Brookdale Central

Pros

• The community is described as having a warm and family-like atmosphere, making residents feel at home.
• Staff members are consistently praised for their friendliness, compassion, and professionalism, contributing to a positive experience for both residents and their families.
• The dining experience is highlighted as enjoyable, with good food options and a lovely dining environment.
• Residents have access to various activities that promote engagement, creativity, and social interaction.
• Many reviewers commend the cleanliness of the facility and the absence of unpleasant odors typically associated with nursing homes.
• Families appreciate the open communication from staff and management regarding their loved ones’ care.
• Several visitors note that residents appear content and happy within the community.
• The facility offers beautiful living spaces that many find spacious and accommodating for residents' needs.

Cons

• The head nurse at Brookdale Central did not communicate with the family, leading to a lack of awareness about the resident's refusal for showers despite being paid for assistance.
• The staff's level of care and communication has deteriorated over time, causing concerns about resident needs.
• One reviewer reported that their loved one experienced unkind treatment from a nurse and lacked access to activities, resulting in isolation.
• There is a high turnover rate among kitchen and resident care staff, leading to inconsistencies in care quality.
• Untrained staff are unable to meet the special needs of residents with dementia or other conditions, sometimes handling them roughly during necessary activities.
• Residents requiring assistance with feeding do not always receive help, highlighting staffing inadequacies during evenings/nights and weekends.
• The food quality varies depending on who is working in the kitchen, creating an inconsistent dining experience.
• Activities provided are often limited to basic options like TV or bingo, lacking engagement or interaction for residents.

Review

Brookdale Central has garnered a variety of reviews from families and residents over time, which paint a nuanced picture of the facility's atmosphere, staff competence, and overall resident experiences. Many reviewers commend the community for its clean environment and friendly atmosphere, characterizing it as a place that feels homey and inviting. Residents often express appreciation for the cordiality of both staff and other residents, noting the familial vibe that permeates the space. One family shared their positive experience with a loved one who resided there for nearly three months, highlighting the spacious apartments equipped with essentials like microwaves and small refrigerators, as well as good food that was served in an aesthetically pleasing dining room.

The social activities available at Brookdale Central have also received praise from multiple sources. Families noted a range of engaging events for residents—including arts and crafts sessions, nail painting, and musical performances—contributing to a vibrant community spirit. For many families considering assisted living options, this aspect is vital; they want assurance that their loved ones will enjoy not just care but also meaningful interactions with others. In particular, one reviewer emphasized how family involvement seemed to enhance communication between caregivers and relatives about the needs of their loved ones.

However, not all reviews are positive or without concern. Several families reported issues with communication lapses between staff members regarding their loved ones' care plans. One reviewer expressed frustration over learning too late about their father refusing showers despite paying for assistance—a significant oversight when family members were frequently present. This lack of effective communication led some families to question the standards and practices within Brookdale Central’s staffing operations. Acknowledging these concerns, a manager reportedly engaged in conversations aimed at addressing such issues in order to improve overall communication moving forward.

The quality of staff training emerged as another area where feedback diverged into criticism. Some reviews raised alarms regarding high turnover rates among kitchen and resident care staff while also expressing concern about untrained personnel handling residents with dementia or other special needs during off-peak hours. Reports suggest that understaffing in the evenings resulted in inadequate personal attention for residents requiring assistance with basic daily tasks such as feeding or bathing. While many reviewers appreciated specific staff members for being kind-hearted and dedicated to providing quality care, others felt that inconsistency in staffing would ultimately impact resident experiences adversely.

Potential new residents faced mixed assessments regarding the ambiance within Brookdale Central's physical space compared to similar facilities nearby. While some found it newly renovated with cozy accommodations, others criticized older buildings that appeared dated and less accommodating than expected based on promotional materials. Tour experiences highlighted warm receptions from sales teams; however, instances of overly aggressive marketing tactics detracted from some families' impressions despite initial enthusiasm about what was offered at Brookdale Central.

In summary, Brookdale Central presents itself as a community rich in friendly interaction and care-focused environments yet grapples with challenges related to staffing consistency and effective communication protocols between caregivers and family members. Reviews illustrate varying degrees of satisfaction—some families reporting joy in seeing their loved ones thriving socially while others question whether adequate resources are devoted to ensuring every resident receives sufficient personalized attention throughout day-to-day life at the facility. As such insights unfold through individual stories shared by those directly impacted by their experiences there—this multifaceted picture underscores just how critical it is for potential residents (and their families) to enter into informed discussions surrounding expectations before making placement decisions within assisted living communities like Brookdale Central.

This part of Central, South Carolina offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live. With multiple pharmacies, physicians' offices, and a hospital within a few miles, residents have access to essential healthcare services. There are also several restaurants and cafes for dining options, as well as places of worship for spiritual needs. Nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, while the regional airports offer convenient transportation options. Additionally, the close proximity to theaters allows for entertainment options within a short drive. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community with necessary resources for seniors looking to settle down in Central.

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Ingles Markets (1.4 miles)
• Sparks (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Equi-Tox (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (7.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Pancho's Mexican Restaurant (1.3 miles)
• Waffle House (1.8 miles)
• McAlister's Deli (2 miles)
• Habanero's Mexican Grill (2 miles)
• Pizza Hut (2.7 miles)
• Waffle House (2.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.8 miles)

Physicians

• Clemson Neurology (1.4 miles)
• Michael V Antworth MD (1.6 miles)
• Upstate Periodontics & Implant (1.8 miles)
• Allergy Partners of the Upstate (1.9 miles)
• Family Vision (2.7 miles)
• Anmed Health (2.8 miles)
• Carolina Integrative Medicine (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Clemson Presbyterian Church (2.3 miles)
• Crosspoint Church (3 miles)
• Fort Hill Presbyterian Church (3 miles)
• St Andrews Catholic Church (3 miles)
• Utica Baptist Church (7.9 miles)
• Grace Baptist Church (10 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Cook Out (2.9 miles)
• All In Coffee Shop (3 miles)
• 313 Cafe (9.9 miles)
• Starbucks (10.7 miles)

Transportation

• Oconee County Regional Airport (CEU) (5.9 miles)
• Pickens County Airport (LQK) (8.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Prisma Health Liberty Family Care (7.7 miles)

Parks

• South Cove County Park (9.8 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Starlight - Anderson (10.2 miles)