Brookdale Gardens of Tarzana

Pros

• Residents at Brookdale Gardens of Tarzana appreciate the clean and well-maintained facility, which contributes to a positive atmosphere.
• The staff members are frequently described as friendly, personable, and attentive, creating a welcoming environment for both residents and their families.
• Many families feel that their loved ones receive excellent care and enjoy a variety of activities offered by the community.
• The dining experience is highly praised, with compliments on the quality of food and the chef's attentiveness to residents' preferences.
• Visitors note that the small size of the community fosters individual attention and stronger connections among residents and staff.
• New residents often report feeling welcomed and supported during their transition into assisted living.
• The facility provides opportunities for social engagement through diverse activities like games, crafts, and outings, enhancing residents’ quality of life.
• Families express satisfaction with the communication from staff regarding their loved ones' needs and well-being.
• Positive impressions from tours highlight the homely atmosphere in contrast to traditional nursing homes, making Brookdale an appealing option for many families.
• Overall experiences indicate that families feel reassured knowing that their loved ones are cared for compassionately at Brookdale Gardens of Tarzana.

Cons

• The aides are great, but there are not enough of them, resulting in long waits for help.
• The administrative staff is inadequate, leading to slow operations and communication.
• The new activity director has not provided a variety of engaging activities, resulting in repetitive events like bingo and cards.
• There has been a lack of transportation services due to an absence of drivers and a broken van for over a year.
• Concerns regarding personal care, including wet pads and unaddressed falls, were met with rudeness and defensiveness by the staff.
• Refund requests were mishandled by management despite providing necessary documentation, causing frustration for family members.
• Health deterioration occurred after leaving the facility, leaving family members heartbroken and dissatisfied with Brookdale's care.
• Some residents experienced issues with food quality, caregiving inadequacies, and general organizational problems within the facility.
• A tour revealed layout restrictions that did not meet specific needs for younger residents or those looking for different accommodations.

Review

Brookdale Gardens of Tarzana has garnered a mixed bag of reviews from residents and their families, highlighting both the positive aspects of the facility and some areas that require improvement. Many reviewers appreciate the overall environment, describing it as clean and welcoming. The facility boasts a positive vibe with well-mannered staff who are dedicated to maintaining a pleasant atmosphere for the residents. Numerous reviewers cite the friendliness of the staff as one of Brookdale's strong suits, with specific mentions of individual employees like Mitch and Lily, who have made significant impacts on family members during tours and interactions.

Despite its appealing cleanliness and nurturing ambiance, several reviews indicate that Brookdale Gardens faces challenges in staffing levels and resource availability. Some residents express frustration over long wait times for assistance, particularly with basic needs like using the toilet. This concern was compounded by reports of insufficient administrative support; for example, only one person besides the director handles administration duties, leading to slow responses to resident needs. The activity program also appears to be lacking variety since the retirement of a previously well-loved activity director. The current programming is described as somewhat repetitive, often featuring basic games like bingo or cards without catering to a diverse range of interests among residents.

Another concerning theme in some reviews relates to caregiving quality and communication issues between staff and family members. One family's experience highlighted struggles over their loved one’s health needs being overlooked during assessments, resulting in serious concerns about care when they found their mother unwell on multiple occasions. Additionally, when family members raised valid concerns regarding cleanliness or incidents involving their loved ones’ safety—like falls—some reported receiving dismissive attitudes from staff instead of constructive support.

Conversely, many families shared overwhelmingly positive experiences at Brookdale Gardens after transitioning a parent or loved one into residence there. They emphasized that their relatives love living at Brookdale due to its variety of activities that promote engagement among residents while contributing positively to their day-to-day happiness. Reviews praising aspects such as excellent dining options provided by an attentive chef were common; many noted how meals catered specifically to residents' preferences create a sense of home.

Additionally, several accounts relate personal stories illustrating seamless transitions for new residents into Brookdale’s community lifestyle. Families appreciated the staff’s dedication in making newcomers feel welcome through personalized tours tailored to understanding each resident’s unique background and preferences. Reviews detailing how chefs prepared special meals for prospective residents amplify this sentiment—these gestures foster connections between staff and residents before they officially move in.

Conclusionally, despite facing criticism around staffing adequacy and certain elements of care management processes needing refinement, Brookdale Gardens of Tarzana remains a sought-after option among families looking for assisted living solutions in a homely setting filled with warm-hearted individuals intent on fostering community ties among elderly residents. Many families find solace knowing their loved ones are surrounded by supportive staff within an inviting environment that consistently aims for improvements based on resident feedback—a testament to Brookdale's commitment toward delivering better quality life experiences within assisted living facilities.

Located in the heart of Tarzana, California, this neighborhood offers convenient access to essential amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies including Walgreens and CVS nearby, residents can easily access necessary medications. Dining options range from fast food chains like McDonald's and Wendy's to more upscale choices like Chili's Grill & Bar and Uncle Bernie's Deli. For recreational activities, residents can visit parks such as the Encino Bike Path and Lake Balboa Park for outdoor enjoyment. Healthcare services are also readily available with reputable institutions like UCLA Health Woodland Hills and Southern California Orthopedic Institute within a short distance. Additionally, transportation options like Van Nuys Airport and the FlyAway Bus Terminal provide easy travel access. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking convenience and comfort in their daily lives.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Uncle Bernie's Deli (1.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.7 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (2 miles)
• Vinh Loi Tofu (2 miles)
• Wendy's (2.2 miles)
• The Stand American Classics Redefined (2.3 miles)

Parks

• Encino Bike Path (1.6 miles)
• Lake Balboa Park (2.5 miles)
• Serrania Park (2.8 miles)
• Top of Topanga Overlook (4.1 miles)
• Shadow Ranch Park (4.8 miles)
• Parthenia Park (5.1 miles)
• Lake Calabasas (5.6 miles)

Cafes

• Winnetka Bowl (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Transportation

• Van Nuys Airport (VNY) (3.5 miles)
• Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX (4.2 miles)

Physicians

• UCLA Health Woodland Hills (3.8 miles)
• Southern California Orthopedic Institute (4.8 miles)
• Liberty Pacific Advanced Imaging | West Hills (5.5 miles)
• Center For Orthopaedic Specialists (5.5 miles)
• Evan Bachner Evan J Bachner MD (5.5 miles)
• Providence Medical Institute West Hills OB-GYN (5.6 miles)
• Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center (5.8 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Veterans Administration (6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Immanuel Bible Church (6.6 miles)