Brookstone Estates at Vandalia

My grandparents moved into Brookstone a few months ago after my grandfather's limited mobility and instability became too burdensome for them to stay in their own home. Their "apartment" is very nice and comfortable. They were able to bring many of their belongings from their own home and can personalize their space. It's also nice to have the privacy and home-like setting for visitors, unlike visiting a standard "nursing home." The staff members are always friendly and helpful, and my grandpa raves about the various desserts, and more recently the tapioca pudding, that they offer during mealtime. The staff members assist with medication management and help them keep track of various doctor's appointments, which is very helpful. My grandparents are able to have their own vehicle, but transportation is also available for times when they need to be out after dusk, as my grandmother cannot drive at night. They have made a lot of friends at Brookstone Estates and it eases our minds that they are able to get almost immediate assistance from staff members in the event of a fall or other issue. It's a nice alternative for elderly people who just need some extra help and are worried about the transition from their own home.

My grandmother is a resident of the facility. The facility is clean and well maintained. Mealtimes are consistent, but even though it is indicated food can be substituted my grandmother has occassionaly complained she has not always been able to do this.One of the main drawbacks to having communally prepared meals is those following a diabetic diet, such as my grandmother, find the food to be heavy on starches.The staff is curteous and when the necklace my grandmother wears has gone off, they have been prompt to respond.As mentioned previously, my grandmother is diabetic and also takes other medication. This medication is kept locked up and the cabinet must be unlocked by staff. While it is important for individuals to take their medication on a fairly set schedule, the staff is often very late in arriving to open the cabinet.Overall, the facility is a very good one. Throughout the holiday season as well as other times of the year there are several different activities such as bingo and having groups in to present entertainment to the residents if they wish to participate.