Brookdale Columbia

Pros

• The staff at Brookdale Columbia is friendly and accommodating, making residents and their families feel welcome.
• Many families express satisfaction with the cleanliness and overall atmosphere of the facility, praising it as a nice and quiet environment.
• Residents have access to a variety of activities, such as games, bingo, and painting classes, which contribute to an engaging community experience.
• Family members appreciate the good communication from staff regarding their loved ones’ care.
• There are positive remarks about the home-like atmosphere that allows residents to feel comfortable and cared for during their stay.
• Some families have noticed improvements in their loved ones' health while living at Brookdale Columbia, leading to increased independence.
• The facility offers good meal options that some family members find enjoyable when they join their loved ones for meals.
• The majority of reviews highlight the caring nature of the staff who take time to build relationships with residents and their families.

Cons

• Some residents have reported that the food at Brookdale Columbia is bland, overcooked, and cheap, leading to dissatisfaction with meal options.
• One reviewer expressed concern about the facility being located in a bad area and noted the lack of campus-like surroundings and secure access protocols.
• A family member described instances of disrespectful treatment towards their father by staff, including being called "lazy" when requesting assistance.
• Another reviewer mentioned that Brookdale Columbia felt run down and gloomy, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements.
• A visitor observed that the activities offered were not stimulating enough for residents and suggested that changes need to be made.
• One person found the overall atmosphere of the facility crowded and unappealing, preferring a more vibrant environment.
• Another review highlighted issues with communication regarding medical reports, suggesting a desire for more transparency in billing practices.
• A reviewer felt uncomfortable with the heat setting at 78 degrees, stating it was unbearable for their father.

Review

Brookdale Columbia has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback from families and visitors regarding the care and services provided to residents. Many reviews highlight the sense of community, cleanliness, and friendly staff as some of the facility's strongest points. Families express satisfaction with how well their loved ones are treated, noting that the staff works diligently to make residents feel comfortable in their new home. There is a common sentiment among reviewers that Brookdale is an accommodating place where family members can join residents for meals, which have mostly been described as good quality. This communal dining experience often adds to the overall warmth and friendliness expressed by both residents and staff.

The welcoming atmosphere at Brookdale Columbia plays a significant role in its appeal. Families appreciate the attentive communication from caregivers and how responsive they are to inquiries about medical care or daily activities. Visitors report good relationships with medical technicians, indicating that staff members take their roles seriously and strive to maintain strong connections with families. Multiple reviews echo this sentiment, stating that despite occasional complaints about food quality or maintenance issues within the facility, the overall experience remains positive for both residents and their families.

However, there are notable concerns that detract from Brookdale's otherwise favorable reputation. A few reviews mention dissatisfaction with meal quality; some describe the food as bland or overcooked, suggesting that variety in menus could greatly enhance resident satisfaction. Comments like "they need to invigorate the process by having featured meals" indicate a desire for more diverse culinary options tailored to resident preferences. Additionally, while some residents find entertainment through structured activities like bingo and painting classes, others criticize these offerings as lacking stimulation or variety.

Safety is another point raised by reviewers; while many praise security measures such as locked entrances ensuring resident safety, others express discomfort regarding Brookdale's location in an area they deem undesirable. For these visitors, aesthetics matter significantly — several reviewers described aspects of the building itself as dimly lit or needing repairs such as painting or landscape improvements. Concerns about overcrowding were also mentioned; some felt there wasn’t enough space for all residents to engage comfortably in communal activities.

A recurring theme is affordability alongside respect for seniors’ dignity while receiving care. Some reviewers share stories of price hikes that made continued residency unsustainable for their families; others expressed concern over how certain staff members interacted with their loved ones during assistance requests. Complaints about attitudes displayed toward seniors who seek help underscore an ongoing need for sensitivity training among staff members dealing with vulnerable populations.

Nonetheless, many families assert that Brookdale Columbia provides a home-like environment conducive to forging new friendships among residents while offering diverse activities led by enthusiastic coordinators. The facility creates opportunities for social engagement which many find vital in combatting loneliness common among older adults living away from family members. Despite mixed reviews on specific operational details like food quality or pricing structures, those who appreciate Brookdale often do so because of its caring community spirit where individuals endeavor not just to provide care but foster connection among all who walk through its doors.

In conclusion, Brookdale Columbia presents an option worth considering for senior living due to its engaged staff and active community atmosphere but does appear to face challenges related to meal diversity, location perception issues, affordability concerns after price increases, and incident reports suggesting room for improvement regarding employee interactions with residents seeking assistance.

This area of Columbia, South Carolina, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering living in the area. With multiple physicians' offices nearby such as Apex Eyecare and North Lake Family Medical Practice, access to healthcare is easily accessible. Additionally, there are various dining options close by including China Gardens and Cracker Barrel for those looking to enjoy a meal out. Transportation services like U-Haul Moving & Storage are available for any moving needs, and entertainment options like Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8 provide opportunities for leisure activities. Places of worship such as Tree of Life Congregation and Sandhills Community Church offer spiritual support for residents. Pharmacies such as Walgreens and Kroger Pharmacy are also conveniently located for medication needs. Overall, this area provides a comfortable and well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle down in Columbia.

Physicians

• Apex Eyecare (0.2 miles)
• North Lake Family Medical Practice (1.1 miles)
• Prisma Health Northeast Diagnostic Imaging (1.1 miles)
• First Care (1.1 miles)
• Columbia Spine And Joint (1.1 miles)
• Carolina Retina Center PA (1.3 miles)
• Cardiovascular Care Group (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• China Gardens (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Nick's Gyros & Subs (0.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (1 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (1.6 miles)
• Korea Garden Restaurant (1.7 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (1.8 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (0.8 miles)

Theaters

• Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8 (0.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Tree of Life Congregation (1.6 miles)
• Sandhills Community Church (3.5 miles)
• Shandon Baptist Church (3.9 miles)
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (4.1 miles)
• Spring Valley Baptist Church (4.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Octapharma Plasma (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (4.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Moncrief Army Hospital (4.7 miles)
• U HS Pruitt (5.1 miles)