Brookdale Des Plaines

Julie Cleveland E

My parents had a wonderful experience the 18 months they lived at Brookdale Des Plaines until their passing. The staff was always very accommodating. If there were any issues, it was rectified within a day. The food was good. The apartments were very clean and spacious. The activities and entertainment was perfect for the elderly. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.

kepp08

Brookdale Des Plaines has been a great place for my parents. They are both currently in Assisted Living, and the AL staff has been absolutely fantastic. One special shout out to Michelle who runs the AL department there. Michelle makes herself available around the clock. She is willing to assist with anything needed, she is very prompt, and always puts my parents care first and gets things done.

Charles

I live in Brookdale Des Plaines. I'm in independent living, and they have some very good activities and they have music. The food is very good, and you get plenty of it. You're not gonna lose weight here. The staff is fine. The facility is excellent and clean. They're cleaning all the time. They have some live musical programs once a week. I like music a lot.

Mary

I'm in Brookdale Des Plaines. I'm struck by the kindness of the people to each other and the staff is very good. It's a comfortable living apartment that I have. Any request I've had, they've been able to answer or to accommodate. I'd give it a thumbs up. They prepare meals that are very tasty and nutritious, so I'm well pleased with the food. My room is very bright. I have my furniture and pictures hanging on the wall and I have a balcony. It's very comfortable for me. We went on a trip to Walgreens. I was able to pick up the things that I wanted and people in wheelchairs and walker were able to go. They are very accommodating. They had shopping trips to the Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, Aldi's, and Marshall's. They had a chair volleyball and the Rummikub club. They had the movie Apollo 13. That was just all in one day. Those are the opportunities that the people had. They had medical appointment transportation, supervised fitness center time and aerobics with the teacher, and menu chats so that the residents can meet and give suggestions to the chef for ideas at the table. There was music appreciation with Jim who played the beautiful cello concertos. There were bible readings, brain games, and bingo. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, they have movies, and other days it's bingo or another activity. They took the people to the Chinese restaurant. They offer many, many things. If you're not interested in one, you might be interested in another. I'm very well pleased here. Every day is a surprise. We get a menu on Sunday, so that we know what's coming up during the week. If there is something that you would like at the table, they will go and get it for you, like sometimes, somebody wants a banana and so they get the banana for the person. I'm just really amazed how they're able to answer. I had a cell phone conversation that I needed to have and they helped me out with that. The food is varied. We have fish offered each night at suppertime and other things that you might order in a restaurant. There are always vegetables and ice cream is offered each night for dessert along with pecan pie. The facility is very efficient and comfortable. They came and they hung my pictures in the living room and in the bedroom. Everything seems to be in order. My refrigerator seemed to run a lot, so I requested for somebody to check that up. I don't know who the architect was, but he or she was a smarty. There are places to sit outdoors and lots of greenery around and flowers. There are many rooms to go in. There are tables and chairs if you wanted to sit. Everything is carpeted. There's a computer room and a library. I had my blood pressure along with other people who wanted their blood pressure tested. When we have the music people, that's a well-attended gathering. It's well cared for. We have three elevators and wherever you are, it's clean and there are comfortable chairs. There's a beauty parlor and a swimming pool. They do swimming exercises and you can bring your relatives with the little kids and use the pool. There's the back porch and at 11:00, it opens up and you can bring a sandwich or a pop or a cup of coffee. The activities are very good and very creative, no two things on the same day or the day following. There's always a new activity. There's a beauty shop if you need that. I have not found fault. I feel that I'm getting much for the price.

Jeanne

I visited five different senior centers and I chose Brookdale Des Plaines. It was very highly recommended and I liked it. I've been here for five years now. The staff here is very helpful, friendly, and caring. They have everything here that you need. They've got all kinds of activities. They have a pool. They provide your meals. Everything is very nice. They've got trips that they take once a week. They have entertainment that comes in. It's a nice place to live. You'll never get bored. The food is getting better. It's not a five-star restaurant, but it's well made. They care about your diet if you have diet restrictions. We have a meeting once a week with the chef and gets our ideas for next meal. They always know what we like and don't like and they make adjustments. It's a beautiful building and they take care of it. If you need anything repaired, they're there. The activities are good. We have an activities director who's always thinking of new ways to entertain us. They get you involved in a lot of things. They get your body moving and exercising. It's cheaper for me to live here than to live in my home. To me, that's a good value. I don't have to worry about the bills and getting things around the house repairs.

Bernie

I liked the fact that Brookdale Des Plaines has independent and assisted living and it wasn't separated so that the residents got to help each other out. I liked the rooms that they offered, they have nice views. They have a lot of activities and they have a pool which is great for exercise. It was the assisted living that I toured. The staff was very detailed and showed us around everything. They knew the residents' names that they met, and it's a very large place so I was surprised by that. That was good. They have a pool and a bus that can take the residents within 12 miles to different stores.

William

We toured Brookdale Des Plaines. It's a very clean place, very friendly, very informative. We took the tour and walked away with a very good feeling about it. If my father-in-law could have afforded it, we actually would have probably signed him in there. We're very happy with the place. They had quite a bit of activities. We're impressed. They do have some live stuff entertainment. They have quite a nice area as far as playing any kind of social games. We were there, there were a couple of card games going on, and people seemed to know each other. Very, very friendly atmosphere.

John

My father is in Brookdale Des Plaines. I'm very pleased with how clean the site is and there's a lot of room as far as the dining room, living room, etc. It's a decent-sized studio room with a walk-in shower, a refrigerator, full-size windows, and hardwood floors. The staff is wonderful. Any questions or concerns, they addressed immediately. They're very respectful and cordial to my father. Almost every night, there's some type of activity being live music, bingo, poker, Scattergories, etc. It seems like there's always something going on, especially during the week. Although I haven't tried the food, he says for the most part, it's pretty good.

Ronald

My tour at Brookdale Des Plaines was excellent. The person that showed us the place was superb. The rest of the staff were all nice, friendly, and had smiles on their faces when we were introduced. The apartments were quite nice, too. The facility was spacious and clean. They have a nice outside area for the residents, to go out. Also, it's near the downtown Des Plaines, so I'd be able to walk downtown if I wanted to.

Lisa J11

When our uncle who without children & never-married, had a stroke, my siblings & I needed to find an assisted living facility for him. None of us had experience with researching these types of facilities nor did we know what to look for or what kind of questions to ask. After seeing a handful of establishments, we were felling incredibly discouraged by the cost, poor conditions, and lack of staff support. Thankfully we met with Brookdale Des Plaines. We had an overwhelmingly warm feeling when we walked through the front doors, it was like entering a high-end hotel. Not wanting to get our hopes up, we knew that the facility needed to meet all of our uncle's needs, medically, that staff had to be qualified & supportive and the entire facility had to be CLEAN, free of any foul odors, outdated furnishings or filth. I am very happy to share that all of our expectations have been met & exceeded at Brookdale Des Plaines. I credit the staff for making this facility a home for our uncle.

Linda R

Three years ago, I was looking for a place to live that was near my son in Park Ridge. We looked at several independent living facilities that had assisted living included in case I would ever need it. After visiting several facilities, I came to the conclusion that Brookdale in Des Plaines was the best choice, The residents seemed to be smiling all the time, and the staff was welcoming and friendly. I have lived at Brookdale in DesPlaines for three years now, and with the exception of our COVID experience, it’s been fun. I have a one bedroom apartment which is large and cozy. The people are friendly and the staff willing to please. We are just now getting back to our (almost) normal routine. We had our first live entertainment last week and are now eating in the dining room for breakfast and dinner. Our bus service is up and running for medical appointments and to go to grocery stores. All in all, we are moving forward. I am especially grateful for a service that Brookdale offers called "Brookdale at Home." This service offers help to residents when they are sick, come home from the hospital or go on vacation and need someone to feed or care for their animals. All in all, Brookdale is a pleasant place to live.

KB

Brookdale Des Plaines was nice and people seemed friendly enough. It was a pretty decent place; the community director does activities for them fairly frequently. They're shut down during COVID, but they're doing bingo, word searches, and arts and crafts. The staff was nice, but as with most places, they could probably use a couple more hands because they don't have enough aides per floor. They're understaffed. The food is fine, it's fairly decent food, it wasn't overly-seasoned and they have a lot of residents who have to watch their salt and sugar intake. I'll say it's pretty good. They have an activities director, they can have someone help you to your doctors' appointment or have the doctor visit you, they have a pool, onsite physical therapy, a downstairs café, a salon that's just reopened partially.

Peggi

My mother is moving into Brookdale Des Plaines. The staff are terrific. Christina is the individual I worked with, and she has been fabulous. We had some unusual circumstances, and she tried to be very, very helpful getting the right answers. I give her a very strong rating. The place is very clean and updated. We were pleased with it. The dining room was closed due to Covid. They have been so accommodating. I would like something closer, but it has what we want for my mom, which includes the pool. It is a little bit farther than where we wanted to go, and it is not a catholic facility.

Kimberwitch

I looked at many retirement communities when my parents’ house became too much for them to handle and I am so glad we decided on Brookdale Des Plaines. They have lived here for 3 years now, and we could not be happier. Their apartment is beautiful and airy. The activities and exercise classes are challenging, engaging and fun. But most of all, we cannot rave enough about the wonderful staff. They are always so friendly, attentive, and caring. They treat everyone with respect, compassion, and levity. You can tell when people love what they do, and it shows here. I would recommend Brookdale Des Plaines to anyone who is looking for a warm and inviting place for their loved ones.

Norman01

My mother was one of the most stubborn people I knew. When she was informed by her doctor in 2015 that she would need to be in assisted living she adamantly refused because she was very much attached to her home, so much so that I had to get legal guardianship. My mother also did not like to admit to me that she was wrong about something. However within 2 weeks she was bragging about all the “wonderful” people of the Brookdale. The nursing staff are totally dedicated Professionals committed to the care of the residents. The attendants are expert in compassion and caring. Even the laundry, housekeeping, and dining staff have people that go beyond the call of duty. The management staff is always available. Brookdale has my highest recommendation. Brookdale has my contact information if you would like to speak to me.

Sheri Lee Sears

Brookdale Des Plaines has surpassed our expectations. Attention to detail, services, entertainment and cleanliness has made it an ideal place for Mom.

Angie Meletsis

Hello: I am a daughter of a resident at Brookdale in DesPlaines IL. My mother has been there for 6 years. I thought it was important for me to let people know who are looking for a place for there loved one, my experience at Brookdale. Even before she moved in the staff did everything they could to find an apartment that would be perfect for her. They have always been very accommodating and helpful no matter what. Covid has been very hard for everyone but the staff that bring her food is very sweet and very helpful she enjoys the food and loves the friends she has made there. They always have had several activities to keep the residents active and happy. All in all I feel that she is in the right place and we are very content with our decision.

Miss Susan

My mother has been at Brookdale Des Plaines for years. She broke her hip and came back to Assisted Living at Brookdale Des Plaines. The staff has been incredible. They have been kind caring and compassionate. Throughout Covid they have never skipped a beat and have continued to give her excellent care in addition to being so careful of the Covid guidelines. She feels very safe and cared for and at home. They have gone out of their way to keep her engaged and truly have her best interests at heart. She has plenty of space and likes her choice of food. The staff is always available for questions or concerns I have. The programs and activities they have come up with during Covid restrictions have been appreciated. She is very happy and safe there. I could not ask for anything more.

Judith

The people at Brookdale Des Plaines were very nice. The young woman who gave me the tour introduced me to a few of the residents who had nothing but praise for the facility. These people had lived there for several years, and they were happy. They showed me a recently remodeled room and it was nicely done, decorated fine, simple, but nothing too elaborate. The bathroom facilities were very nice with a step-in tub and safety features. They have good security, but they didn't have much in the way of outside free land. They had a list up of what activities were happening that day. They have a bus service. They didn't have much in the way of outside parking. You have to use their garage service, which is an extra charge. The rates in general were a little higher, but it was a beautiful building inside.

Donna

Brookdale Des Plaines appears to be very good. It's fine working with the staff, and initially when my mother moved in everyone was very helpful with her transition. They have a variety of different rooms. They have studios, my mother has a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, a living area, her bedroom, and good closet space. She also has a storage locker down the hall. They went on an outside outing yesterday, and also have bingo, movies, games, church services and a swimming pool. It's pretty well-rounded. The staff members I encountered were very nice. The food isn't home-cooking but there's variety. There is good security in this community, and I think that's important.

ASCNME502

Brookdale Des Plaines was an older building. It didn't have a lot of street appeal and the parking situation wasn't the greatest, but the staff was very friendly, committed, and wonderful. Even the people that you pass in the hallway would say hello and smile. It was a very nice place and they keep it up. The carpet was newly replaced. Everything was in good condition. The apartments were very nice and kept up with modern conveniences. You just walk around the corner and there's the train.

Tammy

I liked Brookdale Des Plaines very much. The person who showed me around was very thorough. It met all of what my mother-in-law would need. They seemed flexible as far as what she would need. It just seemed like a really good facility. They don't have memory care. They just have the assisted living portion and independent living. If their residents get to the point of where they're near end-of-life, they bring in hospice. They don't have to transfer out. The train stops right in front of Brookdale. They have shuttles that go to various community activities or events like plays, shopping trips, and church services, and they have in-house activities. The day I was there, they were having an Easter event. They have pet visits and some residents have small dogs. They have a salon and they have people that play card games. There's an art studio and outdoor gardening in the summertime.

Patricia

I liked everything about Brookdale Des Plaines. They had a pool and a variety of trips to everything within range. The person who toured me was very nice and answered all of my questions. The building was newer and smaller.

Don862245

I was impressed with Brookdale Des Plaines. Mother and I liked it very much. Out of the ones I visited, Brookdale is the nicest. The price is good. I was impressed with the staff and the cleanliness of the place.

Susan V.

I moved into Brookdale Des Plaines at the end of February. It is nice and clean, and they have lots of activities. They have a swimming pool, and there is aerobics which I attend. I haven’t met anybody of my age; there are a lot of older people so I am still getting used to it. The staff is very helpful. I had a few problems over here with the lock and the shower, but they were very quick to respond; they fixed it the next day. The staff in the dining room is very helpful, and they help me with the food. They are very nice people. It is like an apartment, it is a 1-bedroom, so I have a bedroom and a living space. There is a small kitchen big enough for 1 person and a nice refrigerator which doesn’t work; that is another complaint.

Janet122286650

We choose Brookdale Des Plaines because the staff is very attentive and most of the residents that we talked to have been there for a long time. We noticed that their spontaneous response was always positive. Unsolicited, they always say they really enjoy living there. They rooms are nicely laid out, very clean, and neatly decorated. The food is very good. The dining room is set up restaurant-style with a salad bar, but the residents are served. There is a choice of three different entrees that are all very good. My mom is still kind of new there, but there are lots of activities, like arts and crafts, movies, flower arranging, and religious services. It's close to our house. We're lucky to have found a good one.

William119067550

Brookdale Des Plaines was a beautiful, wonderful facility, and we were both impressed. It had a nice dining room and lobby when you walk in. Everything looked brand new and well maintained. We liked the people, and it had a good location in the center of Desplains. The rooms were fine, but it felt a little uncomfortable because it was a large facility. The building was so big, and the halls were very long. The price seemed reasonable and within budget.

Caring Son12

My mother-in-law lives in Brookdale Des Plaines. It is very nice, and they have good food. She got a nice studio apartment. They do bingo, card games, pool, and pinochle, and they have trips to different things around the city. She's happy with the place.

Martin17

Brookdale is very nice, this would have been ideal for me, but it’s more expensive, and so I ruled it out. They charge extra for parking and some services. They have a shuttle bus for appointments outside.

Tiffany13

We had a very nice tour at Brookdale Des Plaines. It was complete, and they answered my questions. They were very helpful. I visited different rooms, and they were very nice. It was neat and clean. They were nicer compared to where my parents are staying right now, but it also costs a lot.

Carol106943650

The staff was great at Brookdale Des Plaines. They have everything that you could possibly think of.

Caring105866250

Brookdale Des Plaines might be fine for some people, but it was not a fit for my mom. The staff was very nice. Everybody was very nice and accommodating. I just think it was not for my mom. It is basically the setup and because it is too big for my mom. For me, it is more of a nursing home setting.

Provider Response

Caring99988650

Brookdale Des Plaines was a warm and friendly environment. I was so impressed with the people there. It was just great. In fact, I went there mid-October, and they invited me back for their Halloween party. I was impressed with the director because he was very much a part of the scene. He dressed up and interacted so nicely with the residents, and I got to see how they behaved. I was there in the early afternoon, and they would eat in the evening, but the staff actually made a special meal for me so I could see the kind of food they had, which again impressed me very much. I was also there for the afternoon program that the Activities Director was doing, and it was just wonderful. It was one from Grimms' Fairytales, and she talked like she was talking to adults. I got an extensive tour of the place. They have physical therapy, a swimming pool, an equipment room, and a physical therapist on the staff. One thing though was their studios were very small.

Caring98880950

I like Brookdale Des Plaines because it has a swimming pool right in the building. I am not a swimmer, but I have a lot of arthritis, and that would be a good way to do aerobics. They've got nice sized apartments -- the kind that I would be looking for -- and they are clean. The staff is friendly. They have good meals. They don't have any smelly people when you walk in the door. Their interior is beautiful.