BROOK STONE LIVING CENTER

From the moment we walked in for a tour, through my Dad's stay in long term care, and during his passing, we were welcomed with open arms and treated like family. Dad's care team provided personalized care for his specific needs, and he became attached to the staff who cared for him, talked and laughed with him, and comforted him when he wasn't feeling well. The staff went above and beyond to help us ensure his needs and desires were met. Dad said the best things about staying at Brook Stone were the staff and the food! (The food is very good, family ate with him when visiting.) The day before he passed away, staff notified us immediately that they noticed a decline and we were able to be with him that day, through the night and the morning of his passing. His aides and nurses gave us respect and privacy but were there at every moment we needed something. When he passed, they cried with us and helped us manage the necessary, emotional tasks needed at the time with great respect and care. We were treated kindly and professionally by every staff member we met at Brook Stone. The staff truly act as a team, helping each other and assisting residents and family members as needed. The facility is older and maybe not as fancy as newer buildings, but the people who live and work there make it a lovely home and care center. We had a positive experience and encourage you to visit if looking for care for your loved one.

Since my last review, Brook Stone has improved. My Mama has dentures now so she can chew her food better. They have improved on her diet, she called and showed me her salad. And someone got her a tablet. And someone is helping her set it up right now. I thought I should tell people that they can improve if you let them know. Thank you, Brook Stone for the extra care of my Mother. I know she can be a handful.

My mom has been a resident of Brook Stone for a few months now. She has been receiving attentive care. The staff answers all my questions with detail. It is a hard decision to make to place your loved one in any facility. Just a little easier knowing they are care for ….

Something has seriously deteriorated at this facility in recent months. Whether due to new management or staffing issues, the decline is undeniable. When my mother was here in early 2025, the care was excellent. But when she had to return just a couple of months later, the experience was drastically different. She was nearly completely neglected and came home in worse condition than when she arrived. There are still a few compassionate and dedicated staff and I deeply appreciate their efforts as they went above and beyond —but they are now the rare exception. I had to be present every single day just to make sure my mother received even the most basic care. She was left lying completely flat after meals, once nearly aspirating as a result. She sat in soiled briefs for so long she developed yet another urinary tract infection. And when I called to raise these concerns—after they notified me of an unobserved fall—a nurse hung up on me. I will never trust this facility with her care again. And I strongly urge others to think twice before placing a loved one here.

An older facility. No bad smells as indicated by some reviews. Fresh (ish) paint and new plastic seats on old, rusted equipment. Some structural damage was covered by paint at one time, now cracks are coming through again. Staff is very friendly. Some seem genuinely concerned about care for patients, others perhaps not. New Bern is 10 minutes away and has several better options that I would consider before placing anyone here.