The Holbrook of Decatur

Pros

• The Holbrook features a beautiful and well-maintained facility, with spacious living and common areas.
• Residents appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff, who make an effort to greet them by name shortly after moving in.
• The dining options are highly regarded, offering a restaurant-like atmosphere with good food that even picky eaters enjoy.
• The community offers various amenities, including a saltwater pool and recreational activities, which enhance residents' experiences.
• Many residents feel they are part of a caring community, with opportunities for socialization and peer connections.
• The facility's design is impressive, highlighting its modern and attractive environment.
• Staff responsiveness to resident needs has been praised, contributing to positive experiences during tours and throughout the residency.

Cons

• The new manager is reported to be unpleasant and rude to residents, leading to dissatisfaction among many.
• Rent increases have been significant each year, while staff members are paid poorly, with most earning just above minimum wage.
• The assisted living team provides minimal assistance and does not respond promptly to help requests when the button is pushed.
• There was a near-fatal medication error due to staff?s lack of knowledge about medications, which raised serious safety concerns.
• Dietary restrictions are not adequately addressed by the dining room staff, leading to potential health risks for residents.
• Upper management seems indifferent to residents' concerns, focusing more on profit than on care quality.
• Activities for assisted care residents appear inadequate and lack community-building opportunities.
• There's a perception that the facility is beautiful but mismanaged and understaffed in several areas, including dining services.
• Residents feel that "self-directed" activities in assisted care don?t align with their needs and expectations for support.
• While there are good facilities available, they do not specialize in memory care, which may limit options for some residents needing specialized attention.

Review

The Holbrook has garnered a spectrum of reviews from residents and families alike, reflecting both admiration for its aesthetics and growing concerns regarding management and care. Upon initial tour, the community impresses with its stunning lobby, well-maintained facilities, and spacious living quarters. Amenities such as a gym, pool, and various dining options create an inviting atmosphere that many find appealing at first glance. The facility is notably newer in construction and shows evidence of significant investment in decor and infrastructure. Many visitors have expressed their gratitude towards the friendly staff during their tours and the overall welcoming vibe they experienced.

However, as families settle into life at The Holbrook, numerous issues emerge that overshadow the initial allure. A recurring theme in reviews pertains to the management's demeanor, particularly under the new general manager who has been described as unpleasant and even rude to residents. Concerns regarding skyrocketing rent increases juxtaposed with low wages for staff exacerbate frustrations among families who otherwise appreciate the caregivers' efforts. Despite enjoying an array of activities offered within the community?the sense of neglect within staff treatment becomes evident, leading many to question how committed management is to resident welfare.

Residents have also voiced dissatisfaction with assisted living services that fall short of expectations. Families report that assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) is scarce; help buttons often go unanswered or result in inadequate support?only provided sporadically throughout the week when deemed convenient by staff. More alarmingly are reports of serious medication errors due to untrained personnel administering prescriptions with little oversight from management. When errors occur, rather than addressing systemic failings through education or training improvements, management often resorts to swift punitive measures without investigating root causes or implementing safeguards.

While some reviewers lauded food quality at The Holbrook?citing it as better than expected compared to typical senior living facilities?not all experiences align on this front either; dietary restrictions are at times overlooked entirely by dining room staff. As these concerns mount regarding dietary accommodations along with inadequate activity offerings for assisted living residents?with some scheduling ?self-directed? activities?the need for more structured group outings becomes apparent. Residents desire proactive engagement strategies that foster community connections instead of relying solely on self-guided participation.

COVID-19 has further impacted available activities; restrictions have led certain past traditions being replaced by virtual engagements via Zoom rather than in-person gatherings that could instill a sense of camaraderie among residents facing isolation during challenging times. While some acknowledge understanding around those limitations due to health crises?it is clear that a robust social program would greatly enhance overall resident satisfaction moving forward.

Despite underlying issues with management practices and staffing challenges?with limited personnel providing necessary support?the general consensus remains appreciative about The Holbrook?s physical environment, food options, and friendly interactions from caregivers striving for quality service amidst constraints imposed upon them by overarching policies dictated by higher-level executives prioritizing profits over people?s needs. For many families seeking an attractive option initially promising active independent living while ensuring safety for loved ones?there persists hope that suggested changes will be adopted allowing it to fulfill its true potential as not just aesthetically pleasing but genuinely caring community dedicated wholeheartedly toward its residents? well-being.

This part of Decatur, Georgia offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. From convenient healthcare options such as the Atlanta VA Medical Center and North Dekalb Health Center, to pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens located within close proximity, residents can easily access medical care and prescriptions. The presence of diverse dining options ranging from Mexican cuisine at La Parrilla to fast food chains like Chick-Fil-A and McDonald's ensures that there is something for every taste preference. Additionally, nearby parks such as Leafmore Country Club and Bessie Branham Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Access to public transportation through MARTA stations makes it convenient for seniors to travel around the area, while theaters like Movie Tavern Northlake Festival offer entertainment options for those looking to enjoy a movie night out. Overall, this part of Decatur provides a vibrant and accessible community for seniors seeking a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant (0.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.7 miles)
• Waffle House (1.8 miles)
• Pour de Leon (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Atlanta VA Medical Center (0.6 miles)
• Marcus Autism Center (1.4 miles)
• North Dekalb Health Center (4.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation (1.4 miles)
• North Decatur Presbyterian Church (1.6 miles)
• Karin Kabalah Center of Atlanta (1.7 miles)
• First Baptist Church of Decatur (2.2 miles)
• Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church (2.7 miles)
• Rehoboth Baptist Church (3.8 miles)
• Avondale Church Of Christ (4.4 miles)

Parks

• Leafmore Country Club (1.5 miles)
• Toy Park (2.4 miles)
• Morningside-Lenox Park Tennis Courts (2.4 miles)
• Briarlake Forest Park (3.2 miles)
• McKoy Park (3.7 miles)
• Bessie Branham Park (3.8 miles)
• Piedmont Park (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• Decatur Health Imaging (2 miles)
• Dekalb Medical Ctrdecatur Decatur (2.5 miles)
• Atlanta OB/GYN (2.5 miles)
• Oakhurst Pediatrics (3.5 miles)
• Garson Padoan Sonia MD - Piedmont Urgent Care by Wellstreet (3.7 miles)
• Northlake Emory (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• Dancing Goats Coffee Bar (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• El Tesoro (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.6 miles)

Transportation

• Marta - Westbound (2.9 miles)
• MARTA - Lindbergh Center Station (3.5 miles)
• Brookhaven/Oglethorpe University MARTA Rail Station (3.9 miles)
• MARTA Inman Park - Reynoldstown Station (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• Movie Tavern Northlake Festival (4.1 miles)
• AMC Theatres Phipps Plz 14 (4.2 miles)
• Phipps Plaza (4.2 miles)
• Regal Hollywood (4.6 miles)