Brooks-Howell Home

Pros

• The staff at Brooks Howell are absolutely wonderful, consistently respectful, kind, and helpful.
• The staff view their role as working in the resident's home, creating a respectful, home-like environment.
• Residents are comforted by the availability of on-site medical care if needed.
• Brooks Howell provides for residents' needs in independent living and offers care in the Bancroft Taylor Unit.
• The community is warm, caring, and friendly, with a congenial family-like atmosphere.
• The staff are warm and attentive, delivering services promptly and efficiently.
• Brooks Howell has a very low staff turnover, contributing to a caring, safe environment with beautiful grounds.
• It is a beautiful retirement community on serene, garden-filled ten acres in the center of Asheville.
• The overall atmosphere is pleasant, with both residents and staff described as friendly.
• The community is highly recommended to senior family members.

Cons

• None found in the provided reviews.

Review

Brooks Howell stands out as a retirement community that feels more like a welcoming home than a facility. Residents who choose to live there enjoy the independence and privacy of their own apartments, while knowing that a full continuum of care is available if ever needed. The atmosphere is rooted in a shared belief among the staff that they are guests in the residents' homes, which translates into a level of respect, attentiveness, and thoughtfulness that many families find reassuring. This approach helps create a sense of ease and belonging, even for those navigating the changes that come with aging.

What makes the experience especially meaningful is the way the staff interact with residents. They are described as respectful, careful, kind, and genuinely helpful. Unlike places where frontline workers may seem to be getting in the way of daily life, Brooks Howell staff work in a way that appears seamless and supportive, always mindful of preserving residents' autonomy and dignity. This culture of care and consideration contributes to a warm, family-type atmosphere that residents and their families come to value deeply.

For families with aging loved ones, the availability of medical care within the Brooks Howell ecosystem provides real peace of mind. One resident's daughter notes that her mother, who is now 97, remains comfortable living independently because she knows medical services are readily accessible if necessary. The sense of security is reinforced by the fact that the staff are already familiar to the residents, which reduces worries about changing circumstances and enhances feelings of continuity and stability.

The community is designed to accommodate a spectrum of needs, from independent living to more attentive care in the Bancroft Taylor Unit. This versatility means residents can stay in familiar surroundings as their needs evolve, rather than moving to a different facility. The same warmth and responsiveness that characterize the independent living setting are evident across the care unit as well, underscoring the facility's commitment to a holistic, resident-centered approach.

Beyond the care framework, Brooks Howell cultivates a vibrant and welcoming social fabric. Testimonials highlight the warmth, friendliness, and helpfulness of both staff and residents, painting a picture of a warm, caring community where people look out for one another. The combination of low staff turnover and a safe, nurturing environment further strengthens the sense of stability and trust that families seek when choosing a place for their loved ones.

The physical setting also contributes significantly to the positive impression. Descriptions emphasize a serene, garden-filled campus of about 10 acres located in the heart of Asheville. The grounds are noted for their beauty, providing a peaceful backdrop to daily life and activities, while the residences themselves are described as inviting and well-kept. This combination of natural beauty and well-designed living spaces helps create an ambiance that feels both uplifting and secure.

Stories about individual experiences reinforce the overarching message of quality care. One family member recalls the care and attentiveness shown to her father during the final months of his life, with services delivered promptly and with genuine compassion. Another family member expresses wholehearted gratitude for her mother's care, noting the staff's dedication and the home-like atmosphere as reasons her mother could not be in a better place. Together, these accounts illustrate the impact of Brooks Howell on both residents and their families during times of transition and challenge.

Overall, the reviews portray Brooks Howell as a wonderful, caring place to retire. It successfully blends independent living with optional higher levels of care, supports a warm and respectful community, and is situated in a beautiful, tranquil setting. For families seeking a place where their loved ones can maintain independence while knowing compassionate medical support is available, Brooks Howell emerges as a trusted and highly regarded choice. The sentiment expressed across the testimonials is one of gratitude and confidence in the community's ability to provide a safe, welcoming, and enriching home for retirees.

This area of Asheville, North Carolina, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With several physicians' offices nearby, including dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and weight management centers, residents have easy access to medical care. There are also plenty of dining options, from fast-food chains like Chick-Fil-A to upscale seafood restaurants like Jettie Rae's Oyster House. Nearby cafes such as High Five Coffee and Green Sage Cafe provide cozy spots for socializing or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. For outdoor recreation, Memorial Stadium and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer opportunities for leisurely walks or scenic drives. The presence of St John's Episcopal Church provides a place for spiritual fulfillment within the community. Overall, this neighborhood in Asheville combines convenience with a welcoming atmosphere for seniors looking to settle down in a vibrant urban environment.

Physicians

• Dedman Karen MD (0 miles)
• Jody S Harrison (0.5 miles)
• Dermatology of North Asheville (0.5 miles)
• Anthony Weisenberger, MD (0.6 miles)
• Pisgah Institute (0.9 miles)
• The Eye Center (0.9 miles)
• Mission Weight Management Center - Sharon C Hathaway MD (2 miles)

Restaurants

• Five Guys Burgers & Fries (0.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.2 miles)
• Five Points Restaurant (0.4 miles)
• Elements Real Food (0.4 miles)
• Mamacita's Taco Temple (0.5 miles)
• Jettie Rae's Oyster House (0.5 miles)
• Whit's Frozen Custard (0.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Ingles Market (1.6 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Genoa Healthcare (3.2 miles)

Cafes

• High Five Coffee (0.8 miles)
• Green Sage Cafe Downtown (0.9 miles)
• Pollen (1.1 miles)
• Vortex Doughnuts (1.3 miles)
• Taco Billy (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• BattleCat Coffee Bar (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Highland Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Mission Hospital Operating Room (2.2 miles)
• Mission St Joseph's (4.8 miles)

Parks

• Memorial Stadium (1.5 miles)
• Blue Ridge Parkway (4.8 miles)
• Tanbark Ridge Overlook (5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St John's Episcopal Church (2.7 miles)