Brookdale Austintown in Austintown, Ohio is a memory care-only community that accepts residents with moderate dementia and welcomes respite or short-term stays. The campus is purpose-built to support memory loss, offering structured routines and secured areas that align with best practices in dementia care.

Round-the-clock nursing oversight includes an awake night shift, on-site medication management, and regular visits from occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Residents have access to ambulatory support, incontinence care, hospice coordination, and podiatry services. Staff provide some physical assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, and they can help with wheelchair transfers.

Apartments vary in layout and may include features such as wheelchair-accessible showers, Wi-Fi, and handicap-friendly floor plans. Select units offer touches like a central fireplace view or proximity to outdoor areas; others may be situated near the community piano or organ for planned programs. Because configurations differ, not every accommodation contains each listed feature. The property is pet-friendly, subject to community guidelines.

Meals are served in a common dining room with staff trained to support residents who have memory-related eating challenges or diabetes management needs. A private dining room is available for family gatherings or special events, and menus are created to balance nutrition, familiarity, and consistency to reduce anxiety at mealtimes.

Residents can schedule haircuts at the barber/beauty shop, read in the library, browse the internet, or spend time in the communal gardens. Transportation is arranged for medical appointments and planned outings. Pets are allowed; 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 is widely recognized for its cleanliness, well-appointed decorations, and the caring nature of the staff. Numerous reviews praise the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, with some saying that they go out of their way to make both residents and visitors feel welcome and cared for. Many commenters have highlighted the excellent care provided to those with dementia and Alzheimer's, mentioning that this community specializes in memory care, which has markedly improved the quality of life for their loved ones. The positive changes seen in residents, such as greater happiness and a sense of independence, were frequently mentioned, along with appreciation for the personalized attention and the wide range of activities available that cater to individuals' interests and needs. The facility’s food received special mention for its quality, with fresh vegetables from the garden and chef-prepared meals that cater to the residents' preferences.

However, there are criticisms as well, including concerns about staff turnover and the ensuing lack of communication which some found disruptive. A few reviewers mentioned isolated incidents where care and compassion were lacking, and expressed dissatisfaction with billing and pharmacy services. The fact that this community does not accept Medicaid and requires private pay was a dealbreaker for some families, while others felt that the room sizes and shared amenities, such as communal bathrooms, could be improved. Despite these criticisms, many reviewers found the community's atmosphere—its social engagement activities, and the overall ambiance of caring and respect—highly commendable.

The high staff-to-resident ratio during overnight hours, spacious rooms, and efforts to encourage socialization were among the highlights for many reviewers. Even though there were some operational concerns related to laundry and specific care practices, these were generally viewed as overshadowed by the attentive nature of the staff and the homely environment provided for the residents. With a focus on individualized care, from food to daily activities, and a commitment to making the residents feel at home, this community has been recommended by many reviewers for its excellence in dementia and Alzheimer's care.

AI generated summary of real reviews