Briarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Pros

• The staff is really good and attentive to the patients' needs.
• The therapy services are effective and helpful, with staff understanding each loved one's limitations.
• The facility is immaculately clean, and the food looks appetizing.
• Communication from the staff has been good, allowing families to stay informed about their loved ones' care.
• One of the social workers was extremely supportive and outstanding in her role.
• Overall experiences have been positive, with many family members expressing satisfaction with the care provided.

Cons

• Staff was rude, and the food was very poor.
• The care for the relative declined sharply after nurse turnover, despite concerns raised to the staff.
• After 6 weeks at Briarwood, the patient was in worse condition and had to be hospitalized due to an infected bed sore.
• Communication from the facility regarding the patient's care was inadequate, leading to ongoing worries for family members.
• Some patients did not receive timely assistance when needed.
• The facility did not provide the level of care required for certain individuals.
• The rooms were described as claustrophobic and poorly equipped (no heat or TV).
• There were complaints about understaffing and overworked staff contributing to inadequate care.
• The medical staff's initial interactions were perceived as dismissive and unhelpful regarding patient well-being.

Review

Briarwood has been the subject of mixed reviews, highlighting a diverse range of experiences from patients and their families. While some individuals have praised aspects of the facility, others have shared deeply troubling accounts of care that fell significantly short of expectations. The dichotomy between positive and negative sentiments characterizes the overall picture.

A recurring theme among the critiques is the inconsistency in staff attitudes and treatment quality. Many reviewers noted instances where staff members were described as unfriendly or inattentive, contributing to an environment that felt less than welcoming. Reports surfaced about inadequate levels of care, particularly for patients requiring more intensive support. One family member recounted their relative's significant decline during a six-week stay following brain surgery, culminating in an emergency transfer to a hospital due to serious complications like infected bed sores. This lack of timely and effective communication from staff only added to the distress.

In stark contrast, several families applauded specific therapists for their dedication and skill in addressing patient limitations. There were mentions of compassionate social workers who provided unwavering support throughout challenging times. For some residents, physical therapy yielded positive results; however, concerns emerged regarding insufficient frequency and attention given during therapy sessions. Such discrepancies raised questions about whether all patients received equitable treatment regardless of their individual needs.

Food quality appeared to be another area generating mixed feedback. Although some residents expressed satisfaction with meal options—even noting they were suitable for picky eaters—others complained about food being subpar or lacking variety. Cleanliness was frequently mentioned positively across reviews; multiple visitors noted that Briarwood maintained a clean environment conducive to recovery despite other shortcomings.

Communication, or rather the lack thereof, was highlighted as another critical issue within Briarwood’s services. Families seeking updates on loved ones' conditions often found themselves having to initiate contact for information instead of receiving regular briefings from caretakers. This gap in communication left many feeling anxious and uncertain regarding their family members' wellbeing while under care at Briarwood.

Despite these varied experiences, it is essential to note that not all feedback was negative; numerous reports indicated satisfaction with overall nursing care and rehabilitation services during certain stays at Briarwood. Patients noted kind interactions with some staff members who genuinely seemed invested in their health and recovery journey—a sign that there are capable individuals working diligently within an often-stressed system.

In summary, Briarwood exemplifies a healthcare facility grappling with several challenges related to staffing consistency, communication effectiveness, food service quality, and overall patient care adequacy. While some visitors walked away satisfied with the level of support provided for their loved ones—highlighting valuable moments thanks to dedicated personnel—many others voiced heartfelt concerns over neglectful practices resulting in devastating consequences for patients unable to advocate for themselves adequately amidst overwhelming circumstances. Addressing these systemic issues will be crucial for Briarwood if it hopes to enhance its reputation and provide a consistently high standard of care moving forward.

This part of Needham, Massachusetts offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. There are multiple pharmacies within a few miles radius, making it easy to access necessary medications. In addition, there are various cafes and restaurants nearby for dining options. For healthcare needs, there are reputable physician offices and hospitals close by. Transportation options include several MBTA stations and the Framingham Logan Express for easy travel. Seniors can also enjoy recreational activities at nearby parks or catch a movie at one of the theaters in the area. Places of worship are also easily accessible for spiritual needs. Overall, this neighborhood provides a comfortable and well-rounded environment for senior residents to consider for their next home.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• French Press Bakery & Cafe (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• Mike's Donuts (6.8 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Brookside Cafe (7.1 miles)

Physicians

• Dedham Medical (1.6 miles)
• Guild Medical Center (6.1 miles)
• Pediatric Associates of Wellesley (6.2 miles)
• Dedham Medical Associates (7.3 miles)
• Mersi (7.3 miles)
• Mass. Eye and Ear (7.7 miles)
• Bidmc Lowry Building (7.8 miles)

Parks

• Cutler Park (2 miles)
• Newton Highlands Playground (3.3 miles)
• Natick Common (5.7 miles)
• Larz Anderson Park (5.8 miles)
• Pagel Playground (6.1 miles)
• Hinckley Playground (6.6 miles)
• Jamaica Pond (6.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Echo Bridge Restaurant (2.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3 miles)
• Truly Yogurt (3.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.6 miles)
• Eggs & Thai Cafe (3.6 miles)
• Corrib Pub & Restaurant (4 miles)
• Yard House (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• West Roxbury VA Hospital (3.3 miles)
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital (3.9 miles)
• New England Baptist Outpatient Care Center (4.8 miles)
• Lemuel Shattuck Hospital (7.1 miles)
• New England Baptist Hospital (7.7 miles)
• Brigham and Women's Hospital (7.9 miles)
• Boston Children's Hospital (8 miles)

Transportation

• MBTA Riverside Station (4.4 miles)
• Readville (5.8 miles)
• MBTA Reservoir Station (6.2 miles)
• Route 128 station (6.4 miles)
• Framingham Logan Express (8.3 miles)

Theaters

• Showcase SuperLux (4.7 miles)
• Cinema World Majestic 7 (7.3 miles)
• AMC Framingham 16 (8.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Parish of the Messiah (4.9 miles)
• Saint Catherine of Siena Parish (5.8 miles)
• Temple Shir Tikva (8.2 miles)