Brookdale Summerfield

Pros

• The staff at Brookdale Summerfield is consistently described as outstanding, personable, and caring, making residents feel well-supported and valued.
• The facility is noted for its cleanliness and hotel-like ambiance, providing a pleasant environment for residents.
• Residents appreciate the variety of activities available, such as exercise classes, social events, and outings that promote engagement and community.
• Families feel well-informed about their loved ones' care, with open communication from the staff and management.
• The spacious apartments are highlighted as a positive aspect of living at Brookdale Summerfield.
• Many residents express overall satisfaction with their experience, feeling enriched by the community life and friendly atmosphere.
• The dining experience is generally viewed positively, with options available for those who do not like the daily menu offerings.

Cons

• The facility is aging quickly, and despite efforts to improve it, progress is slow.
• There have been issues with the food quality, and the facility has struggled to keep a cook.
• Some residents find the meals average or not exceptional, leading to dissatisfaction with food options.
• There are concerns about transparency regarding what services are included in the price and what costs extra.
• Aides are not medically trained, which may not suit residents who need more care.
• The reliability of aides from an outside agency is inconsistent, leading to missed scheduled visits.
• There have been cancellations of activities that were previously offered.
• One resident reported that their specific meal requests were not always met when meals were sent to their room.

Review

Brookdale Summerfield has garnered a variety of reviews, reflecting the experiences of residents and their families with the facility's offerings, staff, and overall environment. One theme that stands out in multiple accounts is the exceptional quality of the staff. Many reviewers expressed their appreciation for how friendly and helpful the team is, emphasizing the personable nature of interactions. Residents often noted that staff members made a concerted effort to greet them warmly or check in regularly, contributing to an atmosphere where individuals felt valued and cared for.

However, amidst this praise for personnel, there were concerns regarding the physical condition of the facility itself. Several reviews pointed out that while Brookdale Summerfield boasts a welcoming aesthetic akin to a high-quality hotel, it is showing signs of aging. Surfaces and furnishings like dining chairs have suffered degradation over time—specifically due to sterilization measures implemented during COVID-19—which left some furniture damaged. Although management has communicated plans for repairs and updates, many family members feel that these efforts are progressing slowly.

Dining experiences at Brookdale Summerfield drew mixed responses as well. While some residents enjoyed their meals and highlighted positive options available—including alternatives like hamburgers or hot dogs when they did not find something appealing on the menu—others described the food as mediocre at best. Families mentioned that a bit more consistency in meal quality could enhance satisfaction levels overall. Notably, one resident enjoyed frequenting social activities associated with meals yet still found room for improvement in flavor profiles.

The activity schedule received commendable remarks from several reviewers who appreciated how busy their loved ones were engaged in varied programs ranging from exercise classes to arts and crafts sessions like card making and bingo nights. Additionally, events such as ice cream socials allowed for community bonding among residents—a feature which enriched their overall living experience at Brookdale Summerfield. These opportunities kept residents active both physically and socially; however, some critiques emerged about canceled activities from time to time which might hinder engagement.

Communication between facility administration and families also received attention—specifically concerning changes brought by new leadership after an executive director shift caused disruptions during lockdown periods due to COVID-19 protocols. The new director reportedly improved transparency through regular newsletters and Zoom meetings with families to keep them informed about operations within Brookdale Summerfield. This was seen as a welcome change by those who felt initially left in the dark during previous regimes.

Nevertheless, some warning flags surfaced around reliance on aide staff contracted from external agencies who have been inconsistent in attendance according to several reviews. Residents requiring assistance may not receive scheduled care since agencies often face turnover issues leading to delays or missed visits altogether despite families paying for specific support needs daily.

In conclusion, Brookdale Summerfield showcases strengths particularly through its dedicated personnel who foster kindness and assistive environments while offering various amenities designed around resident satisfaction including active lifestyles steeped in community connection despite certain notable challenges associated predominantly with aging facilities or variable staffing reliability that could impact care continuity critically needed by some seniors seeking independent living solutions blended with supportive services when necessary hitherto promising addressing these concerns transparently moving forward remains crucial towards enriching lives long-term under its stewardship allowing many flourishing experiences therein collectively curated harmoniously thus bridging gaps effectively creating enriched homely settings accommodating diverse needs effortlessly facilitating happiness universally amongst those calling this residence 'home.'

This part of Syracuse, New York, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several hospitals and physicians in the vicinity, including Upstate University Hospital, specialists are readily available for any medical needs. Additionally, there are pharmacies such as Wegmans and Kinney Drugs nearby for easy access to medications. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy dining options like Burger King and Luigi's Restaurant, as well as parks like Burnet Park for outdoor relaxation. Public transportation at Centro Transit Hub provides easy mobility around the area, while cafes such as Cafe Kubal offer a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee. Overall, this neighborhood provides essential services and amenities ideal for seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Syracuse.

Physicians

• Upstate University Hospital Community Campus (0.8 miles)
• DeRoberts Plastic Surgery (0.8 miles)
• The Vision Center (2.4 miles)
• Syracuse Community Health Center Incorporated, Infectious Diseases Department (2.6 miles)
• Onondaga Hearing Services (2.6 miles)
• Dr Anne Barash, MD (2.9 miles)
• Orthopedics East (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Upstate University Hospital (0.8 miles)
• Upstate Golisano After Hours Care (0.8 miles)
• Specialists One Day Surgery (2.9 miles)
• Syracuse VA Medical Center (2.9 miles)
• Suny Upstate Medical University University Hospital (3 miles)
• Crouse Hospital: Human Resources (3.1 miles)
• University Hematology/Oncology (3.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Apostolic Church (1 miles)
• St Elias Orthodox Church (1.1 miles)
• Islamic Society of Central New York Mosque (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Wegmans (1.4 miles)
• Syracuse Community Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Gifford & West Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Kinney Drugs (2.8 miles)
• Wegmans (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Burger King (1.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Luigi's Restaurant (1.6 miles)
• Gannon's Ice Cream (1.6 miles)
• Little Caesars Pizza (1.7 miles)
• Pfohl's Tavern (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Burnet Park (2 miles)
• Clinton Square (3.1 miles)
• Clark Reservation State Park (4.6 miles)
• Scenic Hills Park (4.7 miles)

Transportation

• Centro Transit Hub (2.7 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (3.1 miles)
• Amtrak (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Cafe Kubal (2.9 miles)
• Original Grain (3 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Destiny USA IMAX & RPX (4.1 miles)