Monarch Communities

The Brandywine is much more inviting than the other places we toured. The other places felt more like warehouses, I'm sure they are fine for others but we liked the feel of the Brandywine best. The staff is very friendly, we have visited several times. Also the location was a big factor, it is very close to us.

Very nice facility / everyone very friendly Lani knew everyone personally - many people out and about and not in their rooms (May bday going on which could be part of it) Access to food and meals 24 hrs Assessment to determine care and if he can have his car Doctors on staff Liked rooms (especially largest one) Services Fri night Good location Can do trial Not as many off campus trips

We placed my aunt in this community after checking out many other communities in the area. We really liked the staff, the rooms and the building in general. They have lots of activities and my aunt felt very at home at The Gables. I really felt like Linda Melendez made us feel comfortable transitioning our loved one into her new home!

It’s a nice place for memory care…my concern is the initial assessment warranted a low level of care but less than 3 weeks later we were told a higher level of care would be needed…this would result in a significant increase in the monthly fee…we are unclear on why this need developed over 3 weeks post-assessment.

My mom had a stroke and we had her stay for a respite period at Brandywine. I was pleased with the care there and it was good to transition with my mom from a skilled nursing facility to this stay to determine if she could live in the apartment area I have on my home. She needed limited help over time so staying in assisted living did not make sense since she was able to handle all her ADLs on her own and it was not cost effective to keep her in assisted living given the limited help she required. It was more cost effective to hire a home health aide for a few hours a day to provide her with some help. However when and if she needs more care in the future we would consider moving her back into Brandywine.

The people were extremely nice; however, there was not one person I could text or call to find out how my sister was doing. Part of this was because they were understaffed; the other was that they assumed clients would have their own cell phone, which [name removed] does not (overwhelms her). She has aphasia which means she cannot read, write, or speak in complete sentences. The Current is not set up for people who don't have their own cell phone or can't read the activity calendar. While they read the calendar to her, she forgets so did could not join in activities that made her feel more at home. Also the dinner menu was printed. I suggested using icons on both to represent physical or mental activities, etc. [name removed] was there for respite care while I was out of town for a conference. I'd hoped [name removed] would stay longer while I got her new condo in order, but she was ready to leave after the week planned. There was a bit of confusion about what was supplied for respite and what clients supplied when they were staying long term--toilet paper, light bulbs, seating area (in the room we were shown but not in the room she got) & smart tv. If their quality is maintained, I would return, especially when [name removed] becomes a full Memory Care patient, if I could convince her to return.

Overall, my mother-in-law is extremely happy there. The staff is fantastic. Her room is beautiful and kept very clean. The nursing staff is also excellent. Her biggest complaints are that the activities get changed. Meaning they give out a sheet the day before with activities and then the time changes or the activities get canceled. The food quality has gone down since she's been there but the person who runs the Kitchen is out on maternity leave. Overall, it's been a very positive experience. I would choose Brandywine again if I had to do it all over.

The studio that my aunt is in is a very spacious one. She is able to have her bed, a recliner, another chair and a two-top bistro table set-up, providing her with space to have guests and enjoy her room. My aunt now is getting out more. The staff have responded to her concerns and adjusted dining arrangements, as well as helped her make salon appointments. They are working with me to get her to join some of the excursions off premises in order to promote more enjoyment of a very new set up. The facilities are clean and well cared for.

My overall opinion of Brandywine is very positive. The facility is very clean, food is very good, and staff overall is excellent (always a smile and a "hello"). Activities are not overwhelming but are sufficient. The rooms are not very large but are sufficient.

Great experience so far! I love the communication and the fact that they focus on what He needs, not fitting him into what they have available. The place is beautiful and everyone is so kind.

My mother has dementia, but since being at Brandywine she is more active. She benefits from the daily routine. She gets help getting up and ready for the day. Always out of her room when I visit. She participates in activity activities, a lot. She loves music and the animal visits. She is extremely hard of hearing but staff seems to meet her needs. Room is clean and maintained. Food always looks good, staff are friendly and caring. My mom is better with the stimulation that is provided. Overall my mom is thriving on the level she is able.

Staff are friendly, know patients by name and habits. Very good on following up with requested tasks ( e.g. make sure she goes to daily exercise session). Staff communicate to each other about patient issues/ family requests. There is a good variety of activities, routine ( morning exercise, Happy Hour) and special ( live music, painting class, field trips). The apartments are well maintained and cleaned. There is an option for a large apt with one bedroom which is larger than 2 bedrooms of other facilities and less expensive. ( sq ft not provided) Outdoor walking paths, gardens, terraces and patio are what sets this facility apart & above others. If your family member is an outdoor person, this is it. NOT on a highway, no road noise, wooded area, beautiful well maintained grounds.

I would definitely recommend it. Especially to men. A lot of facilities are predominantly female. I felt they had a really good balance.

I'd say overall in the 4-5 range. Dad always seems clean and reasonably content, as much as we can tell. The common areas are immaculate. The staff is friendly, they love him of course because he is so docile, no behaviors at all. I've also observed the staff responding appropriately with more aggressive residents, a lot of redirection and firmness, but not in any way cruel or abusive. We mainly deal with [name removed] the nurse, she is great.

The staff who work with the residents are lovely. They are very kind and do a good job. The facility is very clean and always decorated nicely for the holidays. My only comment is that I wish communication was sometimes better. It would be nice if they used email more often to discuss specific issues with a resident instead of us having to call. It's easier to keep track of things if there's an email chain. But otherwise we're very happy with the facility.

The place is gorgeous and feels like a beautiful hotel. The staff are extremely friendly, especially too. They were extremely accommodating with our loved ones date needing to move in earlier than his original move in date. They have a ton of social opportunities!!!

The transition was not smooth. Continuity of care was hindered. Limited response from staff. I felt no one was "reaponsible" for implementing a care plan. I would suggest that family members be "on top" of the medical and service plans.

I would tell them to always have at least 2 people present when asking questions, also write things down. Take notes or record if possible what they say. It's what we wish we had done.

We are having some growing pains getting my uncle settled. [name removed] has been great. Some of the staff is great, some are not. The food, dining, room, activities, cleanliness are all great. The rooms were recently renovated and are very nice and spacious, even in memory care. Special mention that [names removed] have all been very helpful.

The room is lovely, staff is amazing, [name removed] was great to work with. It was a bumpy road getting her there and she was very patient and helpful. My MIL says the food is "ok - not great but good enough". I think she was assessed at a higher level of care than she needed. They moved her down a level after another assessment. All in all I'm very happy with Brandywine. My MIL loves it, made friends instantly, is busier than she's been in years. And I sleep well knowing she is safe and happy.