listen to you if you need to talk for a bit. 9. I did not take advantage of it, but someone told me they offer 3 free counseling sessions with a grief counselor/social worker. If you need it, it's there for you. Take it seriously if you're stressed out. It's free and since stress is damaging, it might be just the thing you need. 10. The location is set back from the main road but, in general, the entrance is a hop, skip and a jump from the route 128 ramp, exit 22 at Route 62. It's pretty easy to get to from a lot of places on the North Shore. 11. Did I mention the cakes and cookies? ;) Ok, seriously, if you're in need of obtaining hospice care for a loved one, The Kaplan Family Hospice House should definitely be on your list of places to check out. I'm confident anyone, and everyone, will find this place extremely satisfying. read more

I thought this facility was beautiful. Most of the staff was comforting but the woman who worked in the kitchen area when my Father-in-Law stayed there was quite rude to both myself and my husband. They said he could eat anytime and anything that was on the menu. He had not eaten his lunch and when I asked for something different for his dinner she said why doesn't he just eat the grilled cheese I made him for lunch and brought it to him. He was not happy. My husband asked her for some apple juice mixed with water and she brought straight juice. He was only there 5 days before he passed away. read more

Great very kind staff. They helped to make a very hard situation a little easier.

My brother is at the Kaplan House as we speak. I can say that this place is amazing. It is so peaceful and calming. After dealing with two very ill parents over the years, I only wish there was a pace like this for them years ago. The staff at the Kaplan House are so helpful. The rooms are comfortable and private. This is making a very difficult time somewhat easier. Thank you to all the staff for what you do. read more

Although Kaplan house is a lovely setting, I would not recommend sending your dying loved one to this place.... IF... you are considering taking your loved home. PLEASE...take them home. The doctors of Salem Hospital convinced us to bring my mother here. I didn't want to and my mother wanted to go home, but the rest of the family members chose this. Mind you she was able to speak before she went there. They drugged her for the ride over there and she never woke up. They basically killed her from dehydration which with tears I begged them not to let me mom die of dehydration. I fought hard with these doctors and nurses AND THEY WERE THE RUDEST and cruelest GROUP OF nurses and aids I HAVE EVER MET IN THE 6 MONTHS of my mom's hospitalizations. As far as I'm concerned this organization must get paid on how quick they can assist people to die. Horrible, detestable experience! read more

My grandmother passed away at Kaplan last week and I am eternally grateful for everything they did for her. They made her final days very peaceful and comfortable. The nurses and aids were attentive and helped any way they could. This is a wonderful place and I wish that all end of life experiences could be so graceful and peaceful. read more

I had a family member staying here and I have never had to visit a hospice before. I was really impressed with the facilities and how they made it feel like you were home even though you are essentially in a medical facility. My aunt was lucky enough to check out of Kaplan House in better shape than when she entered. I am sure that it was partly due to the great comfort and care they took. read more

The care my mother received was extraordinary. It made a huge difference in both the quality of her last days and my family's ability to share those days with her. The staff (particularly the nurse Richard) was deeply kind and supportive. And the facility is beautiful and comfortable. Seeing someone you love wither is unspeakably sad and difficult. But truly, they helped make the experience a little less painful and a little more beautiful. My entire family will be eternally grateful. read more

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Absolutely amazing place ..the staff is caring ,extremely knowledgeable and just wonderful .You feel as if you and your family and loved one are at home only you have medical services 24/7. . .....I stayed with my sister )and her journey to final peace was so special and in part due to the Kaplan House .Our very large family was welcomed with open arms .I have been a nurse for many years and have never seen the care that was provided at the Kaplan House ......With my deepest Thanks Mary R ...Miami read more

My mother passed here and the staff was awful. We begged for apriest and none was ever even called, I was told over the phone that my mother was getting v afraid at one point, who would tell a person that over the phone? Horrible place, please do not place your loved ones here. read more

Kaplan house... Where to begin? My review stems from my fathers recent stay at Kaplan house, and my families beautiful experience during his stay. My father essentially out of what seemed like nowhere, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In January of this year he was officially diagnosed and we lost him in the middle of February. After a few weeks the hospital my father was at decided that he needed to be discharged into a rehab facility. My father spent a little over a week at a local rehabilitation facility/nursing home, and his condition quickly started to decline. When he started to decline to point where hospice was being discussed, we started to hear the same word over and over again; Kaplan. More specifically we kept hearing only amazing things about The Kaplan Family Hospice House. Although his stay was short, it truly made a huge difference in what was and is a very troubling, difficult, and heartbreaking time for my family. Like other reviewers, the experience really started from the first minute I walked in the building. You are greeted by a few receptionists who will assist you in signing in and also guide you to your loved ones room. Along the way you start to notice how calm and beautiful the interior of the building really is, and how Kaplan's architecture truly promotes a positive experience for individuals going through a generally negative time. There are no white walls, no beeping, and most definitely no cold, emotionless stares. You will see different amenities such as the library, chapel, shared kitchen, as well as the large hallways connecting the buildings different areas. These large hallways contain lovely artwork and very comfortable furniture for family members and visitors to share. After the kind employees of Kaplan guide you to your family members room you realize how nice their facility really is. Patient's rooms are furnished with couches and recliners (not as comfortable as the ones in the hallway, but close!) and some have a very nice view of the Danversport area and the nice marsh out back of the building. Other rooms have beautiful views of the facility's courtyards, while all rooms are equally comforting and well setup to meed the needs of your beloved family member. Seeing a family member in hospice is never easy. This visit was my first at Kaplan and second to a family member in Hospice in general, and I can't say how amazing Kaplan really is. Not just the building itself, but its nurses, its staff members, and even their maintenance guy was out-of-his-way supportive to my mother and I. It is something that must be experienced if you find your family looking for a Hospice care facility. One of the biggest aspects I enjoyed about Kaplan was having their Chaplain and Therapists around to speak with when needed. Before my father had reached the point where he needed hospice a close friend had told me of his experience with Kaplan. His father had been at Kaplan a year or two prior, and he told me one thing: Take advantage of Kaplan's therapy program, and speak with someone when you feel you need it. Along the way, we were reminded that there were therapists around to speak with when needed, and that after the death of our loved one that Kaplan offers grief support for up to 13 months (free of charge!) after your loved one passes away. One on one therapy is free for so many visits, and they also offer free group therapy. All I can really say is that when we lose the ones we love, it is never easy. Kaplan, however, made things exponentially more positive for my mother, my extended family, and myself. I would recommend The Kaplan Family Hospice House to any family seeking Hospice Care services in the North Shore Massachusetts area. read more

We are very grateful for the care received. The facility is beautiful, the staff kind competent and unobtrusive and we were in good hands.

Beautiful facility and excellent care. Most of the staff was very pleasant. Had an incident where one of the staff was very rude to me about having brought my children to visit my father. The hospice website is very family friendly and mentions children plenty. They have multiple playrooms with toys that are small rooms but not closed off. I wrote an e-mail to the facility explaining the situation that occured and asking for clarification on their policies and procedures and what was acceptable and received no response. A male nurse came to my children and I and raised his voice saying "People are dying here!" Now explain that to my 3 year old that keeps on repeating it. They shouldn't welcome children and shouldn't have playrooms that aren't behind closed doors if they don't want children. My children were not loud and crazy. If you ask me, hearing happy children isn't the worst thing to hear as you are dying. We ended up leaving very quickly and upset, leaving my upset father as well. read more