Brookdale Smithfield

Pros

• The staff at Brookdale Smithfield is highly praised for their genuine care and attention towards residents, creating a familiar and welcoming environment.
• Residents appreciate the quality of food provided by the chef, who consistently receives positive feedback for going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.
• The facility is seen as clean, scenic, and aesthetically pleasing, with well-decorated living spaces that feel homey.
• Many reviewers commend the communication from staff regarding special requests, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Brookdale Smithfield offers a variety of activities aimed at engaging residents, helping them stay active and involved in meaningful experiences.
• Family members feel reassured knowing that trained personnel are available to provide care for their loved ones in a secure environment.
• Residents enjoy the camaraderie fostered by long-term staff relationships, which contributes positively to the overall experience in memory care.

Cons

• The front-end person was frequently on her phone, distracted by personal drama.
• There was difficulty accessing medical staff for important questions regarding hospice consults and DNR orders.
• There was no follow-up regarding a complaint about a resident being left in a wheelchair for over two hours without access to the call bell.
• Some staff members were unfriendly and there was inconsistency in staff demeanor.
• The activity program lacked organization, with only one activity offered and no reminders provided.
• The communication between staff and families appeared to be poor, especially regarding incidents like falls.
• Residents often slept in wheelchairs during activities instead of engaging fully with the program.
• Residents faced additional expenses for basic items like liquids, pull-ups, and TV cords despite high overall costs.
• Transportation arrangements for appointments were unclear and inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities.

Review

Brookdale Smithfield has garnered mixed reviews from families of residents, revealing a tapestry of experiences that highlight both commendable aspects and significant concerns. As families navigate the complexities of memory care and assisted living for their loved ones, their feedback offers valuable insights into the facility's operations, staff quality, and overall environment.

Many reviewers praised the staff at Brookdale Smithfield for being caring and dedicated. One family noted that their husband received consistent attention; staff members frequently encouraged him to participate in communal activities, demonstrating a genuine interest in his well-being. They highlighted how the facility exhibited low turnover rates among employees, allowing residents to become familiar with consistent faces—an important factor for individuals grappling with Alzheimer's and dementia. This sentiment was echoed by another reviewer who appreciated the attentiveness of caregivers regarding daily hygiene needs and maintenance of cleanliness within the facility.

However, while some families were pleased with their loved ones' care, others expressed frustration regarding accessibility to medical staff and communication lapses. One family reported difficulty in obtaining vital information concerning hospice consults and ensuring that a DNR order was honored. They also shared their dissatisfaction with a lack of follow-up regarding an incident where their mother was left in a wheelchair without access to help for over two hours. Such incidents underscore deeper systemic issues that may hinder effective communication between families and care providers.

The activity programming at Brookdale Smithfield emerges as another area requiring attention based on several reviews. Some reviewers noted that only one activity was offered without adequate reminders or engagement from an activity director, leading to feelings of disappointment regarding social interaction opportunities for residents. While there were positive mentions of friendly staff members like the chef who went out of his way to be approachable, this light-heartedness contrasted starkly with complaints about inadequate recreational programming—a critical component in maintaining mental health among residents suffering from memory-related conditions.

Facility aesthetics also received mixed feedback from visitors and families considering Brookdale Smithfield as an option for their loved ones. Many described it as visually appealing upon entering; however, they also noted that it is an older building needing occasional repairs. The absence of modern amenities appeared particularly noticeable during tours where some found the dining experience underwhelming despite appreciation for food quality—a point consistently highlighted by satisfied relatives celebrating the culinary offerings available to residents.

Additionally, logistical issues arose over transportation services which were purportedly provided but not always reliable when needed for off-site appointments or activities outside Brookdale Smithfield’s premises. Families shared anecdotes indicating discrepancies in information relayed by various staff members concerning available transport services—a frustrating reality when timely medical appointments are essential.

In conclusion, Brookdale Smithfield stands out as a facility with commendable attributes such as attentive staff members who generally foster good resident relationships—attributes certainly worthy of praise amidst evident challenges regarding communication practices and insufficient activity programming. Families navigating decisions related to memory care will want to weigh these factors carefully when considering this community for their loved ones' future home.

Located in Smithfield, North Carolina, this area offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior residents. With several restaurants nearby such as Zaxby's, Texas Steakhouse & Saloon, and Golden Corral, seniors can enjoy convenient dining options. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS within a short driving distance for medication needs. For medical care, there are several physicians offices and hospitals in the vicinity, including Horizon Family Medicine and WakeMed Health & Hospitals. With parks like Wendell Community Center for outdoor leisure activities and theaters like Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh for entertainment, seniors can stay active and engaged in the community. Overall, this area provides essential services and recreational opportunities for a comfortable and fulfilling senior living experience.

Restaurants

• Zaxby's (0.8 miles)
• Texas Steakhouse & Saloon (0.8 miles)
• Golden Corral (0.8 miles)
• The Chicken Barn (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (1.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• 41 North (18.5 miles)
• Starbucks (19 miles)
• Starbucks (23.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Short Journey Retreat Center (5.4 miles)
• St Eugene's Catholic Church (17.8 miles)
• Amplify Church (21.1 miles)
• Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (23.8 miles)
• Beacon Baptist Church (24.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries (8.5 miles)
• Walgreens (12.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (12.9 miles)
• Davis Drug Company - Benson (13.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (14 miles)
• Allcare Pharmacy Services (14.6 miles)
• Walgreens (14.9 miles)

Physicians

• Pulmonology Bronchology PC (9.5 miles)
• High Point Audiologica (12 miles)
• Horizon Family Medicine (12.2 miles)
• EmergeOrtho-Clayton (12.6 miles)
• Clayton Pediatrics Center (12.6 miles)
• Meehan Medical (12.8 miles)
• Horizon Family Medicine (13.2 miles)

Hospitals

• JMH Clayton (12.6 miles)
• Wakemed Garner Healthplex (19.6 miles)
• WakeMed Health & Hospitals (23.5 miles)
• WakeMed Heart Center (23.6 miles)

Parks

• Wendell Community Center (18.5 miles)
• Biltmore Hills Park (23.2 miles)
• Chavis Park (24.3 miles)
• Carolina Pines Dog Park (24.9 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (23.8 miles)