Brookdale Wilmington

My mother is at Brookdale Wilmington, with my sister living close by, but I am 8 hours away. In addition to providing excellent care for mom, a variety of stimulating activities, and a wonderful loving atmosphere, they are great at keeping us informed. Thom, the activities director, does a fantastic job of making me always feel welcomed, even though I can only get there a couple of times a year. It is wonderful to see the photos they post regularly on Facebook and know that mom is participating in the activities and enjoying her time with friends. Thom also e-mails regularly about activities for family members, which makes me feel a part of things, even though I am far away and can't usually attend. Having such great communication with Brookdale (along with a sister who is always there for mom) gives me so much peace of mind!

Brookdale Wilmington offers a family atmosphere in a smaller facility. There are a variety of activities to keep residents not only engaged but also oriented to time and place, which is important in memory care. In addition, they have created a support group for family members that meets once a month.

The competent care at Brookdale Wilmington NC starts at the top. The executive director, Patti Ostapowics, always has time to hear requests or concerns. She curates a staff that genuinely cares about the well being of the residents. She addresses staffing issues if needed and follows up with questions timely. Thom Avison leads activities that generate positive feelings among the residents. Thom’s creativity and love of his work is inspiring. I have not met an employee that is as giving and concerned for the residents he serves as Austin Grinavic. He has gone above and beyond his job description as maintenance manager many times. I cannot name all of the wonderful care givers, there are many. My family and I very thankful for the Brookdale Wilmington NC staff.

This place leaves a lot to be desired. In photos and on tour it looks great but this is far from the truth. I would find my dad in the same clothes several days in a row. Not sure how often he showered. I know for a fact he went a week without because he still had the EKG stickers on him from an ER visit a week later. As well as the hospital arm band. His sheets were never changed. Took pictures of bloody sheets to show the director. Despite two meetings with the nurse Kim and the director our concerns were not addressed. The activity director is great but only a few residents routinely participate. They would just let my dad lay in bed all day and not get him for activities. Staff would sit around in the dining rooms on their phones. Would never recommend this place.

My wife and I had the pleasure to be part of the Brookdale community when recently she spent two-weeks in their care, which provided me a period of respite and chance to travel and visit with family and friends. Being a long-term, primary caregiver, I was extremely nervous about leaving her in a nursing facility. From the first contact, Brookdale's staff couldn't have been more personable, caring, and patient as we worked out the details. Their memory facility was a clean, cozy, active, and happy place. Throughout my wife's stay, Brookdale's family atmosphere engaged and enveloped my wife to the point where she was comfortable, content, and functioning at a high level. This allowed me to enjoy my time on my own. Of course, while giving us a break, absence made our hearts' grow fonder; now reunited, my wife and I are very much refreshed and enjoying each other's company. Because of the positive experience at Brookdale, periodically we plan to return for respite care in the years to come. Thank you, Brookdale staff.