The Hickman stands as a nonprofit personal care community that's served West Chester and Chester County since 1891, with deep Quaker roots that show up in the way the staff gives individual attention and keeps a gentle, friendly atmosphere, and you will notice the buildings-a mix of old-world charm and modern comfort-on a pleasant campus with big trees and gardens right in a quiet West Chester neighborhood that's within walking distance of restaurants, shops, the YMCA, the university, and the downtown area. The Hickman offers 74 studio and one-bedroom suites in the Anna T. Jeanes Building, with more historic features in the Hickman Building, and is fully wheelchair accessible, plus there are accessible showers, parking, high-speed WiFi, phone, and cable. Residents can choose independent living, Independent Plus+, assisted living, or memory care services; staff gives help according to each person's needs and changes in health, with regular personal care assessments and care that covers medication reminders, mobility help, and supervised recreational activities.
The Hickman has indoor and outdoor spaces for socializing, with plenty of places to walk, gardens, patios, and rooms for activities like art and crafts, pottery with a kiln, fitness, music, and an exercise room-and there's even a library, a piano, a TV lounge, a meeting room, a beauty salon for hair and grooming, and a gift shop if anyone wants something special. Respite care, hospice, and "aging in place" options help people when they need short-term or extra care, and there's a secure dementia care program that is set up to keep seniors with memory problems safe, while memory care services focus on activities to keep minds as sharp as possible and reduce confusion or wandering. On-site chefs and meal planners prepare nutritious meals in a restaurant-style setting, where guest meals are welcome, and spiritual needs are met with various religious and devotional services, including visits from chaplains and Catholic services both on and offsite. The community is pet friendly and has pet therapy to cheer people up, and the Hickman often brings in younger generations for intergenerational activities.
The staff is trained to help with medical needs-offering personal care, visiting physicians, mobile labs, and therapies like physical, occupational, speech, and music therapy-and there are partnerships with local physician groups, Gateway Internal Medicine, and healthcare facilities nearby, including a pharmacy. Laundry, housekeeping, and dry-cleaning services are all weekly and included, along with free parking, plus the Hickman offers transportation for an extra cost if residents need a ride to an appointment or outing. The Hickman's calendar always includes social, educational, and entertaining activities that help body and mind, from fitness and wellness programs to cultural events and cognitive health activities for those who need it. Residents come from all backgrounds and faiths, drawn by a small, community-oriented feel where people soon get to know each other and the staff is known for being helpful and kind, which is part of why the Hickman has received awards like Best of Senior Living, but the most important thing is the long history of providing a safe, respectful, and warm home for seniors who want company, care, and a place to belong as they get older.
