Brookdale Highlands

Pros

• The facility has a nice size, not too big or too small, creating an engaging environment for residents.
• Staff members are described as friendly and knowledgeable, with many residents expressing appreciation for their care.
• The cleanliness of the facility is praised, and many residents enjoy the amenities offered.
• The activities director stays in contact with families during emergencies, showing dedication to resident well-being.
• Residents find the location convenient and appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of Brookdale Highlands.
• One reviewer mentioned that their loved one had a wonderful experience at Brookdale for four years despite challenges like COVID-19 and management changes.
• A spontaneous tour turned into a successful transition for a couple needing immediate assistance, showcasing the staff's willingness to help.

Cons

• The staff at Brookdale Highlands failed to communicate the presence of Covid in the facility until there were 14 cases, leading to serious health consequences for residents.
• There were complaints about inadequate care, with instances of residents being left in bed for extended periods without assistance, resulting in severe bedsores.
• The food served at the facility has consistently been cold and unappetizing, with residents expressing dissatisfaction over its quality and preparation.
• Residents experienced long wait times for assistance after using call buttons, sometimes taking up to 20 minutes for staff to respond.
• Cleanliness was reported as lacking, with infrequent changes of sheets and general maintenance not meeting expectations.
• There were concerns about staffing levels, indicating that the facility may not provide sufficient support during critical times, particularly on weekends.
• The walkthrough of the facility presented an overly polished image that did not align with the reality of living conditions after moving in.
• Communication from staff regarding dietary needs and issues was poor, leading to distressing experiences for residents needing specialized food preparations.
• Some families felt pressured into making quick decisions regarding residency without adequate information about the facility's true conditions.

Review

Brookdale Highlands has garnered a mix of commendations and concerns from residents and their families. Many appreciate the facility’s size, striking a balance between not being overwhelmingly large nor too small, which contributes to a cozy atmosphere. The staff is frequently described as friendly and knowledgeable, taking the time to get to know the residents well. Several family members have highlighted the cleanliness of the environment, noting that it feels welcoming for both residents and visitors alike. Activities offered by Brookdale appear to be enriching for many, although some individuals with specific needs may find themselves limited in participation.

However, there are significant issues raised regarding meals and dining services that seem to affect many residents’ overall satisfaction. Complaints about cold food lacking seasoning are recurrent themes, with dining experiences often marred by delays in service—some families noted waiting up to half an hour before food was served. This has been particularly problematic for those with dietary restrictions or health conditions requiring specialized care; one account detailed an alarming incident where pureed food was not properly prepared, causing distress for a resident who could not manage standard textures. This highlights a critical area needing attention at Brookdale Highlands: meal quality and responsiveness during dining times.

Healthcare services at Brookdale also present mixed reviews—while some residents have received adequate assistance from staff members during emergencies, others expressed dissatisfaction with the level of nursing care provided. Instances were shared where loved ones experienced neglect; in extreme cases, severe health complications arose due to delayed responses from caregiving staff when help was summoned via call buttons. Families reported feeling frustrated by inconsistent levels of staffing, particularly over weekends when coverage appeared minimal.

Feedback on management changes has indicated some hope for improvement since past challenges were noted regarding communication from corporate representatives about COVID cases within the facility—a situation that led to serious health repercussions for residents. While new management might bring about positive adjustments in staff-to-resident ratios or overall service protocols, lingering concerns remain regarding the follow-through on promised enhancements especially related to communication during crises.

Many families feel trapped due to the high costs associated with assisted living facilities like Brookdale Highlands while simultaneously discovering comparative options that may lack essential amenities or quality care resources. Some accounts note how expensive alternatives were found while searching for placements prior to moving into Brookdale; thus raising questions about value relative to service quality provided within these environments.

Despite these challenges, some families express gratitude toward specific staff members who showed exceptional commitment and compassion during dire situations or transitions into care facilities—evidencing that individual experiences can vary significantly among different caregivers within Brookdale Highlands itself. Overall, while many aspects such as location accessibility and initial appeal draw potential residents’ interest initially—the complex interplay between client needs met versus unmet expectations calls into question whether targeted improvements will materialize accordingly over time at this community so eager to please its occupants yet hampered by systemic flaws observed throughout recent months or years ahead.

This part of Lakeland, Florida offers a convenient and desirable location for senior living. With a variety of places of worship nearby, residents have easy access to spiritual support and community engagement. The proximity to parks such as Woodlake Park and Circle B Bar Reserve provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Access to pharmacies like Winn-Dixie, Walgreens, and CVS Pharmacy ensures convenient healthcare services. Additionally, there are several physicians' offices in the area, offering accessible medical care. A variety of restaurants and cafes provide dining options for seniors looking to enjoy a meal out or grab a coffee with friends. Nearby hospitals like Lakeland Regional Health and Bartow Regional Medical Center offer peace of mind in case of medical emergencies. The transportation options include proximity to the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL) for easy travel arrangements. Overall, this part of Lakeland provides a well-rounded environment that caters to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to live.

Places of Worship

• Highland Park Church of the Nazarene (0.5 miles)
• The Rock Community Church (1.9 miles)
• South Florida Baptist Association (2.2 miles)
• Way Community Church (2.2 miles)
• Church Of The Resurrection (2.3 miles)
• Victory Church at Lakeside Village (3.6 miles)
• Christ Lutheran Church (6.5 miles)

Parks

• Woodlake Park (1.2 miles)
• Circle B Bar Reserve (4.1 miles)
• Adair PARK (5.2 miles)
• Lake Parker Park (6.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Winn-Dixie (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• PharMerica (2.5 miles)
• Tri County Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Ariana Pharmacy (4.2 miles)

Physicians

• Lakeland Primary Care Associates (1.6 miles)
• Doctor Today Tlc (1.6 miles)
• Southside Medical Clinic (1.7 miles)
• Adult Primary Care Of Polk County (1.8 miles)
• St Luke's regional health care (1.9 miles)
• Lakeland Open Mri (2.1 miles)
• Dermatology Associates (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Ling's Buffet (2 miles)
• Andy's Frozen Custard (2 miles)
• First Watch - South Lakeland (2 miles)
• Winners Circle Sports Bar & Grill (2 miles)
• PDQ (2.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.1 miles)
• Tijuana Flats (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Polk Starlight Sleep Labs (2.5 miles)
• Lakeland Regional Health (5.2 miles)
• Lakeland Regional Heal (5.4 miles)
• Radiology Department (5.4 miles)
• Lakeland Regional Medical Center (5.4 miles)
• Endoscopy Unit (5.5 miles)
• Bartow Regional Medical Center (6.8 miles)

Transportation

• Railroad Tracks (4.4 miles)
• Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL) (5.5 miles)