Brookewood Nursing Center

Pros

• It is a nice place for loved ones to recover and rehab.
• The staff are awesome and provide great care.
• The atmosphere is laid back and friendly, and residents feel at home.
• Heather is compassionate and goes out of her way to assist patients.
• Residents are happy and well cared for; staff are smiling and inclusive.
• The staff are extremely kind and caring.
• The facility is very clean.
• The staff are friendly and helpful across departments.
• Decatur Wellness & Rehab has amazing staff who care about residents.
• The leadership is strong and the facility feels loving and well maintained.
• The life enrichment department provides innovative events and activities.
• The facility is welcoming, homestyle, with fresh meals.

Cons

• A reviewer states that the facility doesn't care about its patients at all.
• A reviewer reports very poor communication between staff and family, with four days of unanswered calls.
• A reviewer notes that dietary needs (severe acid reflux) are not being met by the meals served.

Review

The reviews paint a picture of a place that many families view as a welcoming and capable home for their loved ones, especially in the contexts of rehabilitation and long-term care. Readers repeatedly describe a warm, homelike atmosphere where residents are treated with patience, kindness, and genuine care. The facility is often praised for its cleanliness, calm environment, and a sense that staff members go the extra mile to make residents feel comfortable and at ease. Many reviewers highlight how easy it is to visit and how quickly staff make visitors feel welcomed, underscoring a culture of openness and approachability that starts as soon as you walk in the door.

A standout theme across the testimonials is the quality of the people who work there and the way they interact with residents. Staff members are repeatedly described as compassionate, friendly, and attentive. Nurses and aides are noted for their warmth and willingness to involve residents in decisions about their care, while chaplains and other support staff are described as pleasant and encouraging. Reviewers often mention specific staff members by name and speak highly of the consistent level of care they've observed. Leadership is also praised, with references to an administrator who is seen as dedicated, knowledgeable, and capable, contributing to a sense of stability and trust within the facility. The overall impression is one of a team that genuinely cares about residents and strives to create a positive, supportive environment.

Numerous accounts highlight the facility's focus on enrichment and activity as a core value. The Life Enrichment Department is repeatedly described as strong and innovative, offering a steady stream of events and outdoor activities that keep residents engaged and connected to the wider community. There are mentions of residents enjoying music, crafts, outings, and even collaborative projects that extend beyond the walls of the building. The staff's effort to bring programs to residents - whether through singing for the community, hosting visits, or coordinating trips and on-site entertainment - helps residents feel heard and valued. Families note that these programs contribute to a sense of purpose and happiness, reinforcing the idea that this is not merely a place for shelter but a vibrant community where residents can actively participate in life.

Specific staff contributions receive frequent recognition. One reviewer praises Heather, a radiology staff member, for going above and beyond to assist in patient care with compassion and dedication. Cindy, a front desk staff member who guided a family through a tour and overall care process, is also singled out for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Tammy Satterfield Webb is acknowledged as an excellent hostess who helps create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The business office team is commended for helping find placement and for their kindness when other facilities have fallen short. Together, these personal touches reinforce the sense that the facility values individuals and invests in meaningful, human connections.

The physical environment and logistical aspects of life in the facility are commonly praised as well. Reviewers note recent remodeling and a modern, inviting look that contributes to the perception of a high-quality setting. Parking, accessibility, and transportation options - such as community buses and a wheelchair van used to help residents keep appointments - are viewed as assets that keep families connected and residents close to their loved ones. The combination of a well-maintained space and thoughtful logistics helps reinforce trust and peace of mind for families who entrust their loved ones to the facility's care.

However, not every review is uniformly glowing, and a few concerns surface amidst the praise. Some reviewers point out practical challenges, such as dietary accommodations for residents with specific needs, like severe acid reflux, where the meals being served do not meet individual requirements. A few responses also acknowledge moments when communication could be improved, including reports of delays in updating families about a loved one's status. One reviewer even expressed a strong negative sentiment, stating that the facility did not seem to care about patients in a particular instance. Taken together, these notes remind readers that, while the overall impression is very positive, there can be real gaps in communications and care that may require proactive attention from staff and administrators.

In sum, the facility consistently emerges as a place many families feel confident in for both long-term care and rehabilitation. The emphasis on compassionate, engaged staff; robust life enrichment programming; a clean and modern environment; and a culture that invites family involvement all contribute to a sense of peace of mind for loved ones. While there are valid concerns about dietary accommodations and occasional communication gaps, the prevailing sentiment is that this is a caring, capable community where residents can feel at home, supported by a team that treats them with respect and dignity. The combination of dedicated leadership, attentive staff, and active resident programming appears to create a strong foundation for the well-being and happiness of the people who live and recover there.

This part of Decatur, Tennessee offers convenient access to a variety of essential services for senior living. There are multiple pharmacies within a short driving distance, providing easy access to medications and healthcare needs. A selection of well-known restaurants is available for dining out options, offering a range of cuisines to choose from. Additionally, there are places of worship nearby for spiritual fulfillment and parks for outdoor leisure activities. Several physicians' offices and hospitals are also within reach, ensuring quality medical care when needed. Overall, this area provides a range of amenities that can support a comfortable and fulfilling senior living experience.

Pharmacies

• Riddle Express Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (10.3 miles)
• Walgreens (10.6 miles)
• Walgreens (11.7 miles)
• Stan's Pharmacy (11.7 miles)
• Madison Avenue Pharmacy (11.9 miles)
• Walgreens (12 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (8.7 miles)
• Ruby Tuesday (9 miles)
• Shoney's Athens (9.2 miles)
• Mexi-Wing II (9.2 miles)
• Applebee's (9.3 miles)
• Gondolier Pizza and Steak House (10.3 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.5 miles)
• Alamo (11.2 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (11.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Southern Baptist Convention (2.2 miles)
• Yellow Creek Baptist Church (5.7 miles)
• Texas Grove Baptist Church (6.6 miles)
• Watts Bar Church - The Bar (7.8 miles)
• Watts Bar Church of God (7.8 miles)
• Lakeview Baptist Church (8.6 miles)
• Faith Baptist Tabernacle (8.8 miles)

Parks

• Watts Bar Dam Recreation Area (7.6 miles)

Physicians

• Athens Eye Clinic (10.6 miles)
• Athens Eye Associates (10.6 miles)
• Craig S. Swafford, MD, FACS (10.7 miles)
• Covenant Pediatrics (11.2 miles)
• Logan Family Medicine (11.2 miles)
• Widloski Mark M DDS (11.2 miles)
• East Tennessee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (11.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Rhea Medical Physician Anex (10.7 miles)
• Rhea Medical Center (10.8 miles)
• Rhea Medical Center (11.6 miles)
• Daystar Counseling Center (11.6 miles)
• Rhea Medical Specialty Center (11.7 miles)
• Athens Regional Medical Center (11.7 miles)

Cafes

• Country Side Cafe (11.1 miles)