1. Introduction and Overview
Brookside Assisted Living, located at 225 W Brookside St, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905, offers comprehensive senior care services in a supportive environment. This review provides a detailed analysis of the facility’s services, amenities, resident experiences, and its position in the Colorado Springs senior living market to help families make informed decisions.
2. Services and Care Options
2.1 Core Services
| Service Type | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | Personalized support for daily activities | – 24-hour supervision – Medication management – Activities of daily living assistance – 12-16 hours of nursing care |
| Memory Care | Specialized support for cognitive conditions | – Alzheimer’s care programs – Secure environment – Specialized staff training |
| Medical Support | Health monitoring and management | – 24-hour emergency call system – Professional medical staff – Medication administration services |
2.2 Specialized Care Programs
Brookside offers personalized care plans designed to meet the individual needs of each resident. These include:
- Alzheimer’s and dementia care programs
- Medication management services
- Assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transfer help)
- Regular health assessments
3. Amenities and Lifestyle
3.1 Living Spaces
The facility offers comfortable living accommodations with various room types and features:
- Private bathrooms
- Cable TV
- Kitchenettes
- Telephone service
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi access
3.2 Community Amenities
| Amenity Type | Available Features |
|---|---|
| Recreational Areas | – Game room – Library – Movie theater – Garden – Walking paths |
| Wellness Facilities | – Fitness programs – Outdoor common areas – Health monitoring services |
| Dining Services | – Restaurant-style dining – Special dietary options – Professional chef services |
3.3 Location Benefits
Brookside is strategically located near:
- Medical Services (Penrad Imaging)
- Pharmacies (Walgreens)
- Parks and Recreational Areas
- Coffee Shops and Dining Options
4. Daily Activities and Social Engagement
The facility offers a rich program of activities designed to engage residents physically, mentally, and socially:
- Fitness programs tailored for seniors
- Social events and community gatherings
- Movie screenings in the theater
- Library access for reading and educational pursuits
- Garden activities and walking groups
Recent enhancements to activity programs have further enriched the residents’ daily experiences, focusing on holistic wellness and engagement.
5. Resident Experience and Testimonials
5.1 Satisfaction Metrics
- Overall Community Score: 4.8 out of 10 (based on 102 reviews)
- Average Rating: 4.37 out of 5 (based on 51 ratings)
5.2 Key Areas of Resident Satisfaction
| Area | Number of Positive Mentions |
|---|---|
| Facility Cleanliness | 63 reviews |
| Staff Quality | 61 reviews |
| Overall Resident Satisfaction | 45 expressions |
| Care Services | 30 reviews |
These testimonials highlight Brookside’s strengths in maintaining a clean environment, employing quality staff, and providing satisfactory care services.
6. Pricing and Financial Information
6.1 Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Room Type | Cost Range at Brookside |
|---|---|
| Semi-private Room | $4,498+ |
| One-bedroom Unit | $5,397+ |
| Studio | $5,847+ |
6.2 Market Comparison
- Local Market Average: $4,663/month
- Brookside Starting Rate: $3,520/month
- Cost Advantage: Approximately 24% below market average
6.3 Colorado Springs Market Trends
| Year | Colorado Springs Average | State Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $4,693 | $4,392 | $4,070 |
| 2023 | $5,142 | $4,630 | $4,459 |
| 2024 (Est.) | $5,538 | $5,063 | $4,802 |
This data indicates that while senior living costs are rising across the board, Brookside maintains competitive pricing in the Colorado Springs market.
7. Comparison with Local Competitors
To provide context for decision-making, here’s how Brookside compares to other senior living facilities in Colorado Springs:
| Facility Name | Rating | Starting Price | Specializations | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookside Assisted Living | 4.8/10 | $3,520/month | Assisted Living, Memory Care | Game room, library, fitness programs |
| Brookdale Monument Valley Park | 9.7/10 | $3,945/month | Assisted Living, Memory Care | Pets allowed, handicap accessibility |
| The Lodge at Palmer Point | 4.9/5 | Contact for pricing | Residential Assisted Living | Home-like atmosphere, personalized care |
| Legend of Colorado Springs | 4.8/5 | Contact for pricing | Memory Care, Assisted Living | Beautiful setting, attentive staff |
| Winslow Court | 4.5/5 | Contact for pricing | Independent Living, Assisted Living | Housekeeping, fitness center |
8. Management and Staff Quality
Brookside places significant emphasis on the quality of its staff and management:
- Professional care team available 24/7
- Staff trained in specialized memory care techniques
- High satisfaction ratings for staff quality (61 positive mentions)
- Responsive management team addressing resident needs
9. Recognition and Awards
Brookside has received the prestigious Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights, placing it in the top 15% of senior care providers nationally. This recognition highlights excellence in:
- Overall Satisfaction
- Personal Care Quality
- Dining Service Excellence
- Facility Cleanliness
- Problem Response
- Communication Effectiveness
- Safety and Security
- Resident Recommendations
- Overall Customer Experience
10. Recent Improvements
The facility has undergone recent enhancements to improve resident experience:
- Renovation of communal areas
- Improvement of amenities
- Enhanced activity programs
These improvements demonstrate Brookside’s commitment to maintaining high standards and adapting to resident needs.
11. Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families
11.1 Pre-Visit Preparation Checklist
Before scheduling a tour of Brookside, consider preparing the following:
- List of specific care needs for your loved one
- Questions about staff-to-resident ratios during different shifts
- Inquiries about how care plans are developed and updated
- Questions about how medication management is handled
- List of dietary restrictions or preferences to discuss
11.2 Financial Planning Framework
To effectively plan for the financial aspects of senior living at Brookside:
- Assess Total Costs:
- Base monthly fee ($3,520 starting price)
- Additional fees for specialized services
- Medication management costs
- Any entrance or community fees
- Explore Payment Options:
- Long-term care insurance coverage
- Veterans benefits eligibility
- Medicare/Medicaid possibilities
- Personal savings allocation
- Family contribution planning
- Budget for Future Changes:
- Plan for the annual 10% market increase trend
- Account for potential care level changes
- Include contingency funds for medical emergencies
11.3 Care Needs Assessment Guide
To determine if Brookside’s services align with your loved one’s needs:
| Need Category | Questions to Consider | Brookside Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Assistance | How much help is needed with bathing, dressing, eating? | 24-hour supervision, personalized assistance |
| Medical Requirements | How complex are medication or treatment needs? | 12-16 hours nursing care, medication management |
| Cognitive Status | Are there memory issues or confusion? | Specialized memory care programs |
| Mobility | What level of physical assistance is required? | Transfer assistance, accessible design |
| Social Engagement | What activities does your loved one enjoy? | Varied activity calendar, social gatherings |
11.4 Transition Timeline Planning
If you choose Brookside, consider this timeline for a smooth transition:
3 Months Before Move:
- Schedule comprehensive assessment with Brookside
- Begin downsizing process
- Review financial plans and payment arrangements
2 Months Before Move:
- Select and secure specific room/apartment
- Plan room layout and furniture needs
- Address medical records transfer
1 Month Before Move:
- Finalize move-in logistics
- Set up utilities and services
- Schedule family support for moving day
First Week After Move:
- Attend orientation sessions
- Meet with care staff to review care plan
- Gradually introduce resident to activities
- Schedule follow-up assessment after adjustment period
12. Conclusion
Brookside Assisted Living offers a comprehensive range of services at competitive pricing in the Colorado Springs market. With its focus on personalized care, diverse amenities, and strong reputation for staff quality and facility cleanliness, it represents a solid option for seniors requiring assisted living or memory care services.
The facility’s recent improvements and recognition through national awards demonstrate a commitment to excellence and continuous enhancement of the resident experience. While prospective residents and families should carefully assess their specific needs against Brookside’s offerings, the positive testimonials and below-market pricing make it worthy of consideration in the Colorado Springs senior living landscape.
For the most current information and to experience the community firsthand, scheduling an in-person tour is recommended. This will provide the opportunity to meet staff, observe daily activities, and gain a better understanding of how Brookside might meet your specific senior living needs.
