Brookdale West Orange

Everything at the community always seemed clean. The staff was all very friendly. The care giving staff could have been better about following up with us and my mother's doctor about her care needs. We thought they were very reactionary with her care rather than proactive. I thought they did provide some activities, however they were very repetitive. My mother had impaired vision, so there was not a whole lot she could do, and we didn't think they were very accommodating with that. We did not think the care was great or worth the price.

This place is "assisted light." Do not send your loved ones here if they need anything more than the basic services. The medical team - nurses and aides -- are understaffed. They have too much to do to take care of any person without the most basic needs. My Uncle was only there 2 weeks but I had to be there to advocate for him. They are very disorganized. The first day there I pushed the button to call for someone - the one they gave my Uncle - after 10 minutes no one had come. I went to the nurse's office and was told that someone would come as soon as they finished with whoever they were with. No one came for 20 minutes!! It was a test. I said, "what if he is having a heart attack?" and they looked at me like I had two heads. For two days he hadn't had a shower. It turned out he wasn't on the schedule. The last time I visited, his bathroom was a mess. It smelled. There were no sheets on the bed. The next day he was rushed to the hospital - he had a urinary tract infection and a viral infection in his lungs. I hazard a guess that he got the urinary tract infection because they didn't change his catheter enough. One time I arrived and the heat was turned on so high. He was slumped in his chair. I never saw them wash his hands once. After the coronovirus hit, they placed a roll of paper towel and soap in his room by the sink - for someone in a wheelchair that was impossible to access. The last time I heard - late last week - they were still allowing family members in even though the guidelines from the government with the virus was to keep people out. Finally, when he was rushed to the hospital they didn't call my cousin to let him know - the hospital called him. I was shocked that the two options for meals often were two red meat options. There are some good people working here but overall I can't say much good about this place. The good: receptionist very friendly; the servers in the dining room are wonderful - though I'm not sure the place provides benefits as one woman told me she was on Medicaid; the physical therapist is lovely; there are some nice activities yet there doesn't seem to be a lot of options for people to meet each other; my uncle spend most of the time alone in his room. The place cost $9000 a month. I'm not sure where all that money goes but it doesn't go to the residents that need the most help.

I can not say enough good things about this community. My uncle is doing great since his move here, and I'am very satisfied with everything they have done for us. He is very pleased with his move to this community. Everyone in this community is great, from the people who run it, to the staff. It has been a wonderful experience. With out doubt I would recommend this community, it is working out very well for us.