Brookdale West Ashley

Pros

• Brookdale provides a caring and happy environment for residents, ensuring they are well taken care of and content.
• The facility has a family-like atmosphere that is small enough to foster personal interactions between staff and residents.
• Staff members are kind, engaging, and actively involved in the well-being of the residents, fostering positive relationships.
• There is a diverse array of activities available, allowing residents to stay engaged and active in their daily lives.
• Many reviewers appreciate the cleanliness and upkeep of the property, highlighting its welcoming appearance.
• Residents enjoy quality meals with a variety of food options, contributing to their overall satisfaction with the dining experience.
• The facility's staff are prompt in communication and attentive to the needs of both residents and their families.
• The activity coordinator goes above and beyond by facilitating personalized experiences for residents, enhancing their enjoyment of life at Brookdale.

Cons

• There have been concerns about Brookdale losing staff and being understaffed, which seems to be a widespread issue in care facilities.
• One resident experienced a significant loss of jewelry during their stay, leading to feelings of upset and frustration over the lack of communication from staff regarding the incident.
• Some family members noted that daily involvement in care is essential, highlighting a potential deficiency in the facility's overall care.
• A family member reported witnessing caregivers on their phones rather than actively engaging with residents, raising concerns about staff attentiveness.
• Concerns were expressed about residents not receiving enough time to finish their meals, with plates being cleared prematurely.
• Another resident faced multiple falls and injuries, suggesting insufficient monitoring and support from staff.
• There are complaints about the food quality at breakfast, with some residents not relaying their dislikes to the staff.
• One individual found their loved one experiencing a decline in health shortly after moving into Brookdale.
• The facility was perceived as overpriced compared to others despite having positive attributes.
• Some visitors found amenities lacking or underwhelming during their tour of the facility.

Review

Brookdale West Ashley has emerged as a significant option for families looking for assisted living facilities, garnering mixed but insightful reviews from those who have experienced its services first-hand. Many families commended the staff's commitment to providing compassionate care and creating a warm atmosphere that fosters a sense of community among residents. For some, like the reviewer who transitioned their husband into Brookdale, the decision felt daunting but was made easier by the assistance they received during their search. They noted the loving environment at Brookdale, where residents appeared happy and well-cared-for, despite the challenges involved in moving from home.

However, not all feedback was uniformly positive. Concerns arose about staffing levels and retention, which seemed to be an ongoing issue across many facilities in the area. Families observed short-staffing scenarios that led to lapses in care; for instance, one reviewer mentioned witnessing caregivers distracted by their phones instead of attending to residents' needs and expressed concern over improper medication administration. This issue of staffing shortages persisted as a common theme throughout various reviews and raised concerns about overall resident safety and well-being.

The quality of care also came under scrutiny when discussing specific incidents involving health complications such as falls or hospitalizations. One reviewer shared troubling anecdotes about their loved one’s frequent falls leading to bruises and injuries—suggestions were made that better training or more attentive caregiving could help mitigate these instances. Some families reported dissatisfaction regarding food service as well—residents often experienced rushed meal times that left them unable to finish their plates comfortably, raising red flags about nutrition standards.

Despite these issues, several reviewers found solace in Brookdale's engaging activities designed to keep residents active and socially connected. Many spoke positively about various programs ranging from gardening trips to arts-and-crafts sessions; these initiatives contributed significantly to improving residents’ day-to-day experiences. A notable review highlighted how staff members went out of their way to assist new residents with special interests—such as gardening—which provided a sense of personal fulfillment.

The facility's layout also drew praise; its intimate size fostered strong relationships between staff and residents while still offering enough amenities such as communal dining areas and scheduled activities like bingo games or movie nights. Prospective families appreciated this family-oriented environment where interactions felt genuine rather than transactional. It allowed a more personalized level of attention compared with larger facilities where one might feel lost amidst numerous inhabitants.

Ultimately, while Brookdale West Ashley has established itself with charming elements like cleanliness, engaged staff members, and active socialization opportunities among residents, there remains room for improvement regarding staffing consistency and management oversight within daily operations. For prospective clients considering assisted living options, evaluations seem essential—families should weigh both strengths such as personalization in care against ongoing challenges like understaffing before making decisions regarding placement for loved ones in need of assistance. In conclusion, Brookdale embodies both heartfelt dedication from its personnel alongside undeniable operational hurdles requiring addressal—a duality that reflects many modern assisted living environments today.

This area of Charleston, South Carolina offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering senior living. With several primary care physicians, eye surgery centers, oncology associates, and cancer centers nearby, residents have easy access to healthcare services. There are also a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes, from fast food options like Chick-Fil-A to casual dining at O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar. The proximity to hospitals such as Bon Secours St Francis Hospital ensures that medical emergencies can be efficiently addressed. Additionally, parks like West Ashley Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are located within a short distance for medication needs, while cafes such as Panera Bread offer cozy spots for socializing. Transportation options including Charleston International Airport are easily accessible for those who may need to travel frequently. Places of worship such as the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity and North Charleston United Methodist Church cater to spiritual needs within the community. Overall, this area presents a well-rounded environment with essential services for seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to live.

Physicians

• MUSC Health Primary Care - West Ashley (0.2 miles)
• Physicians’ Eye Surgery Center (0.2 miles)
• Charleston Brace (0.3 miles)
• Charleston Hematology Oncology Associates (0.4 miles)
• Roper St Francis Cancer Center (0.4 miles)
• Brian G. Cuddy, MD (0.5 miles)
• Carolina Lung & Critical Care (0.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.3 miles)
• O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar (0.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.5 miles)
• Bonefish Grill (3.8 miles)
• Golden Corral (4 miles)
• Gene's Haufbrau (4 miles)
• McDonald's (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Bon Secours St Francis Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Center For Abandoned Cats And Tomatoes (2.2 miles)
• Roper Hospital Ambulatory Surgery & Pain Management (5.4 miles)
• MUSC Ashley River Tower (5.6 miles)
• Musc Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital (5.7 miles)
• Roper St Francis Foundation (5.7 miles)
• Emergency Department, Roper Hospital (5.8 miles)

Parks

• West Ashley Park (1.1 miles)
• Medway Park (4.7 miles)
• Brittlebank Park (5.1 miles)
• Hampton Park Dog Run (5.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Primary Rx (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Kerr Drug (4.7 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.6 miles)
• Sightsee (5.7 miles)
• The Daily (5.8 miles)
• Estuary Beans & Barley (6 miles)

Transportation

• Baggage Claim (4.7 miles)
• Charleston International Airport (CHS) (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity (5.5 miles)
• North Charleston United Methodist Church (5.7 miles)