Brigham House

Pros

• The residents at Brigham House are well taken care of, and the staff is attentive to their needs.
• Many families expressed gratitude for the love and care provided to their loved ones during their time at Brigham House.
• The facility is clean, with bright rooms featuring large windows that create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Residents enjoy a variety of activities and social interactions, contributing to a lively community environment.
• Families appreciate the availability of assistance for residents, including medication management and bathing services.
• The dining area is beautifully designed, resembling a 5-star restaurant, which adds to the pleasant dining experience.
• The facility offers economical alternatives for those with limited income, ensuring accessibility for many families.
• Residents benefit from regular check-ins and support from staff, promoting their overall wellbeing and happiness.
• Families noted that their loved ones have transitioned well into the community and are forming friendships with other residents.
• Brigham House fosters a warm and friendly atmosphere, making it a good choice for many families seeking assisted living options.

Cons

• Brigham House's management seems to prioritize money over resident welfare, leading to feelings of penny-pinching once residents are settled in.
• Some residents feel the facility is too old and not appealing enough for their tastes.
• The meals served at Brigham House have been criticized for being overcooked and lacking quality in preparation.
• The initial friendliness of the staff can feel insincere after residents move in, suggesting a lack of ongoing support.
• There are concerns about the higher costs associated with Brigham House, including a $7,000 activity buy-in fee.
• Some families have noted that the requirements for admission can be limiting if only short-term stays are needed.

Review

Brigham House, an assisted living facility located in a residential area, has received a mix of positive and critical feedback from families and residents. The community is valued for its warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and various activities that keep residents engaged. Many reviews highlight the care provided to family members, emphasizing the attentiveness of the staff and their genuine concern for resident welfare. For instance, one reviewer praised Laura, a dedicated employee who went above and beyond to assist a resident outside of her typical duties. Such accounts reflect the facility's commitment to maintaining strong relationships between staff and residents.

The physical attributes of Brigham House have also been a point of discussion among reviewers. While some appreciate the bright dining room adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows and large rooms with ample light, others have pointed out that the building's age—over 110 years—as part of its charm may not appeal to everyone. Despite this perception, many residents enjoy their accommodations; they find the rooms clean, spacious enough for their needs, and equipped with necessary amenities like kitchenettes. However, it is important to note that some families felt that the initial friendliness of management faded after admission, replaced by what seemed like penny-pinching measures rooted more in financial concerns than in genuine care for residents.

Furthermore, families have noted that while Brigham House presents itself as a well-managed facility during tours—boasting beautiful dining areas reminiscent of five-star restaurants—the reality can sometimes contrast with expectations once residents move in. Costs also raise eyebrows among potential clients: an activity buy-in fee of $7,000 was perceived as somewhat steep by some reviewers looking for economical options in Massachusetts. Nonetheless, those with tighter budgets were relieved to learn about reduced rates available for lower-income individuals.

In terms of healthcare services provided at Brigham House, many reviews underscore satisfaction regarding medical assistance offered to residents. Families reported that their loved ones received regular check-ups and support with medication management. A particular review highlighted how well caregivers monitored a resident recovering from a stroke and memory issues—illustrating how crucial such attention is in supporting overall well-being in assisted living environments. Making sure every need is met appears paramount at Brigham House; families expressed confidence knowing caregivers would escort their loved ones to meals and ensure timely bathing care.

A recurring theme throughout these reviews is participation in activities—whether it's memory games or movie nights—that help uplift spirits among residents while fostering social interaction within the community. Many family members mentioned their appreciation for bingo nights or live musical performances organized by staff as enjoyable distractions from daily routines that can often feel monotonous or isolating.

Despite occasional criticism regarding food quality—specifically comments about overcooked meals—the general consensus portrays an environment conducive to happiness and growth among its residents. Furthermore, affordability compared to other facilities was noted as an advantage by several family members whose loved ones had transitioned smoothly into life at Brigham House after earlier transitions elsewhere had proven challenging.

Overall, it seems Brigham House stands out as an affordable option where care meets community engagement despite small areas needing improvement related to managerial focus on finances rather than holistic resident needs. The balance between affordability and quality care continues drawing interest from families seeking suitable long-term living arrangements for elderly relatives while ensuring they remain active members within familiar limits through accessible socialization opportunities available right around Watertown—from shopping trips to lovely parks nearby enhancing everyday life experiences inside this beloved establishment.

This area of Watertown, Massachusetts offers a variety of amenities and conveniences that may appeal to seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home. With several CVS pharmacies nearby for easy access to medication, along with a selection of diverse restaurants and cafes, there are plenty of dining options to enjoy. The proximity to hospitals such as Mount Auburn Hospital and McLean Hospital provides reassurance in case of any medical needs. Additionally, the availability of public transportation at MBTA stations like Reservoir Station and Porter Square Station offers convenience for getting around the area. For leisurely activities, there are beautiful parks like Olmsted Park and Larz Anderson Park where one can enjoy nature and outdoor walks. Overall, this part of Watertown boasts a mix of essential services and recreational opportunities, making it a desirable location for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Sofra Bakery & Cafe (1.1 miles)
• Spring Shabu-Shabu (1.8 miles)
• La Saison Bakery (2 miles)
• Charlie's Kitchen (2.5 miles)
• Felipe's Mexican Taqueria (2.5 miles)

Theaters

• Cinema World Majestic 7 (0.8 miles)
• Showcase SuperLux (3.2 miles)
• Kendall Square Cinema (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Flour Bakery + Cafe (2.4 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (2.7 miles)
• Cafe Rustica (3 miles)
• Forge Baking Company (3.2 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (3.2 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Mount Auburn Hospital (1.8 miles)
• McLean Hospital (2 miles)
• Brigham and Women's Hospital (3.9 miles)
• Boston Children's Hospital (3.9 miles)
• New England Baptist Hospital (4.2 miles)
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital (4.7 miles)

Transportation

• MBTA Reservoir Station (2.5 miles)
• Porter Square MBTA Station (2.9 miles)
• MBTA Davis Square Station (3.1 miles)
• MBTA Fenway Station (3.7 miles)
• MBTA Union Square Station (3.9 miles)
• MBTA Kenmore Station (4 miles)
• MBTA Ruggles Station (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Paul Parish, Harvard Square (2.8 miles)
• St Agnes Parish-Arlington (3.4 miles)
• Parish of the Messiah (4 miles)
• Our Lady's Church (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (3.1 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (3.1 miles)
• Bidmc Lowry Building (3.7 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates – Spinal Unit/Pain Management (3.8 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (3.9 miles)
• Mass. Eye and Ear (4 miles)
• Harvard Medical School (4 miles)

Parks

• Grove-Cedar Bike Path (3.3 miles)
• Summer Street Dog Park (3.7 miles)
• Tufts Park (3.9 miles)
• Newton Highlands Playground (4.1 miles)
• Olmsted Park (4.3 miles)
• Larz Anderson Park (4.3 miles)
• Rindge Park (4.4 miles)