Brookdale First Colony offers Independent Living, giving residents the freedom of a private lifestyle while still having access to staff who can address routine medical needs. The community is able to support residents who use oxygen or who are under 60 years old, but it does not provide dedicated dementia programming. For individuals who want maintenance-free living with the reassurance of on-site clinical oversight, this community coordinates a broad range of healthcare professionals, ensuring that medical concerns can be addressed without leaving the campus.

Care staffing includes an awake night-shift team, so assistance is available around the clock. Regularly scheduled visits from a nurse, physical and occupational therapists, a podiatrist, massage therapist, and hospice professionals allow residents to stay on top of their health goals. Staff can help with bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting for those who need a little extra support while still living independently. Transfer assistance is available for residents who use walkers or wheelchairs, and medication management is offered to simplify daily routines.

Apartments vary, but many feature private bathrooms, kitchenettes, independent temperature controls, and cable access; not every unit has every feature, so it is best to verify specific layouts during a tour. The community provides routine housekeeping and laundry services tailored for Independent Living residents, allowing them to focus on preferred activities rather than chores. Brookdale First Colony maintains a monthly meal plan for Independent Living, giving residents access to chef-prepared meals without the obligation to cook.

Dining includes three daily meals served in a communal setting, and snacks are available throughout the day for added convenience. Menus emphasize balanced nutrition while allowing residents to choose alternatives that fit personal tastes or dietary requirements. Staff monitor meal times to ensure anyone needing light assistance with self-service can receive it promptly.

Amenities and services extend to resident parking, wheelchair-accessible common areas, communal gardens, an exercise room, movie room, barber and beauty shop, wellness center, and internet access throughout the property. Transportation is scheduled for shopping, medical appointments, and recreational outings, and on-site religious services make it convenient for residents to practice faith traditions. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas, and pets are welcome; 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 garnered attention for its high levels of cleanliness, exceptional staff performance, and the beauty of its renovated interiors. Several reviewers praised the stunning views, meticulously kept rooms, and the welcoming, clean environment they found during their visits. The staff members, from the touring guides to the higher-ups, have been highlighted for their professionalism, warm interactions with residents, and their effort to make new inhabitants feel at home. The community has been described as friendly, with an array of amenities such as pools, well-maintained courtyards, and a variety of activities and outings that cater to the diverse interests of its residents. These aspects collectively suggest that the environment is not only physically appealing but also supportive of a vibrant and engaged senior lifestyle.

However, not everything has met expectations for some. A few critical points mentioned across multiple reviews include dissatisfaction with the room sizes, which were found to be on the smaller side, and concerns over the meal plan system, which seemed to present a challenge for some residents in terms of understanding and utility. There were also mentions of the outdoor hallways not being ideal for all residents and occasional issues with maintenance, such as in the cases of food shortages at meals or laundry and elevator services not being promptly attended to. It's also noted that for some, the transition to this community from more spacious accommodations has been a significant adjustment.

Despite these concerns, many have expressed contentment with their choice, highlighting the commendable efforts of the staff to address needs and foster a warm community feeling. The availability of different room types and the possibility of moving to rooms that better meet their needs appeal to current and prospective residents. The emphasis on maintaining a clean, active, and friendly environment seems to vastly outweigh the drawbacks mentioned, making this community a favored option for senior living.

AI generated summary of real reviews