Brookhurst Royale

Pros

• Residents feel at home and safe, with respect shown to everyone in a diverse community.
• The staff are exceptional - caring, friendly, courteous, and attentive.
• Brookdale provides meals, laundry, and daily care, helping residents feel well cared for.
• The atmosphere is welcoming and easy to participate in a wide range of activities.
• Shuttle transportation to shopping, banking, pharmacy, and outings is appreciated.
• The meals are very good and plentiful, with enjoyable dining options.
• Residents enjoy comfortable accommodations, including rooms with balconies.
• A variety of activities and outings, including exercise classes and crafts, are enjoyed by residents.
• The Executive Director is described as capable, transparent, and dedicated to residents and staff.
• Families and residents would highly recommend Brookdale Westminster/Brookhurst for quality care.

Cons

• The shuttle driver allegedly ran red lights, blocked intersections for about 20 seconds, and crossed lanes, described as dangerous and illegal.
• One reviewer stated they would not put their worst enemy in Brookdale.
• There were ten falls in fourteen days, with residents reportedly face-planting.
• The cost of care reportedly rose from $3,600 to over $9,000.
• Roaches were observed at night and the apartments were not kept clean.
• The food was reportedly contaminated due to mishandling.
• Staff reportedly quit due to heavy workloads and unfair treatment by management.
• Some reviewers claimed racial bias among residents and that management did little to address it.

Review

Residents across the Brookdale Westminster and Brookhurst communities share a portrait of life that often feels bigger than merely having a place to stay. For many, Brookdale exceeds daily needs with a comprehensive suite of services that include home-like meals, laundry, housekeeping, and a broad calendar of activities. They describe a sense of belonging in a diverse, respectful environment where help is readily available and where the rhythm of daily life - three meals a day, organized outings, exercise classes, crafts, and social events - creates a homey feeling rather than a clinical one. The results, as many residents convey, are feelings of safety, comfort, and acceptance, with staff who know residents well and treat them with warmth and courtesy.

A recurring thread throughout the testimonials is the exceptional care and attentiveness of the staff. Residents frequently praise the caring, friendly, and courteous demeanor of those who work at Brookdale, highlighting how the team addresses residents' needs with patience and thoughtfulness. The care extends beyond meals and housekeeping to a sense of real engagement: doctors and nurses visiting residents in their rooms, coordinated activities, and opportunities to stay socially connected. In this light, the staff are not just workers performing tasks; they are integral to the feeling of being valued and respected within a supportive community.

Leadership and transparent communication also emerge as strong themes in several accounts. One November 2023 review lauds the executive director, Mr. John Goodwin, for steering Brookdale Westminster with clarity and long-term vision. The writer describes a proactive, resident-centered leadership style: repairs to aging facilities pursued without disruption to daily life, regular newsletters to families outlining current happenings and opportunities, and an emphasis on supporting all residents, staff, families, and professionals connected to the community. This sense of accountability and openness appears to offer a stabilizing influence that residents and families alike find reassuring.

Yet the landscape is not without significant concerns. Some reviewers recount troubling experiences that highlight potential gaps in care and safety. One person details a dangerous incident involving a shuttle driver who allegedly ran a red light and blocked an intersection, based on a dash-cam video and official-sounding identifiers. Another account describes distressing memories of frequent falls among a memory-care resident, a dramatic jump in monthly costs, and a perception of understaffing, high workloads, and unfair management practices. Claims of roaches during the night, food handling problems, and a Med Tech misplacing medications are cited as evidence of broader quality and safety issues. These concerns underscore the real pressures and risks that can accompany aging care facilities, and they serve as a sobering counterweight to the otherwise positive experiences shared by many residents.

There are also nuanced perspectives about decision-making and cost. While some reviews celebrate the staff's kindness and the facility's ability to provide a structured, enjoyable living environment, others note the financial strain and the complexities of moving a loved one into assisted living or memory care. A reviewer who toured Brookdale Brookhurst emphasizes the appeal of a clean, accommodating environment with a balcony-equipped apartment and a restaurant-like dining experience, alongside laundry and on-site services. However, the anticipation and promise of a good fit for a parent must be balanced against the realities of changing care needs, possible care level adjustments, and the ongoing affordability of such services for families.

In the midst of praise, there are vivid snapshots of daily life that reveal both the joy and the challenges of living in these communities. One resident, enjoying independence but appreciative of assistance, highlights the practical conveniences of the shuttle service for shopping, banking, and pharmacy trips, as well as the opportunity to welcome overnight guests and participate in a flexible routine. The sense of home and safety is reinforced by the positive social atmosphere: visits from local bands, community meals, and group activities that bring residents and staff together in shared experiences. This blend of practical support and social vitality is a hallmark of what makes Brookdale feel vibrant and alive for many.

Taken together, the experiences expressed by residents and families offer a layered, authentic portrait of Brookdale Westminster and Brookhurst. On the one hand, there is widespread praise for compassionate staff, comprehensive residential services, robust activity programming, and reliable transportation that helps residents maintain independence and engage with the broader community. On the other hand, there are clear echoing concerns about staffing pressures, safety incidents, cleanliness issues, and the financial burden that can accompany long-term care. The narratives reflect a community actively negotiating how to deliver high-quality care while balancing safety, dignity, and cost. They also reveal a shared aspiration: to sustain a welcoming, home-like environment where residents feel seen, supported, and engaged, even as Brookdale continues to adapt and improve in the eyes of those who rely on it most.

The Westminster, California area offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS within close proximity, accessing medication and healthcare supplies is convenient. There are also various dining options nearby, including Brodard Restaurant and In-N-Out Burger, providing a variety of choices for meals. For recreational activities, there are several parks like Mile Square Regional Park and Huntington Central Park where seniors can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Additionally, cafes like Starbucks offer a cozy atmosphere for socializing or relaxing. The area also has entertainment options with theaters like Century Huntington Beach And Xd nearby. In terms of healthcare, hospitals like Kindred Hospital Westminster are easily accessible for medical needs. Transportation options are also readily available with car rental services like Hertz Rent A Car and Disneyland Monorail stations nearby for easy travel. Overall, this part of Westminster provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with convenient access to essential services and recreational opportunities.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Brodard Restaurant (0.7 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3.3 miles)
• Lee's Sandwiches (3.6 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.1 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (4.2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.8 miles)

Parks

• Mile Square Regional Park (1.7 miles)
• Faylane Park (3.7 miles)
• Huntington Central Park (3.9 miles)
• Willow Park (5.8 miles)
• Huntington Central Park (5.8 miles)
• Seeley Park (6.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Nespresso Boutique at Bloomingdale's (5.1 miles)
• Hollywood Land (5.1 miles)
• La Brea Bakery Express (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• Century Huntington Beach And Xd (2.3 miles)
• AMC Movie Theater (4.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Kindred Hospital Westminster (2.9 miles)
• Choc (5.8 miles)

Physicians

• The 200 Building (4.8 miles)
• Dostzada, Ghulam Dr - Los Alamitos Cardiovascular (6.6 miles)

Transportation

• Disneyland Monorail - Downtown Disney District Station (5.1 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (5.1 miles)
• DLRR New Orleans Station (5.3 miles)
• Disneyland Monorail (5.5 miles)
• Drr Tomorrowland Station (5.5 miles)
• Drr Toontown Station (5.6 miles)
• Artic (6.2 miles)