The Bristal at Sayville

In the summer of 2023, my sister and I noticed our mom was having a hard time managing her home. Since our dad passed, the house had become too much for her to take care of, and we were increasingly concerned about her health, safety, and overall well-being. She wasn’t eating balanced meals regularly, and the lack of social interaction was taking a toll. We started exploring options to make her living situation more manageable. Downsizing to an apartment was on the table, and we even tried a home health aide—which was helpful, but not enough. What she really needed was community and connection. It was important to her that she stay in Sayville, her beloved hometown of over 60 years. So we visited a few local assisted living facilities, including The Bristal. We met with Denise and toured the facility together. At first, Mom wasn’t sure. She told us, “I don’t need to be in a place like this.” But after some discussion, she agreed to try it for a one-month trial. That first month was tough. She missed her independence, her routines, and the familiarity of her own home. But we gently encouraged her to get involved—try some activities, meet people, host her bridge group, and see that her social life didn’t have to end. We even recreated her room to feel just like home. At the end of the trial, she told us she wanted to go back home. We asked her to stay just a little longer. And that extra time made all the difference. A few weeks later, she started referring to The Bristal as *home*. She spent almost two happy years there. She participated in daily activities and exercises, (thanks to Kristin and her recreational staff) and made regular visits to the salon—always wanting to look her best. She enjoyed the company of her table mates and participated in the glee club with Justin. She had nothing to worry about. The amazing staff, especially Lisa, Kim, and the Wellness team, kept her healthy, supported, and engaged. When her health declined, they were right there by our side. I truly don’t think my sister and I could have navigated that time without them. Making decisions for your parents later in life is never easy. But we are so incredibly grateful that we chose The Bristal. It gave our mom safety, comfort, and happiness in her final years—and for us, peace of mind. After our dad passed, those years at The Bristal were truly her best.

My 90 year mother is at the Bristal in Sayville . The people who work and care are wonderful. From the dining staff to the administration staff. Everyone beyond kind ,courteous and compassionate. They all know who she is and she is always met with kindness. The rooms are always well maintained and the overall appearance of the facility is stunning. The front desk staff are simply the best. Know where mom is at all times, any questions you need not go any further. The administrations are always accessible and responsive. The nursing staff just a caring group of people. The food service is excellent,more importantly the staff are some of the most caring,kind people I’ve met. Maintenance always available to get anything done you need.(with a smile on their face. Thank you to everyone there. Appreciate all your kindness.

Our mom has been living at The Bristal in Sayville for 6 months now. Mom had a hard time adjusting to a new way of living and the staff at The Bristal were extremely patient and caring to help her. She is now loving the Bristal. The staff take good care of her, she loves the food, the place is very clean, and the entertainment staff for very hard to keep the residents busy and challenged in a good way. The have private concerts and take them on bus trips to places like the beach and Dunkin Donuts! We are all more relaxed now that mom is somewhere safe, clean and caring.

Please be aware if you’re thinking of having a loved one stay at the Bristal if they have any type of medical needs whatsoever. If they’re perfectly healthy it might be a good place to go due to their social activities and aesthetically pleasing interior. That’s about as far as it goes. My elderly family member experienced a medical issue while living here and the level of care was not appropriate. Who makes a 92 year old feel like a burden? The health care worker at the Bristal does. One example was when the nurse was complaining that there were no more supplies for dressing my family members wound, low and behold there were supplies shipped from her hospice agency that were sitting at the front desk for 3 days. Total lack of staffing and communication. My family member was sitting in her own bodily fluids for longer period of time then I would think would be normal due to lack of changing wound dressings on a frequent basis. Upon returning home from the Bristal my family member was admitted into the hospital due to how bad her condition had gotten. My family member is wheelchair bound, and had a button on her necklace to get assistance from an aid to go to her meals, activities, etc. There were at least a handful of occasions where it took an aid 30-45 minutes to come and help her. One of the times making her almost miss her dinner time. I’m only sharing this to prevent any other families from experiencing what we did. If you do have a loved one here prepare to be involved, have eyes on your loved one, and advocate constantly. I understand it’s a broken system and many are over worked. Just please be aware.

Our mother went seamlessly from a sub acute rehab into The Bristal at Sayville recently. She has a beautiful apartment and is making her way into the community more and more each day. The variety of activities in and out of the facility is amazing. She is beginning PT and OT and has already improved strength and balance. Above all, the courteous, capable and friendly staff give us as her family the confidence that she is safe and cared for.