Brookdale Southside

Pros

• The residents appreciate the caring and kind staff at Brookdale Southside, who are always friendly and attentive to their needs.
• Many residents enjoy a variety of activities offered, including engaging options beyond bingo, and they appreciate the choice to participate or not.
• Brookdale Southside is recognized for having spacious and well-maintained apartments with useful amenities like full kitchens and washers/dryers.
• The community has a bright and cheerful atmosphere, contributing to residents feeling happy and comfortable in their living environment.
• Families value the accessibility of on-site medical services, including visits from various specialists, which adds convenience for residents and peace of mind for families.
• Residents express gratitude for the engaging programs led by a dedicated activity director who truly cares about their well-being.

Cons

• The facility has difficulty with phone communication, and there is not great communication when residents are sick.
• Staff friendliness and helpfulness varied significantly, leading to a less consistent quality of care.
• There were complaints about being understaffed, which affected timely responses to call bells and general care.
• One resident reported returning bedsores that became infected due to inadequate attention from staff.
• Some visitors felt the facility had a hospital-like atmosphere rather than a community feel.
• The facility could use cosmetic updates, as some areas appeared dated.
• A reviewer mentioned that despite having many activities, their parents did not participate in them.
• One experience highlighted frustration over the lack of assistance with a community fee when moving out quickly due to poor care.

Review

Brookdale Southside, an assisted living facility in the Clare Bridge section, has garnered a mixed yet largely positive set of reviews from residents and their families. Many individuals who have toured or moved into the facility appreciate its spacious apartments, particularly those with full kitchens and washers/dryers, which are notable features that differentiate it from other facilities. These amenities allow residents to maintain a level of independence and comfort that is often lost in more traditional assisted living settings. For instance, one resident noted that they opted to cook for themselves frequently, claiming the dining room food was not satisfactory. This sentiment reflects a common theme among residents who value the opportunity to personalize their meals.

The sense of community at Brookdale Southside appears strong as well; many residents expressed how quickly they were able to make friends and enjoy communal activities. The presence of an engaging activity director who offers diverse programs beyond bingo contributes significantly to this environment. Monthly calendars filled with activities provide residents with choices for participation, whether in group settings or solitary pursuits such as puzzles or crafts. One resident mentioned enjoying daily trivia sessions and happy hours—a testament to how Brookdale Southside fosters social engagement within its walls.

While many reviews highlighted the friendliness of the staff and caregivers, there remains a notable concern regarding staffing levels across various shifts. Some reviewers indicated that staff shortages could impede timely responses to resident needs, especially during critical times like holidays or when employees call in sick. One poignant account shared how insufficient care led to severe complications for a resident who suffered from bedsores due to frequent neglect when left alone too long in her wheelchair. Conversely, other reviewers emphasized their positive interactions with staff members who were helpful and attentive but acknowledged inconsistencies based on individual experiences within the facility.

The physical layout of Brookdale Southside received positive remarks as well—with ample common spaces including craft rooms, libraries, theater rooms, and clean dining areas contributing to an inviting atmosphere. Residents appreciated these facilities as places where they could gather socially while enjoying organized outings such as errands to local shopping centers like Walmart and Target—an aspect particularly beneficial for those seeking active independent living options.

However, there were areas noted for improvement, particularly concerning communication between staff and families regarding health issues among residents. Mixed feedback about food quality surfaced as well: whereas some found meals adequate but plain, others described them positively overall while recognizing room for enhancement in preparation—suggesting that improving culinary offerings could further elevate satisfaction among both current residents and potential newcomers.

Despite some valid criticisms regarding staffing inefficiencies and communication lapses during health-related incidents, many reviewers ultimately concluded that Brookdale Southside provides a solid living option characterized by an experienced staff dedicated to creating welcoming environments for seniors. The ability to bring personal belongings—including beloved pets—and participate actively in community life adds layers of comfort that resonate with many families searching for suitable assisted living arrangements amid increasing life challenges associated with aging loved ones. Overall, combined insights paint a picture of Brookdale Southside as a facility offering warmth alongside elements needing attention—rendering it a compelling choice depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

This part of Jacksonville, Florida offers a convenient location with a variety of amenities nearby. With several reputable healthcare providers such as Southeast Orthopedic Specialists and Cancer Specialists Of North Florida in close proximity, residents can easily access quality medical care. In addition, there are multiple dining options ranging from casual fast food to sit-down restaurants like BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. The area also features popular cafes such as Starbucks and The Coffee Grinder for a relaxing cup of coffee. For spiritual needs, there are places of worship like Holy Family Catholic School and Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church available. With pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS nearby, obtaining prescriptions is convenient. For entertainment, there is the Cinemark Tinseltown theater within a short distance. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded community with essential services for seniors considering it for living.

Physicians

• Southeast Orthopedic Specialists - CenterONE Clinic (1.2 miles)
• Cancer Specialists Of North Florida (1.4 miles)
• Hamoui Omar Dr First Coast Cardiovascular Institute Jacksonville (1.4 miles)
• Borland-Groover Clinic (1.7 miles)
• North Florida OB/GYN-Paul Rebenack, MD (1.9 miles)
• Baymeadows Family Practice (2 miles)
• VA Outpatient Clinic - Southpoint (2 miles)

Restaurants

• 5th Element (1.2 miles)
• Dave & Buster's (1.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.7 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• Miller's Southside Ale House (1.8 miles)
• Island Wing Company (1.9 miles)

Cafes

• The Coffee Grinder (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Metro Diner (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• The Local - San J (5.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Family Catholic School (1.5 miles)
• Cody Family Enrichment Center (6 miles)
• Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church (6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.9 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Tinseltown and XD (1.7 miles)

Parks

• Losco Regional Park (4.1 miles)
• Losco Park (4.7 miles)
• Huffman Boulevard Park (5.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital (4.3 miles)
• Baptist Primary Care (4.6 miles)

Transportation

• Hertz Rent A Car (4.9 miles)