Brookdale Ithaca MC

Pros

• The residents and staff at Brookdale Ithaca are described as caring, kind, and compassionate.
• The facility is noted for its cleanliness and beautiful decorations, including flowers on dining tables and seasonal decorations.
• Overall experiences reported by families have been positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the communication from staff.
• The food quality is appreciated by some residents, being described as tasty and well-prepared.
• Many reviewers found the direct care staff to be attentive, communicative, and kind towards residents.
• Some families expressed that Brookdale Ithaca is one of the better facilities they have seen in terms of cleanliness and overall atmosphere.

Cons

• The food at Brookdale Ithaca lacks flavor and is frequently not warm, with noticeable gristle in the beef.
• There are concerns about the lack of certified staff, leading to times when only one staff member is on the floor for multiple residents.
• Care requires constant oversight from family members to ensure quality and attention.
• After a hospital stay, management refused to allow a resident back without proper communication, causing frustration and delays in finding alternative care.
• There are mixed reviews about the management's effectiveness and a perception that marketing efforts do not align with the actual experience at the facility.
• A resident fell in the shower while under staff supervision, raising safety concerns about their ability to provide adequate care.
• Families were charged for room rent during hospital stays, which felt unfair given the circumstances of care quality and safety issues reported.

Review

Brookdale Ithaca has received a mix of feedback from families and residents, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the facility. Many reviews emphasize the compassionate and kind nature of the staff, creating an environment where residents feel cared for. The cleanliness of the facility is consistently praised, with comments noting beautiful decorations, including fresh flowers on dining tables and festive holiday decor that contributes to a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, several reviewers affirm that Brookdale Ithaca generally provides a good experience.

However, while some aspects are commended, there are notable concerns regarding staffing levels. A reviewer mentioned that despite having only one exception among the staff members—who they felt was not performing adequately—the majority were seen as great. This highlights a significant problem: there seems to be a shortage of certified staff available to attend to residents’ needs fully. With an increasing resident population, it was mentioned that at times only one staff member was present on the floor, raising concerns about attentiveness and safety.

Dining experiences at Brookdale Ithaca also drew mixed reactions from families. While one review described excellent meals served in a pleasant setting, another pointed out issues with food quality—specifically lacking flavor and warmth—and raised concerns about gristle in meat dishes. Additionally, there were mentions of excessive sugar and fat in meals provided; although tasty and well-prepared at times, these health considerations became important for some families managing loved ones’ dietary needs.

The reviews indicate challenges in care continuity when residents transition between care levels or require hospitalization. One family shared their frustrating experience when their loved one was hospitalized; despite their prior long-term residency at Brookdale Ithaca—four years spent within both assisted living and memory care—they faced significant hurdles upon attempting rehabilitation return plans. The facility's reluctance to allow her back due to undisclosed reasons left them feeling blindsided during an already stressful time after four weeks in care away from home.

Moreover, billing practices during these transitions raised issues for some families who felt unfairly charged while their loved ones were unable to utilize services offered by Brookdale Ithaca. Some expressed disappointment at being billed for room rent while their relatives were rehabbing elsewhere—a situation compounded by sudden increases in charges upon return due to additional services required post-incident.

Despite these criticisms surrounding staffing shortages and questionable billing practices, many reviewers maintain positive impressions overall. Several people noted effective communication from staff throughout various situations encountered within the community. The perception that Brookdale Ithaca is cleaner compared with other facilities they visited also reflects positively on its operational standards.

In summary, Brookdale Ithaca presents itself as a caring environment with a dedicated staff whose efforts contribute positively toward resident comfort and happiness—the facility’s commitment to cleanliness amplifies this image further. Nevertheless, challenges exist concerning staffing adequacy during busy hours as well as potential disconnects in management decisions impacting caregiving quality during crucial transitional periods for residents needing additional assistance or rehabilitation after hospital stays—all factors potential residents should consider carefully before deciding if this community best fits their needs or those of their loved ones.

This area of Ithaca, New York, offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living. With several parks nearby, such as Taughannock Falls Overlook and Stewart Park, seniors can enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. There are also numerous healthcare options in the vicinity, including dermatology clinics, medical centers, and a pain management center. Additionally, there are several restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual diners to upscale eateries. Transportation services like Enterprise Rent-A-Car are available for convenience. Places of worship such as Tabernacle Baptist Church and Temple Beth-El provide spiritual support for residents. Cafes like Gimme Coffee and Starbucks offer cozy spots for socializing. Pharmacies like Kinney Drugs and Wegmans ensure easy access to medication. Overall, this area provides a diverse range of services that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in Ithaca.

Parks

• Taughannock Falls Overlook (0.4 miles)
• Ithaca Dog Park (0.5 miles)
• Cass Park (0.9 miles)
• Stewart Park (1.3 miles)
• Conway Park (1.6 miles)
• Sunset Park (1.8 miles)
• F R Newman Arboretum Park (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• Ithaca Dermatology (0.8 miles)
• Cayuga Dermatology (0.8 miles)
• Cayuga Medical Center Radiation Medicine (0.8 miles)
• Cayuga Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center (0.8 miles)
• Center For Pain Management (0.8 miles)
• Radiology Associates of Ithaca (0.8 miles)
• Northeast Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (0.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Cayuga Medical Center Maternal Child Health Unit (0.8 miles)
• Cayuga Medical Center (0.8 miles)
• Cayuga Hospital (0.9 miles)

Restaurants

• The BoatYard Grill (1.3 miles)
• Purity Ice Cream Co. (1.4 miles)
• Ithaca Bakery (1.5 miles)
• Maxie's Supper Club & Oyster Bar (1.7 miles)
• Lincoln Street Diner (1.7 miles)
• Maru Ramen (1.8 miles)
• Liquid State Brewing Company (1.8 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (1.4 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Tabernacle Baptist Church (1.6 miles)
• Temple Beth-El (2 miles)
• St Paul's Methodist Church (2 miles)
• First Congregational Church (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Gimme Coffee (1.8 miles)
• Gimme Coffee (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Waffle Frolic (2.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.3 miles)
• Allechant (2.6 miles)
• Gimme! Coffee (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kinney Drugs (1.8 miles)
• Wegmans (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Apothekara (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Green Street Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Kinney Drugs (2.8 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemapolis (2.2 miles)