Brookdale Northwest Hills

My mom has now lived very happily at Brookdale for a little over a year. My mom's dementia seemed to happen very quickly and she was living out of town. I had to move her very quickly and needless to say, I was extremely worried about her and very stressed out. It was the hardest thing I've had to do in a long time. I looked at a bunch of assisted living places in Austin and most of them were good. When I came to check out Brookdale, the place stood out in my mind. I was treated so kindly there from the start. The person that gave me the tour (James) was so kind and made me feel like my mom would be taken care of. He helped me understand my options and was funny and kind. He even bought her a birthday gift and gave me a cute little cat toy because he knew I had cats. He was genuine. Everyone I met at that time was genuine (and still are). I had a lot of questions and there was always a person to help me out. When I toured for the first time, I was struck by how calming the environment was. The place was clean and pretty and the staff seemed engaged with the residents. Everyone made us both feel safe at a very vulnerable time. Needless to say, mom and I were both going through a lot of grief at that time. It was a huge move for her and me. I was scared and felt so alone. Becky, Kay, Stephen, Joyce, and all the care staff and med techs and nurses immediately made me feel at home. She has now lived in Brookdale for a year. We have come such a long way!!! The nursing staff noticed signs of Parkinson's and immediately got hold of me. We started the meds and there was an immediate change in her personality. She is more engaged and happy. I saw more of her sweet personality back. I feel so differently now than I did just a year ago and I know she does, too. We are both so much happier. She walks around calling everyone by name and they seem genuinely glad to see her. I have grown to consider the staff at Brookdale part of an extended family. They are caring in so many ways. It's so hard to recall everything! If there is anything that comes up with her health no matter how small, they immediately call me and let me know and we talk about a plan of action. There are Physical and Occupational Therapy staff that work with her on a schedule to keep her moving and exercising her body. There are fun activities and music all the time. They have an in-house beautician named Betty who does hair and nails for an excellent price and she will go up and get my mom when she forgets her appointment. Everyone there are real folks with caring hearts and a very loving personalities. You can tell this isn't just a job for these people. They seem to enjoy themselves and each other. My and my mom's lives changed drastically a year ago and Brookdale has been the very best part of it.