Braemar Living at Wallkill

Pros

• The community was chosen for its smaller unit size, which allows for personalized care and attention.
• Residents enjoy large rooms with private amenities, fostering comfort and independence.
• The facility is described as beautiful, resembling a 5-star hotel, and is located in a safe area.
• Staff are noted to be friendly, compassionate, and responsive to residents' needs.
• The food quality and variety receive high praise from residents.
• There are plenty of engaging activities available for residents to enjoy.
• The wellness department is recognized for its outstanding services.
• Families feel fortunate and blessed with the level of care provided at the community.
• Management is responsive to concerns and works towards improving any issues raised by families.
• The facility has made efforts to ensure safety protocols during health crises, such as COVID-19.

Cons

• The medical care at Braemar community was described as awful, with families unable to get straight answers regarding their loved ones' conditions.
• One reviewer mentioned a significant issue with communication, stating that staff were often too busy to return calls or provide updates.
• A resident experienced multiple falls from her wheelchair, and the facility lost her emergency medallion, raising safety concerns.
• Multiple reviews highlighted chronic understaffing issues, leading to delayed responses for assistance and inadequate care for residents.
• One reviewer expressed dissatisfaction with the wellness staff's rudeness towards both patients and family members.
• There was a tragic incident where a resident choked to death during lunch due to lack of proper assistance while eating.
• Despite improvements noted in later reviews, initial reports indicated a consistent lack of follow-through regarding resident care and family concerns.

Review

Braemar Living at Wallkill has elicited mixed responses from families and residents regarding its facilities and quality of care. Several reviewers emphasized the community's appealing environment, describing it as beautiful and reminiscent of a five-star hotel. The attractive decor, cleanliness, and well-maintained grounds contribute to a positive first impression. Many appreciated the spacious accommodations, including larger rooms with no roommates, as well as the presence of individual suites that offer private living spaces coupled with shared amenities like kitchenettes and bathrooms.

The community’s staff garnered praise for their friendliness and dedication to residents. Families reported that the caregivers were warm, compassionate, and responsive to concerns raised by family members. One reviewer highlighted how staff members consistently checked on residents during outdoor visits while ensuring adherence to safety protocols amid concerns about COVID-19. Many families have also noted their satisfaction with the variety and quality of food offered, comparing it favorably to dining experiences on a cruise ship.

However, alongside these positive sentiments were serious concerns about staffing levels and the quality of medical care provided at Braemar. Several reviews detailed alarming incidents related to inadequate monitoring and response times for residents who required assistance. One particularly troubling account described an incident where a resident choked during lunch due to a lack of supervision while eating—a stark reminder of the potential dangers in understaffed facilities. Multiple reviewers mentioned that attempts to communicate with medical personnel often ended in frustration due to long wait times or unreturned calls.

The struggles described by families frequently centered around chronic understaffing issues, which appear to have persisted over time despite reassurances from management about having enough coverage. Stories emerged about delays in responding to call alerts for help—the lengthy waits for assistance in essential daily activities such as using the bathroom or receiving showers created significant worry among loved ones regarding residents' well-being.

Some feedback indicated that while there were instances where care improved—namely through management’s efforts to address prior complaints—concerns lingered regarding reliability and consistency in care delivery. Families expressed anxiety over medication management; one reviewer even detailed an experience where their loved one was over-medicated during afternoon visits without clear communication from the facility’s wellness team.

Despite these challenges, some families felt fortunate with their experiences at Braemar Living at Wallkill. They appreciated ongoing activities that foster social connections among residents as well as personal stories reflecting life-saving interventions by aides during critical moments. For others who had considered placing their loved ones in Braemar but ultimately opted against it due to distance or other factors, they still recognized numerous services available for those residing there—highlighting tours conducted by knowledgeable staff who took the time to engage both prospective residents and their families thoughtfully.

Overall, while many aspects of Braemar Living are commendable—from its aesthetics and recreational offerings to polite staff—the recurring themes surrounding inadequate staffing levels raise critical questions about sustainable care practices within assisted living environments. As families navigate difficult decisions regarding eldercare options for their loved ones, transparency about staffing availability and care standards will be crucial factors influencing future placements within such communities.

This area of Middletown, New York, offers convenient access to essential services such as pharmacies, physicians, hospitals, and transportation options. With several reputable healthcare providers nearby, including Middletown Community Health and Central Valley Orthopedic & Rehabilitation, seniors can easily access medical care. In terms of dining options, there are a variety of restaurants within a short distance, such as Clemson Bros. Brewery and Pizza E Birra. The proximity to entertainment venues like Middletown Cinemas and parks like Circleville Park also provides opportunities for leisure activities. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded living environment with necessary amenities for senior residents.

Pharmacies

• Middletown Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Middletown Community Health (1.1 miles)
• Central Valley Orthopedic & Rehabilitation (1.2 miles)
• Manchester Orthopedic (1.2 miles)
• Fraser Alleyne MD (1.3 miles)
• Manhattan Oral Facial Surgery (1.7 miles)
• Quazi Al-Tariq (1.9 miles)
• Goddard S Lainjo (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• CSEA State Hospital Chapter (1.1 miles)
• Horton Memorial Hospital (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Clemson Bros. Brewery (1.1 miles)
• Tapped (1.2 miles)
• J's Place (1.2 miles)
• Pizza E Birra (1.3 miles)
• The Switch Inn (1.3 miles)
• Equilibrium Taproom (1.3 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.2 miles)
• Noble Coffee Roasters (7.1 miles)
• Valkyrie Coffee Roasters (10.4 miles)

Theaters

• Middletown Cinemas (2.2 miles)
• AMC Crystal Run 16 (2.9 miles)

Transportation

• Metro-North-Middletown (2.7 miles)
• Orange County Airport (KMGJ) (9.1 miles)

Parks

• Circleville Park (4 miles)
• Shannen Park (6.2 miles)
• Craigville Park (7.6 miles)
• Thomas Bull Memorial Park (7.8 miles)
• Carpenter Field (10.6 miles)