Brookdale Topeka

Pros

• The staff at Brookdale is incredibly caring and attentive, treating each resident like family with dignity and respect.
• Residents receive exceptional care and service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure their well-being.
• The facility offers a variety of engaging activities that involve both residents and their families, fostering a sense of community.
• Many families express gratitude for the compassionate support provided by the Brookdale team, which helps ease the burden of placing loved ones in assisted living.
• The accommodations are clean, pleasant, and provide ample space for residents, contributing to a comfortable living environment.
• Residents rave about the quality of meals served, highlighting delicious food options that contribute to their happiness.
• Families appreciate the strong communication from staff regarding any concerns or issues related to their loved ones' care.
• The transition into Brookdale is smooth and well-managed, making it easier for families during a challenging time.

Cons

• The administrative staff at Brookdale frequently changed, leading to confusion and a lack of communication regarding billing and promises made to residents and families.
• One resident’s husband was not adequately fed or lifted from his bed, resulting in extra charges for services that were not performed.
• A resident experienced poor communication from staff regarding rate increases and additional charges, which contributed to their decision to move their loved one out of the facility.
• There were complaints about inadequate care, with instances of soiled mattresses due to a lack of proper attention from the staff.
• An instance was noted where personal health information was shared without consent, causing distress to the family.
• Some residents reported issues with housekeeping standards in individual rooms.
• A negative interaction with a staff member left a family feeling ignored and dismissed regarding their loved one’s needs.
• A lingering urine smell in one hallway raised concerns about cleanliness at the facility, despite an eventual improvement being noted.

Review

The reviews of Brookdale reflect a wide spectrum of experiences from residents' families, highlighting both commendable and concerning aspects of caregiving and administrative practices. Many family members express their satisfaction with the facility’s staff, emphasizing their warmth, compassion, and genuine concern for the residents. From dedicated nursing staff to an engaged activities team, many reviewers feel that their loved ones are treated with dignity and respect. The consistent mention of empathy resonates throughout the positive reviews; families appreciate how staff members not only focus on physical needs but also address emotional wellbeing. One reviewer noted relief in seeing their mother happy for the first time in years, thanking the staff for their attentive care.

Conversely, some reviews signal serious issues within Brookdale's management and billing operations. A dissatisfied former resident's family detailed a frustrating experience marred by constant changes in upper management, leading to miscommunication regarding billing statements and care promises. This situation left them feeling unsupported as they grappled with overwhelming financial discrepancies without adequate explanation or response from the new administrative staff. The review highlighted troubling incidents concerning missed care services for residents—such as unserved meals—raising concerns about accountability in managing essential daily activities.

Despite these significant grievances, many families report feeling secure knowing that their loved ones reside in a place where they can participate in engaging activities and build social connections with peers. Several reviewers specifically praised Brookdale's commitment to creating a vibrant community atmosphere by providing various stimulating events that encourage interaction among residents while fostering familial involvement when possible. Such communal engagement is seen as vital to enhancing overall quality of life—a sentiment echoed by those who appreciated thoughtfully organized programming led by capable activity directors.

While there are criticisms surrounding cleanliness at times—citing odors in hallways or inadequate housekeeping—the majority of reviews extol the facility's well-maintained environment, decent-sized rooms, and accessible amenities such as cable TV and laundry facilities. Positive sentiments emerged around food quality too; multiple reviewers reported satisfaction with meal options available to residents, even attributing newfound friendships among residents partly due to shared dining experiences.

Cost considerations were also paramount across reviews; one family moved their loved one out due to increasing charges for undisclosed services which were frequently overlooked during daily care routines at Brookdale. They found greater value at another facility where similar assistance was provided without additional fees, sparking discussions about transparency and fairness in pricing among other families who may be evaluating Brookdale versus competitor offerings.

In conclusion, while there exists considerable praise for Brookdale's dedicated staff and nurturing environment encouraging resident happiness—a clear indicator that many find solace knowing their loved ones are cared for—the persistent issues relating to administrative disorganization raise critical questions regarding operational efficacy within the facility. As families navigate complex emotions tied to placing loved ones into memory care or assisted living facilities, it becomes crucial that they feel supported—not just emotionally but also through fair financial practices and reliable caregiving standards ensuring dignified treatment throughout one's stay in such institutions.

This particular part of Topeka, Kansas, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to live in the area. With a variety of restaurants nearby, including familiar chains like Cracker Barrel and McDonald's, as well as local favorites like Ling's Bistro and Jose Peppers, residents have plenty of dining options to choose from. Additionally, there are several cafes such as Panera Bread and Classic Bean for those looking for a casual spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a light meal. Pharmacies like Walmart Pharmacy and Walgreens are within close proximity for easy access to medications and health supplies. Places of worship like First Lutheran Church Elca provide spiritual support, while medical facilities such as Topeka Lasik Center and Tallgrass Oral Surgery offer healthcare services. The area also features theaters like Regal Hollywood & ScreenX - Topeka for entertainment options and parks like Gage Park and Kaw River State Park for outdoor recreation opportunities. Overall, this part of Topeka offers a well-rounded community with various resources that cater to the needs of seniors.

Restaurants

• Cracker Barrel (0.3 miles)
• Ling's Bistro (0.4 miles)
• Arby's (0.5 miles)
• Jose Peppers (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• HuHot Mongolian Grill (0.5 miles)
• Taco Tico (0.5 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.5 miles)
• Classic Bean (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Kansas Pharmacists Ass (0.9 miles)
• CBD Nation Topeka (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Tallgrass Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Lutheran Church Elca (0.7 miles)

Physicians

• Topeka Lasik Center (0.7 miles)
• Tallgrass Oral Surgery (1 miles)
• Kohake Deutscher & Hefner (1 miles)
• Kresie & Penzler (1.2 miles)
• St Francis Medical Clinic At River Hill (1.2 miles)
• Tallgrass Orthopedic & Sports Medicine (1.2 miles)
• Tallgrass Surgical Center (1.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Topeka ER and Hospital (0.8 miles)
• Washburn Surgery Center (1.3 miles)
• Topeka Veterans Affairs Medical Center (1.9 miles)
• Topeka VA ICU (2 miles)
• Veterans Health Administration (2 miles)
• Colmery-o'Neil Va Medical Center (2 miles)
• Stormont-Vail Healthcare (2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Hollywood & ScreenX - Topeka (1.5 miles)
• Topeka Wheatfield 9 (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Gage Park (1.6 miles)
• Kaw River State Park - River Access (1.9 miles)