Brookdale Spruce Wood

Pros

• The staff at Brookdale Spruce Wood is described as helpful, friendly, and dedicated to providing care for the residents.
• Residents have reported feeling welcomed with open arms and treated with complete respect by the entire staff.
• The facility is praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained environment, creating a pleasant atmosphere for residents.
• Many families highlighted the engaging community activities that allow residents to make friends and participate in social events.
• The food provided at Brookdale Spruce Wood received positive feedback from both residents and visitors, with many enjoying their meals.
• New residents have expressed satisfaction with their living arrangements, stating it feels more like home than a hospital.
• Residents appreciate the variety of onsite amenities, including fitness centers, libraries, and outdoor walking trails.
• Families noted that their loved ones have shown improvement in happiness and overall well-being since moving to Brookdale Spruce Wood.

Cons

• Many nurses at Brookdale Spruce Wood have good intentions but are hindered by insufficient staffing and nonsensical rules imposed by the administration.
• The administration is perceived as poor, with suggestions that some firings could improve the situation.
• Communication between the corporate entity and individual locations appears to be lacking.
• Residents have expressed concerns that moving a loved one into memory care may not guarantee adequate support.
• The facility's aging heating and water systems cause problems, particularly with hot water availability.
• Some visitors found the community to feel passive and quiet, lacking an active atmosphere.
• After touring, one reviewer felt there was nothing particularly special about the place compared to other options.
• There have been complaints about understaffing after COVID-19, affecting service quality in dining and upkeep.
• A resident noted that only one meal a day is provided (supper), which may not meet the needs of older residents who might struggle to prepare their own meals.
• Another resident's initial experience included feelings of depression and anger, suggesting challenges with resident transitions into the community.

Review

Brookdale Spruce Wood has garnered a mix of reviews, reflecting both positive experiences and significant concerns from residents, families, and visitors. On one hand, many former and current residents express satisfaction with the community atmosphere and staff interactions. Several reviews highlight the friendly environment, with residents making friends quickly and engaging in community activities. One family noted that their parents moved into Brookdale in February 2022 and found everything they needed right at home—showcasing how important comfort and social engagement are to families considering such facilities for their loved ones.

However, alongside these commendations come serious criticisms regarding staffing levels and administrative challenges. Multiple reviewers echoed sentiments about the facility being understaffed, which they believed hampered the quality of care provided by an otherwise well-intentioned nursing staff. Concerns were raised about how this lack of adequate staffing led to difficulties in addressing the needs of residents effectively, particularly for those requiring more intensive care services than what was available on-site. This dissatisfaction with management practices extended to broader issues related to corporate governance; some commenters suggested that Brookdale's larger corporate structure interferes with communication at local levels, resulting in inconsistent support for staff and residents alike.

An essential piece of feedback centered around transparency regarding care levels required by residents. Prospective families are encouraged to ask detailed questions about how communication is maintained between care providers and family members, especially when it comes to understanding when a resident might need more personal assistance than what is available through Brookdale’s offerings. A family's experience showcased how crucial it is for potential clients to recognize that moving a loved one into memory care may not always equate to an all-encompassing solution; additional support could be necessary sooner or later.

Several reviews praised specific elements such as food quality and cleanliness within the facility. Many commenters spoke positively about the dining options available throughout the day rather than limiting meals strictly to dinner time—a notable advantage for seniors who may appreciate more flexible meal arrangements due to varying appetites or schedules. Cleanliness emerged as another strong point that numerous reviewers agreed upon; multiple parties noted how well-kept Brookdale seemed during visits or while residing there.

Moreover, anecdotal evidence provided insights into individual family experiences ranging from initial reluctance among new residents transitioning from home life—often marked by feelings of anger or depression—to newfound happiness through active participation in community life orchestrated by attentive staff members eager to engage everyone in activities. Some reported improved mental states following consistent interaction with other residents as well as proactive staff involvement aimed at minimizing isolation.

Conversely, some visitors noted reservations based on observations made during tours of the facility; specific comments reflected a feeling that Brookdale lacked vibrancy or activity amongst its population. Observers highlighted that many residents utilized walkers while seemingly engaged in passive interactions rather than energetic participation in varied activities—prompting questions about overall community engagement levels within this assisted living setting.

In conclusion, Brookdale Spruce Wood stands out as a place where many feel comfortable living due mainly to its welcoming atmosphere fostered through dedicated staff interactions amidst numerous amenities offered onsite like libraries and fitness centers—which add considerable value to everyday life there—but underlying issues around staffing shortages raise critical red flags potentially impacting long-term care quality expectations for current or prospective residents looking at this option seriously for themselves or loved ones.

This part of Durham, New Hampshire offers a variety of conveniences and amenities that may be appealing for seniors looking to relocate to the area. With multiple physicians, psychological and counseling services, pharmacies, and hospitals nearby, residents have easy access to healthcare services. There are also several cafes and restaurants for socializing or enjoying a meal out, as well as parks for outdoor recreation. The proximity to transportation options like U-Haul Moving & Storage and C & J Bus Lines provides convenient travel options. Additionally, the presence of places of worship and theaters offer opportunities for spiritual fulfillment and entertainment. Overall, this part of Durham provides a well-rounded community with a range of services for seniors to enjoy living in the area.

Physicians

• Psychological And Counseling Services At University Of New Hampshire (1.6 miles)
• Durham Family Health (1.9 miles)
• Mill Pond Family Practice (2 miles)
• Lee Family Practice (2.9 miles)
• Lamprey Health Care (3.6 miles)
• Great Bay Family Practice (3.9 miles)
• Bellamy Lab (6.1 miles)

Cafes

• The Works Café (1.8 miles)
• Horseshoe Cafe (3.5 miles)
• Aroma Joes (6.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.5 miles)
• Aroma Joe's Coffee (8.4 miles)
• Starbucks (8.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (7 miles)
• Walgreens (7.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Libbys Bar & Grill (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• Subway (2.9 miles)
• Deciduous Brewing Company (3.3 miles)
• Burger King (5.7 miles)
• Lickee's & Chewy's Candies & Creamery (6.4 miles)
• Thirsty Moose Taphouse (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St George's Episcopal Church (1.9 miles)
• Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (7.8 miles)

Parks

• Bellamy Park (5.2 miles)
• Guppey Park (7.2 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (6.8 miles)
• Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) (7.7 miles)
• Port City Air (8.5 miles)
• Pease Planesense Air Force Hangar (8.7 miles)
• C & J Bus Lines (9.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (7.4 miles)
• Portsmouth Regional Hospital (8 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Fox Run & RPX (8.3 miles)