Ammahl Homes Inc

Pros

• The staff at Brookdale Olney are very attentive, quick to help, and friendly.
• The facility is clean, well maintained, and designed with residents in mind.
• Residents are engaged through a variety of activities, including cooking demos, crafts, music, and exercise.
• The atmosphere is welcoming, home-like, and supportive for both residents and families.
• The meals are outstanding and the food service is highly praised.
• Leadership and teamwork create a caring, professional environment where residents feel safe and well cared for.

Cons

• Brookdale does the minimum to get by for caring for the residents; after dinner the nurses disappear and a reviewer says they didn't notice a problem with a resident until she needed ICU, calling the care "terrible."
• A reviewer questioned whether all the positive reviews came from staff.
• The employees are disrespectful and mean to patients, and bosses don't care.
• There is a safety concern about the front entrance mat: it is large, doesn't stay in place, and can cause walkers to trip; it should be removed immediately.

Review

A warm, homey atmosphere surrounds Brookdale Olney, where visitors often walk away with a sense that the place truly cares about its residents. Friends and family describe it as a lovely environment both inside and out, with a friendly, welcoming staff that treats residents with genuine respect. The spaces feel designed with aging in mind - clean, orderly, and filled with little touches that reassure loved ones that safety and comfort come first. The impression left by many who visit is that Brookdale Olney is more than a building; it's a community where residents can feel secure, engaged, and valued.

On a memorable afternoon, a routine visit became a heartwarming snapshot of life at Brookdale Olney. A resident's family joined in for an on-site cooking demo led by the Activity Director, who guided them through making crescent roll pizza slices. While the aroma of food filled the room, the mood shifted to music and memory as staff invited everyone to sing Remembrance Songs in anticipation of Memorial Day. The scene - rain giving way to sunshine as voices rose in unison - left a lasting impression of joy, connection, and shared purpose. The staff member leading the activity, Kira, earned enthusiastic praise for creating a moment that felt both meaningful and uplifting.

Across numerous visits, the staff consistently stood out for their attentiveness and willingness to help. Reviewers repeatedly highlight how quickly and kindly staff respond to requests, with Melody singled out for her capable, caring approach. The overall environment is described as clean and inviting, with corridors and rooms kept tidy and well-maintained. People note that even routine tasks are carried out with a level of courtesy and professionalism that makes family members feel welcome and at ease during visits.

Residents' families often reference the quality of daily life at Brookdale Olney, noting not only the friendliness of the team but also the quality of programs and meals. Several families recount the joy of seeing loved ones thrive through planned activities, crafts, music, and exercise programs designed to stimulate engagement and social interaction. One family member especially praises the food as outstanding, while others commend staff for going above and beyond to ensure residents feel seen and cared for. The sense of community is reinforced by individual staff champions who seem to make a real difference in residents' lives, such as Kyra - described as wonderful by several visitors - and Uluwehi Uyeunten, who is remembered fondly by the community for her care and dedication.

Families who have chosen Brookdale Olney after evaluating multiple options emphasize the location's strengths: a clean, cheerful, and comfortable setting where residents can feel at home. One reviewer compared Olney positively against another Brookdale location, underscoring Olney's ability to balance safety with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The personal testimonials often include reflections on a sense of renewed energy and purpose for loved ones in memory care and a clear belief that the staff genuinely respect and value the residents. For many families, this combination of atmosphere, activities, and compassionate care translates into real peace of mind.

Of course, no community is without its cautions. A few reviews raise important safety concerns and mixed experiences regarding care. One visitor notes a hazard at the front entrance - a large mat that shifts on top of the carpet and has caused fleeting stumbles for walkers. The concern is not dismissed but presented as a concrete reminder that even in well-regarded facilities, ongoing attention to safety equipment and maintenance is essential. Another perspective, which reflects the real stakes involved in elder care, observes that while some families feel confident in the staff's kindness and professionalism, others report frustration with what they perceive as minimal care at times, including a sense that after-dinner nursing attention can wane and that urgent health issues were not recognized promptly. These voices highlight the complexity of managing memory care and chronic needs, and they illustrate that experiences can vary from person to person.

Despite the candid critiques, many families speak to Brookdale Olney as a place that has become a family to them in meaningful ways. Several stories describe how loved ones have settled into their routines, with caregivers offering consistent support, warmth, and clear communication, especially during challenging periods like the COVID era. Families appreciate updates, whether via weekly emails or more frequent conversations when needed, and they emphasize a culture of care that prioritizes transparency and connection with families. For some, the staff's professional approach by leadership, including a notable executive team and a standout events program, reinforces their confidence that their relatives are safe, engaged, and respected.

In sum, Brookdale Olney emerges as a community that many families choose because it feels like a well-run, caring home. Residents are supported by a staff that is often praised for kindness, responsiveness, and a dedication to creating meaningful experiences - from cooking activities and singing gatherings to memory care programs and daily social engagement. The environment is repeatedly described as clean, welcoming, and designed to honor the dignity of residents. While some reviewers raise valid concerns about safety and consistency of care, the prevailing sentiment is that Brookdale Olney offers a reliable, compassionate, and people-centered living experience that families would readily recommend to others seeking a home-like setting for their loved ones. The shared message from many is hopeful and affirming: if you want a place where your family member can feel secure, loved, engaged, and respected, Brookdale Olney is worth considering.

This part of Olney, Maryland, offers a variety of convenient amenities and services for seniors looking to reside in the area. There are several places of worship nearby for spiritual fulfillment, as well as physicians and pharmacies for medical care. The numerous parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisurely walks. With multiple transportation options such as metro stations and car rental services, getting around the area is easily accessible. Additionally, a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes offer a range of dining options to suit different tastes. For healthcare needs, there are hospitals within close proximity. Overall, this part of Olney provides a comfortable and convenient environment for senior living.

Places of Worship

• Saint Andrew Kim Catholic Church (0.9 miles)
• Church of the Redeemer (6.1 miles)
• Rockville Evangelical Mission (7.1 miles)
• Christ Congregational Church (8.4 miles)

Physicians

• Montgomery Internal Medicine (1.5 miles)
• Potomac Valley Orthopedic (2.2 miles)
• Melvin S. Stern, MD (5.4 miles)
• Occupational Health Consultants (7.7 miles)
• The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics (7.7 miles)
• Eternal Dermatology (7.8 miles)
• Potomac Pediatrics (8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.8 miles)
• Walgreens (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Georgian Forest Park & Tennis Courts (3.8 miles)
• Rock Creek Regional Park (4.5 miles)
• Triadelphia Reservoir (4.8 miles)
• Winding Creek Local Park (5.5 miles)
• Bohrer Park (7.7 miles)
• Falls Road Park (8.2 miles)

Transportation

• Glenmont Metro Station (4.7 miles)
• Twinbrook Metro Station (6 miles)
• Rockville Metro Station (6 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (6 miles)
• Shady Grove Metro Station (6.1 miles)
• Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station (7.5 miles)
• Forest Glen Metro Station (8 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (5.2 miles)
• Peter's Grill (5.4 miles)
• McDonald's (6 miles)
• Sichuan Pavilion (6.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (6.1 miles)
• Silver Diner (6.3 miles)
• Jollibee (6.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (6.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.9 miles)
• Silver Diner (7.9 miles)
• Starbucks (8.6 miles)
• Starbucks (8.9 miles)
• Starbucks (9.1 miles)
• Starbucks (9.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Rio Cinemas 18 (7.9 miles)
• AMC Montgomery 16 (8.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Holy Cross Hospital (8 miles)
• Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center (8.2 miles)