Having been a Caregiver for those afflicted Alzheimer's and Dementia for a number of years now, I have seen many memory care facilities throughout the city; my experience with this Brookdale care center was worse than awful.
I had a client there several years ago, and I have never been so disgusted by what I saw, experienced, or felt. Maybe things are different now, but back then, it was really bad.
What I saw: the residents at that time, were not supervised by staff when I was there, and were literally banging their walkers into each other. As they got more and more agitated, I chose to step in since no one else was around to. The residents were up wandering around at all hours of the night, and seemed to be free to go in each other's rooms; I, myself, witnessed other Brookdale inhabitants in my client's room. Some of her personal items turned up missing, and management couldn't account for either the missing items or intrusions; despite repeated requests, they did nothing about either.
What I experienced: 99% of the time when I arrived, the residents were pounding on the locked door and shouting "get me out;" when I opened the door, they would rush me and try to leave. I I would do my best to stop them, but couldn't alone control disorderly dementia invalids who nearly bowled me over as I tried to get to my client. Once again, there was no staff in sight.
What I felt: my stomach was in knots and I was constantly worried about my client...about her safety, health and welfare.
We chose to move her to a different facility where she thrived. Interestingly enough, a staff member from Brookdale predicted that my client would get "kicked out" of any establishment for her behaviors. Instead, she did better than ever.
It goes to show that positive attitudes, patience, understanding and staff members who are there can change anything read more