Brookdale East Niskayuna offers a Memory Care program designed for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, including advanced stages. A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse is on site around the clock, and a nurse is always on call to oversee care for residents who wander, elope, display combative or other behavioral issues, stay up all night, require special diets, manage oral diabetes medications, or are under the age of 60. Full assistance is available for bathing, dressing, and toileting, while staff provide supervision for transfers with walkers, wheelchairs, or one-person assists. Podiatry services are delivered on site, reducing the need for outside appointments and helping residents maintain mobility and foot health.

Care delivery is supported by background-checked staff, an awake night shift, and an Activity Director who plans structured engagement geared toward cognitive health. Safety measures include 24-hour security, alarmed doors, fenced front and rear areas, and in-room pull cords that alert staff. These features create an environment intended to minimize the risks of wandering and elopement while ensuring that help is immediately accessible.

Accommodations range from furnished suites with private bathrooms and cable connections to more basic layouts; not every room includes every feature, and residents can paint or decorate to suit personal preferences when available. Independent Living residents on the campus can opt for medication-management monitoring, allowing them to retain autonomy while staying on track with prescribed regimens.

Dining offers a set menu with daily alternatives, an on-order option for residents who prefer to choose meals, and snacks available throughout the day. The kitchen staff supports diet modifications, managing needs such as low sodium, diabetic, or texture-altered meals so residents receive nutrition aligned with physician guidelines.

Residents have access to outdoor smoking areas, pet-friendly policies, wheelchair-accessible common areas, a barber/beauty shop, wellness center, internet access, communal gardens, on-site religious services, a pharmacy, piano, private dining room, meeting rooms, flat-screen TV lounges, and a fireside living room. Scheduled transportation and proximity to public transit make medical appointments and local outings easier to arrange. It’s a good idea to check with the community during your visit to see if your pet will be allowed.

Residents and their families say:

This community has received mixed reviews from families and visitors, with many praising its clean environment, the friendly and professional staff, and the variety of activities and services available. Positive comments frequently highlight the staff's attentiveness and knowledge, particularly in handling residents with care and offering engaging activities. The facility's physical layout, including its clean, bright environment and secure outdoor areas, has been commended, ensuring residents feel comfortable and at home. Meals and dining experiences have generally met expectations, with menus offering multiple choices and including healthy options. The management of medication and individualized care plans, especially for residents needing memory care, has been viewed positively, contributing to the sense of trust and satisfaction among families.

However, some negative points have been raised concerning the high staff turnover and moments where the care and attention to residents appeared to be lacking, particularly during evening hours or in the provision of personalized assistance. Concerns were mentioned regarding the cleanliness of both the community and the residents' rooms not always meeting expectations. The quality and variety of food have been criticized in a few instances, along with the organization and actual happening of scheduled activities. Despite these criticisms, families have acknowledged efforts by the community to improve and adapt, especially under new leadership aiming to address previously highlighted issues.

Many families have expressed their satisfaction with their choice, attributing their peace of mind to the overall environment and care provided at this community. Despite the challenges and areas for improvement, the positive aspects, notably the staff's friendly demeanor and the facility's commitment to providing a safe, engaging, and comfortable living space for residents, have led to recommendations to other families seeking similar care for their loved ones.

AI generated summary of real reviews