Brookdale Hays

Pros

• The staff at Brookdale Hays is caring and works hard to ensure residents feel safe and comfortable.
• Residents enjoy the community environment, which is cozy and offers many activities.
• Communication between the staff and families is excellent, providing updates on events and health-related matters.
• The facility maintains a clean environment, with no COVID outbreaks reported, which gives families peace of mind.
• Many residents appreciate the quality of meals provided and find them enjoyable.
• Families feel reassured knowing that their loved ones are receiving attentive care from considerate staff members.
• The layout of the rooms allows residents to bring their own furniture, making them feel more at home.
• The facility's Facebook page and newsletters help families stay connected with their loved ones' activities from afar.

Cons

• The community is understaffed at night, leading to concerns about adequate care.
• The meals provided are limited and consist mostly of processed packaged food, with insufficient drink options available.
• While the staff is caring, there is a need for more one-on-one attention for residents.
• Some staff members appeared less enthusiastic and did not demonstrate respect towards visitors or residents.
• The facility is considered overpriced given the staffing levels and corporate practices in elder care.

Review

Brookdale Hays and Sterling House: A Comprehensive Review of Assisted Living Facilities

Brookdale Hays has garnered a mix of reviews highlighting both the merits and areas for improvement within its assisted living facility. Many families express appreciation for the compassionate staff who strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for residents. One family member emphasized how the staff is responsive to the changing needs of their loved ones, demonstrating flexibility and effective communication with families. This attention to detail has left many impressed, leading to strong recommendations for Brookdale Hays as a viable option for those seeking assisted living solutions.

While the residential experience is largely positive, some concerns regarding staffing levels—particularly during nighttime—have been raised. Though the Director of Nursing (DON) has received praise for her exceptional skills in communication and follow-up, there are suggestions that more staff members are needed to provide adequate one-on-one care. Residents often feel they deserve attentive support, especially during vulnerable moments when assistance is most crucial. The financial aspect also comes under scrutiny, as families note that the facility's pricing seems high relative to staffing levels, hinting at broader concerns about corporate influences on elder care.

Dining experiences at Brookdale Hays appear to be another mixed bag. Reviews indicate that while meals are served three times daily and are generally well-received by residents, snack options remain limited and often consist of processed packaged goods. Family members suggest that having drinks like coffee, tea, ice water, and diet soda available at all times would enhance the dining experience significantly. These small adjustments could contribute to overall resident satisfaction while reflecting an understanding of their needs.

In addition to food quality, many reviewers commend Brookdale Hays's community atmosphere which is described as warm and inviting. Numerous activities such as bingo games, exercise classes, and social gatherings foster engagement among residents. Additionally, updated newsletters and a vibrant Facebook page help maintain connections with families who may live far away from their loved ones. This proactive approach not only aids in keeping families informed but also creates a sense of inclusivity within the community.

Similar sentiments can be observed in reviews regarding Sterling House—another esteemed assisted living facility where several individuals have entrusted their loved ones over extended periods. Families expressed gratitude for the considered care provided by Sterling House staff members who approach their responsibilities with professionalism and genuine concern for each resident's well-being. Such dedication cultivates trust among families knowing that their loved ones enjoy safety while receiving attentive care tailored to meet individual health needs.

However, it's essential to highlight contrasting opinions about staff attitudes in both facilities. While many caregivers demonstrate warmth toward residents, certain reviewers pointed out instances where some staff members seemed disengaged or unfriendly towards visitors or even fellow residents. Such experiences underline an ongoing need in assisted living environments for personnel who embody positivity consistently—a vital component when working with elderly individuals who deserve not just care but also companionship infused with respect and empathy.

In summary, both Brookdale Hays and Sterling House present themselves as reputable choices in assisted living arrangements filled with caring staff committed to providing comfort in various degrees across different aspects—from communication with family members to overall resident engagement through activities offered on-site. Nevertheless, enhancements concerning staffing ratios during critical times like evenings alongside refining meal service options could ensure these facilities continue building upon their already solid foundations into spaces where every resident feels valued every day they reside within them.

This area of Hays, Kansas, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With multiple physicians' offices nearby, including Great Plains Dermatology and Hays Orthopaedic Clinic, residents have easy access to healthcare services. There are also several parks within walking distance, such as Elizabeth Polly Park and Aubel Bickle Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Places of worship like Southern Baptist Convention and Living Savior Lutheran Church are close by for spiritual guidance and community support. Additionally, pharmacies like U-Save Pharmacy and Walgreens offer convenient access to medications. The presence of HaysMed hospital ensures quality healthcare facilities nearby in case of emergencies. In terms of dining options, restaurants like Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant and Thirstys Brew Pub & Grill provide diverse culinary experiences. Overall, this part of Hays combines convenience with a sense of community, making it a potentially attractive location for senior living.

Physicians

• Great Plains Dermatology, PA (0.1 miles)
• Northwest Kansas Surgery Center (0.3 miles)
• Family Eye Care Optometry (0.3 miles)
• Allergy Clinic of Western Kansas (0.3 miles)
• Dr Black (0.3 miles)
• Hays Orthopaedic Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Hays Family Medicine (0.3 miles)

Parks

• Elizabeth Polly Park (0.2 miles)
• Aubel Bickle Park (0.5 miles)
• Frontier Park (0.9 miles)
• Hays Dog Park (1.3 miles)
• Seven Hills Park (1.5 miles)
• Union Pacific Park (1.7 miles)
• Pratt Optimist Soccer Park (1.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Southern Baptist Convention (0.3 miles)
• Living Savior Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• New Life Center Assembly Of God (0.5 miles)
• Church of Christ (0.7 miles)
• Jehovah's Witnesses (1.2 miles)
• Nex-Tech (1.7 miles)
• Living Savior Lutheran Church (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• U-Save Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Medical Pavillion Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Integrated Nuclear Enterprises West (1.7 miles)
• Qol Meds (1.8 miles)
• Herbalife Independent Distributor (23.8 miles)

Transportation

• Hays Medical Center Heliport (0.5 miles)
• U-Haul (1 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1.2 miles)
• Rush County Airport (23.3 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (23.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• Jimmy John's (0.6 miles)
• Thirstys Brew Pub & Grill (0.7 miles)
• Tryyaki Asian Cuisine (0.7 miles)
• Osaki Japenese Restaurant (0.7 miles)
• Jalisco Mexican Restaurant (0.8 miles)
• Lucky Buffet (0.8 miles)

Hospitals

• HaysMed (0.6 miles)
• Kvc Wheatland Psychiatric Hospital (1.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Hays 8 (0.7 miles)