Brookdale Lisle

My parents were Brookdale residents in the Independent program for 2-3 years. They were happy with the lifestyle. But when they began to need more help, we requested evaluations for Brookdale's Asssisted Living service and ultimately they moved to an apartment on the 5th floor for that higher level of care. Brookdale describes their service as "Independent" Assisted Living. That should have been our first clue. It's an oxymoron that is a recipe for failure. Consider carefully before moving your loved one(s) into this environment, then keep looking for alternate places. The dining room on 5 is a dismal shadow of the dining room on the main floor. Not because AL residents need extra help, but because the help they need is NOT provided!!!!! A few of the medical staff are wonderful, but MANY are doing the barest minimum to collect their paychecks. Services we paid for were not given consistently. We were assured certain care was being given that was not. Their quality of life deteriorated rapidly, accelerated in part by care that was lacking. We were deceived by reports of our parent's negative behavior that were later found to be totally false. We were given a recommendation for medical care based on untrue information. This is just an overview of our experience, enough to make others aware of the pitfalls that exist.

It a shame that a facility of this size and location cannot be successful. But that's what happens when the parent company controls the finances. Brookdale Lisle has been steadily over years cutting services, food quality, maintenance and upkeep. The turnover of management and maintenance employee's has accelerated. The food they serve the residents is NOT the food they serve visitors and their corporate mgmt. Simply put its life sustaining but that's about it. Never a meal to look forward to, except when they have a buffet for an event where visitors and residents eat the same food. Simply a cover for poor food...The building is old and needs improvements vs. band aids to delay a complete repair. Simply ask the residents how often the elevators are broken. OR better yet how many month's or year's it been since they were inspected. Expect rent to go up 6.5% every year no matter what and currently a 1 bedroom, independent living, no services is $3600/mo. or more. The top floor is for assisted living and/or memory care and have their own dining room. But against policy are allowed into the main level dining area which creates overcrowding, poor service and 2 hour+ diner commitments, it's a shame. I know this to be true as I have a family living there for over 3 years. Were exploring other options, I cannot more highly recommend NOT choosing this facility. Heaven help you if you need to go to the skilled side/facility. A whole different story but worse.

Brookdale in Lisle is the best facility that I visited in search of a permanent residence for my mom. From the moment you talk to their representatives you realize these people really care. They apartments for all...independent, assisted living, nursing care. The best feature is mom can be independent (cheaper rent) and then get "spot" assistance for a charge per hour. It is considered "a la cart" assistance and is perfect for those that are really independent but may need help with some things. The dining room is like a fancy restaurant and the menu changes daily. There is an excellent chef as well as a pastry chef. They make sure that the residences co-mingle for breakfast and dinner (2 meals included with rent). There is also a "bistro" that serves hamburgers, hot dogs, deli sandwiches and is a small convenience store. There is also a branch office for the local bank located in the lobby. Mom loves it, loves the care, and loves the sincerity of the staff. Was a godsend to visit this place and was the last place I looked at.