Brookside Senior Citizens

Pros

• Ron did great work for this building.
• It is a great and safe place for respected senior citizens.
• The senior community is well maintained.
• The building is very clean and well-managed, with convenient access to a shopping center, restaurants, and a movie theater across the street.

Cons

• The facility is described as an awful place, with the staff horrific and mean to residents.
• A front-desk employee allegedly whispered that half of the residents ought to be euthanized.
• The front-desk staff slammed open grandma's door without knocking and confiscated her bag of clothes.
• The showers are kept at freezing cold temperatures for residents.
• Moldy black substance protrudes from the bathroom tubs whenever residents try to shower.
• Activities seem geared toward the Indian population, neglecting other residents.
• A staff member reportedly videotaped the reviewer and her fianc? simply for visiting.
• The reviewer does not recommend this place.
• The reviewer describes the place as a disaster.

Review

A collection of experiences at a senior living building in Parsippany reveals a striking split between two very different realities. For some families, the place is a clean, safe, and conveniently located home for aging relatives; for others, it feels like a troubling environment where basic care and respectful treatment are questionable and, in some instances, outright alarming. The most vivid impressions come from a mix of personal visits, observations, and overheard remarks that range from earnest praise to gut-wrenching frustration.

On the negative side, several accounts paint a picture of neglect and mistreatment that families find hard to ignore. One caregiver's family member, a grandmother who has recently lost a lot of weight, became the focal point of intense concern. The reviewer describes a hostile atmosphere where staff are "horrific and mean" to residents, and mentions a chilling incident at the front desk. A staff member named Helerena allegedly told her that items such as new clothes could not be brought upstairs, and a quick, invasive confrontation followed. When she attempted to bring a small bag of designer clothes (new with tags from Prada, Armani, Gucci) up to the grandmother's apartment, management was called, and two staff members - Janet and another colleague - burst into the door without knocking, retrieved the bag, and insisted the items be returned to the car. The reviewer notes the obstacle they faced in adjusting the grandmother's wardrobe because of rigid rules and limited visiting opportunities due to standard working hours (9-to-5), which makes it difficult to assist in person.

Other complaints focus on the physical conditions and daily routines within the facility. The same reviewer reports the showers frequently running with freezing cold water, and a persistent moldy, black residue protruding from bathroom tubs whenever the grandmother attempts to bathe. They emphasize that the grandmother is clean and that the issues appear to be systemic rather than the fault of one resident, casting doubt on the overall quality of care and safety. There is also a troubling aside: the reviewer claims to have heard a front-desk employee whisper that "half of the residents ought to be euthanized." Even if unverified, such a statement contributes to a climate of fear and mistrust about how residents are valued and treated.

Another incident adds to the sense of discomfort and intrusion. The reviewer describes an interaction with a staff member described as a "Karen" named Chloe who began filming the visiting fianc? and the reviewer "just for being there." The account emphasizes a lack of understanding about why younger family members might want to spend time with elderly relatives, highlighting a culture clash that can make visits feel stressful rather than comforting.

Despite these harsh portrayals, not every voice is negative. Other observers offer laudatory encouragement, describing the building as a clean and safe place for senior citizens. Phrases like "very clean and well-maintained," "great and safe place for our respected senior citizens," and "well maintained senior community" recur in these more positive notes. One reviewer even mentions that the building is "a very clean and well-managed senior apartment building," underscoring a consistent impression of care and order in some parts of the operation. The location is repeatedly praised: it sits across from a shopping center with restaurants and a movie theater, providing convenient access to amenities that can be crucial for residents and their families.

There is also a sense that what the building offers goes beyond basic safety and cleanliness. Supporters point to a sense of community and the potential for meaningful activity, although critiques of programming persist. Some reviews claim that activities appear to lean toward the Indian population, with Bollywood nights dominating the calendar rather than a broader array of options. The concern is that other residents may feel left out if programming is not sufficiently inclusive or diversified. One commenter suggests two separate movie periods to accommodate different tastes while still ensuring everyone has opportunities to participate in communal events. This reflects a desire for more thoughtful, inclusive planning that honors the diverse backgrounds of residents while keeping all residents engaged.

Within these mixed reviews there is also a sense of pride in the work of certain individuals who are perceived as making a positive impact. One name that surfaces in a favorable light is Ron, described as having done "great work for this building." The combination of clean facilities and motivated staff is cited by some as evidence that there are dedicated people working to improve the environment, even if it's not a universal experience for every resident or visitor. The positive comments about maintenance, safety, and convenience coexist with severe criticisms, creating a complex portrait of a building that is capable of both strong strengths and serious shortcomings.

In the end, the impressions converge on a single, clear takeaway: the facility embodies a paradox common to many senior living communities. For some families, it provides a dependable, clean, and safe home with convenient access to nearby amenities, and it benefits from staff efforts and leadership that keep the property well maintained. For others, it raises urgent concerns about staff behavior, resident dignity, and the quality of daily life, with specific grievances about interpersonal conduct, restricted items, health-related conditions, and the inclusivity of activities. The divergent experiences underscore the need for ongoing attention to resident rights, caregiver training, transparent policies, and inclusive programming that respects the dignity of every resident while ensuring basic health and safety standards are consistently met.

Parsippany, New Jersey, offers a convenient location with various amenities for seniors. The area has several medical facilities nearby, including Parsippany Pediatrics, Cardiology Consultants, and Summit Medical Group. There are also numerous pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens within a short distance. In terms of dining options, there are familiar chains such as Wendy's and Chick-Fil-A, as well as local favorites like Ferraro's Italian Food Specialties. For recreational activities, residents can enjoy parks like Volunteers Park and Gardner Field. Plus, there are theaters like AMC East Hanover 12 for entertainment options. Additionally, transportation options are readily available with Rockaway Mall Park & Ride and Signature Flight Support for any travel needs. Overall, Parsippany provides a comfortable and accessible environment suitable for senior living.

Physicians

• Parsippany Pediatrics (0.1 miles)
• Peter Dabrowksi MD (1.4 miles)
• Cardiology Consultants (2.5 miles)
• Changebridge Medical Associates (3.3 miles)
• Denville Pediatrics Medical (3.4 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (4.6 miles)
• EHE International (5 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.2 miles)
• Ferraro's Italian Food Specialties (1.6 miles)
• Wendy's (2.5 miles)
• Wendy's (2.8 miles)
• Tommy's Tavern + Tap (2.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.9 miles)
• Thatcher McGhee's (3.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Liquid Church (0.9 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (7.7 miles)
• Resurrection Parish (8.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Wegmans (2.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (5.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Lokl Cafe (5.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.7 miles)

Parks

• Volunteers Park (2.2 miles)
• Gardner Field (4.2 miles)
• Florham Park Recreation Department (5.8 miles)
• The Morristown Green (5.9 miles)
• Ginty Field (6.4 miles)
• Loantaka Brook Reservation Recreation Area (6.9 miles)
• Freedom Park (8.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Clare's Hospital (2.9 miles)
• Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital (5.1 miles)
• Morristown Memorial Hospital Atlantic Health (6 miles)
• St Clare's Hospital (6.4 miles)
• Saint Clare's Radiology Department (8.2 miles)
• Saint Clare’s Same Day Surgery (8.2 miles)
• Kindred Hospital New Jersey - Morris County (8.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC East Hanover 12 (4.5 miles)
• AMC Rockaway 16 (7.7 miles)
• Cinemark (8.4 miles)

Transportation

• Signature Flight Support (5 miles)
• Rockaway Mall Park & Ride (7.3 miles)