BUSINESS PROFILE: Brookside Senior Living, Montevideo
Brookside is award-winning senior living community in Montevideo
By Scott Thoma
Brookside Senior Living of Montevideo recently became the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Pinnacle Customer Experience Award in several categories, scoring in the top 15 percent across the nation over the past year.
Brookside earned the Pinnacle Customer Award for dining service, cleanliness, response to problems, dignity and respect, communication, move-in process, safety and security, and overall customer experience.
Throughout 2023, Brookside residents and their families participated in monthly telephone interviews where they answered open-ended questions and rated Brookside in multiple categories.
“Staff in every department strive to make Brookside the most wonderful place it can be,” said Kari Kirking, who has been the Brookside Director of Housing for the past nine years. “It’s a beautiful place to live. We encourage the residents to be active and engaged, but if they need space or quiet, they can have that, too. We try to customize life to fit their needs.”
Brookside began operations in 1965, and in 2017, replaced the former campus with a modern three-story, 61,000-square foot building with with 47 independent/assisted living apartments and 10 memory care apartments.
At Brookside, senior lifestyle is enhanced with the personal care and health care needed to maintain an individual’s highest level of independence.
“I am very, very happy here,” said Delores Hill, who has resided at Brookside for three years. “I’ve never liked to be alone and there is always someone around here to keep you from being lonely. We have so many good people here.”
Brookside is part of Cassia, which has a mission to foster fullness of life to older adults in the spirit of Christ’s love. Cassia provides independent and assisted living communities, memory care, skilled nursing care centers, short-term rehabilitation centers, adult day programs and a variety of community-based services for older adults in five states.
Memory care at Brookside focuses on the resident and assisting to keep everyone active and engaged in their day. Brookside strives to provide an inviting environment where each individual’s personal preferences are valued. Through training and individual service plans, Brookside partners with residents and their families to maximize their skills and abilities and encourage independence, enjoyment and opportunities for success.
On-site personal health care services and therapy services available for all residents provide convenient support for physical concerns, while a structured daily program includes exercise, music, crafts and more.
Kirking welcomes families to stop in or schedule a tour of Brookside, or to call if they have any questions.
“We’re here to offer support for anyone who is aging, or for their family members that have questions about next steps in senior care,” she said. “It’s never too early to start planning.”
The spacious private apartments at Brookside can be furnished to a resident’s choosing. The monthly apartment rental fee includes:
• Choice in studio, one-bedroom, one bedroom with den, or two-bedroom apartments.
• Private bath with grab bars and walk-in shower.
• Full-size kitchen with appliances included.
• Washer and dryer in each unit.
• Individual climate controls for heat and air conditioning.
• Wi-Fi throughout the community.
• All utilities, including landline phone service.
• Satellite television service includes 100 channels.
• Scheduled social, spiritual, recreational, educational and wellness programs.
• Roller shades on all windows.
• Daily snacks and beverages.
• Assistance with transportation scheduling as needed.
• Maintenance-free living.
“I love to bake and give the food to others to enjoy, so it’s nice that we can cook or bake in our room if we want to,” said Joan C., who has lived at Brookside for nearly three years. “Or, we can eat together in the dining room if we feel like socializing or if we don’t feel like cooking.”
Residents have the option of enjoying three nutritious and delicious meals a day served in a modern dining room.
There is also a myriad of events, activities and clubs to keep residents busy if they so choose.
“We have a lot of unique opportunities for our residents such as a baking group, garden club, book club, Men’s Talk, Bingo, Resident Council, and more,” said Kirking. “We also have live entertainment, educational opportunities, and a group fitness class that meets twice a week.
There are so many things to do here, but the socialization on a daily basis is the most beneficial part of living in a place like Brookside.”
There is a salon located at Brookside where a professional stylist provides a variety of services for men and women. Residents can also build strength and flexibility while maintaining their overall health in the fitness area.
“Our residents come to Brookside as independent as they are and they can add health care services at any time,” Kirking said.
Health services offered at Brookside, include:
• Initial health care assessment with individualized care plan.
• Personal care staff on duty 24 hours a day.
• Personal pendant with 24-hour urgency response.
• Monthly vital sign management, reviewed by nursing staff.
• Weekly light housekeeping services.
“We have such a wonderful staff here,” said Joan Cushman. “They work so hard and really care about us. I was a resident assistant here and I really enjoy visiting with everyone. My mother lived at the old Brookside building and she really liked it here, too.”
The community is also close to the hospital, clinic, VA clinic, restaurants, county museum, churches, and retail outlets.
“There is a nearby prayer garden, too,” said Delores Hill. “I like to walk there and just sit down and pray or relax. I love to be outside. I really enjoy working in the garden they have here, too.”
Among the many amenities Brookside has to offer is a chapel in which local volunteer pastors hold service each Sunday. There is also a Bible study group on Thursdays.
“Brookside residents are so fortunate to have spiritual support from our local pastors,” Kirking said.
Brookside Senior Living is located at 804 Benson Road in Montevideo. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 320-269-6506, visit their website at www.brooksidecampus.org, or follow them on Facebook.
This is a paid business profile. If you would like to learn more about promoting your business in the Sr. Perspective with a business profile, call Jim at 320-334-3344.
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