Brookside Retirement Residence in Ukiah, CA

Pros

• The staff are lovely and very caring.
• The meals are nutritious and well prepared.
• Brookside provides residents with a lot of independence in a supportive, safe environment.
• The director is accommodating and supportive during the move-in process.
• The facility offers a wide range of fun activities and events.
• The atmosphere is wonderful, and residents are well cared for.
• On-site amenities include a beauty shop, library, game room, and private dining room.
• There is transportation to doctors' appointments, Walmart, and banks.
• The rooms are spacious and well kept, with reasonable pricing.
• Residents seem happy and uplifted, with many long-tenured staff contributing to stability.

Cons

• The food is mostly cheap hamburgers or beans, with Jell-O often for dessert.
• The rent is outrageous.
• The facility is unfurnished, requiring residents to provide their own furniture.
• The rooms and living areas are a bit small.
• They were disappointed they would not qualify for admission.
• They thought the price was high at first.

Review

Brookside Retirement Residence in Ukiah is best suited for seniors who want a lively, sociable setting where independence is preserved but daily needs are reliably supported. It rewards residents who value accessible services, steady staff relationships, and a robust slate of activities ranging from music and outings to on-site gatherings. Families that appreciate hands-on coordination from a director during the move-in and afterward will find the transition smoother here. In short, Brookside fits those who want community without relinquishing control over their routines.

However, Brookside may not be ideal for those on a tight budget or for residents requiring higher medical oversight or specialized memory care. A number of reviews flag cost as a major consideration, with wide rent differentials depending on furnishings and unit size. Some potential residents may find rooms smaller than expected and the building's footprint feels large and dated. For families seeking a modern, compact campus with the latest design, alternatives could be more appropriate.

The primary strengths are evident in staff warmth, stability, and a genuine culture of care. Long-tenured team members, responsive management, and a clear emphasis on resident well-being translate into dependable day-to-day support. The activity calendar is not a token gesture - there are frequent events, outings, and opportunities for social connection. Dining is repeatedly praised for quality and variety, and on-site conveniences like a beauty shop, library, game room, and private dining space add to a sense of self-sufficiency within a community. Transportation to appointments and errands reduces daily friction and helps maintain independence.

Residents often remark that one- and some studios offer comfortable space, with layouts that open onto balconies or patios in favorable configurations. The appeal grows with features such as air conditioning, on-site housekeeping, linen service, and responsive maintenance. The setting feels quiet and secure, with a creek-view option in some units that enhances livability. The overall value - especially when meals and activities are included - can justify the price, even when conversations about furnishings and upfront costs come into play.

Still, there are valid caveats. Several reviews note that the campus can feel sprawling and that meal quality can vary by day. Cost remains a recurring friction point, with a spectrum from affordable to steep depending on unit and furnishings. A few reports point to smaller rooms and older infrastructure, which may disappoint those accustomed to newer layouts. An admissions anecdote about income screening serves as a reminder to confirm policies upfront and to align expectations with financial planning.

Decision-makers should compare Brookside against similarly priced options in Ukiah by prioritizing three factors: monthly cost and what it covers, room size and layout, and the level of daily assistance available. Visit with a focus on the specific needs of the loved one - the desired activity mix, accessibility, transportation reliability, and any memory or medical care requirements. Ask pointed questions about staffing stability, the continuum of care, menu quality, and any hidden fees. For many families, Brookside delivers a practical, warm home base that blends independence with community, making it a strong choice when those elements top the list - and less compelling if budget constraints or higher care needs dictate a different path.

This part of Ukiah, California, offers a variety of healthcare options with physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies located within close proximity to one another. The area also provides convenient transportation services such as taxi companies and car rental facilities. Residents can enjoy dining at a range of restaurants offering different cuisines, as well as cafes for leisurely meals or coffee breaks. For recreational activities, there are parks nearby for outdoor gatherings or walks. Additionally, there are places of worship available for spiritual engagement. Overall, this part of Ukiah provides a blend of essential services and recreational opportunities suitable for senior living.

Physicians

• Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center (0 miles)
• Coursey Donald L MD (0 miles)
• Ukiah Hearing Care (0 miles)
• Ukiah Podiatry Group (0.1 miles)
• Wells, Michael Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Mendocino Radiology Lab (0.1 miles)
• Observatory Surgery Center (0.1 miles)
• NorCal Dermatology Medical Surgical Cosmetic (0.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Valley View Skilled Nursing Center (0.1 miles)
• Ukiah Healthcare Center (0.3 miles)
• Cancer Resource Center of Mendocino County (0.8 miles)
• Adventist Health Ukiah Valley (1.3 miles)
• Ukiah Adventist Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Ukiah Valley Medical Center (1.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grace Lutheran Church Elca (0.2 miles)
• Willits Ward (0.3 miles)
• Trinity Baptist Church (0.3 miles)
• Calvary Baptist Church (0.3 miles)
• St Mary Of The Angels Catholic Church (0.4 miles)
• General Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists (0.4 miles)
• Church of the Open Door: First Christian Church of Ukiah (0.5 miles)

Transportation

• Norcal Taxi (0.2 miles)
• Redwood Taxi - Ukiah (0.2 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.5 miles)
• Ukiah Airport (0.5 miles)
• Ukiah Regional Airport (0.6 miles)
• Budget Truck Rental (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Bebops Diner (0.2 miles)
• Sunny's Doughnuts (0.2 miles)
• The Bottle Shop Deli (0.3 miles)
• Spirro Giros (0.4 miles)
• El Molcajete (0.4 miles)
• Las Palmas (0.5 miles)
• Isi's Pizza (0.6 miles)

Parks

• Observatory Park (0.2 miles)
• Anton Stadium (1.3 miles)
• Todd Grove Park (1.4 miles)

Cafes

• Ellie's Mutt Hut & Vegetarian Cafe (0.5 miles)
• Mendocino Bounty Speciality Market Place (1 miles)
• Mama's Cafe and Bakery (1 miles)
• Black Oak Coffee Roasters (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Cafe Poppy (12.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.6 miles)
• Myers Apothecary Shop (1.2 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Myers Medical Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Raley's Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Collective Conscious Apothecary (12.2 miles)

Theaters

• Ukiah STM 6 (0.7 miles)
• Regal Ukiah (0.7 miles)